Powerhouse Park to Newstead Gardens

This riverside stretch runs from Brisbane Powerhouse along the New Farm-Teneriffe Riverwalk to Newstead Gardens, about 7.2 km of flat, paved path with open river views for most of the distance. The deciding fact for dog owners: Powerhouse Park has a fully fenced off-leash area with separate sections for large and small or shy dogs, but every other path on this route is on-lead only.

Leash status

Brisbane City Council manages the corridor, and inside the fenced off-leash area at Powerhouse Park dogs run free, with shade, seating, an agility course and water taps on site. Step outside that fence line, including New Farm Park, Newstead Park and the connecting riverwalk, and leads go back on. Bins and bags are provided and on-the-spot fines apply for not picking up.

Max: check which section you enter first if your dog is nervous around bigger breeds. The small and shy dog section is separate, which gives you an easy retreat if the large-dog side gets rowdy.

The walk

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours at an easy pace for the full 7.2 km, graded moderate only for distance, since the surface is flat and paved the whole way. The route follows the Cutters Landing boardwalk section of the Riverwalk, and it suits dogs of any age or fitness level.

Water and hazards

Water taps for dogs sit inside the fenced Powerhouse Park area. The river runs alongside much of the path but access points along the boardwalk are limited, so this is more a scenery walk than a swim spot, and the path is shared with cyclists and runners.

Getting there and parking

The park sits at 137 Sydney Street, New Farm, with street parking on Lamington Street or the Brisbane Powerhouse car park. Dogs are welcome on Council ferries and CityCats, and New Farm Park Ferry Terminal is a short walk from the start.

While you're out there

The New Farm Riverwalk continues the river corridor if you want more distance, and Waterfront Dog Park at Newstead adds another off-leash stop at the far end. The Woolshed in Teneriffe is the refuel point mid-route.

More options are on the Queensland dog friendly trails guide and the New Farm destination page.