Bicentennial Bikeway

The Bicentennial Bikeway runs 11.3 km along the northern bank of the Brisbane River, linking Toowong and Coronation Drive to the edge of the CBD. It is flat, sealed and lit the whole way, and dogs are welcome on lead, but this is one of Brisbane's busiest commuter cycle routes, so it rewards a short lead and good path manners.

The walk

Rated easy, and the surface backs that up: smooth concrete, no climbs, and roughly two and a half to three hours end to end at walking pace. Most people never walk all of it. Pick a section, walk out and turn back, or catch a CityCat to make it one way.

The river is not a swimming option here. The banks are walled, the water is tidal and busy with ferries, so carry water and a bowl and use the public bubblers along the route instead.

Leash rules

Brisbane City Council manages the bikeway and dogs must be on lead at all times. Use a short hand-held lead rather than an extendable one, because a long lead stretched across a shared path full of fast commuters is how this goes wrong. Stay on the sealed path, carry bags, and watch for signed no-dog sections around riverside venues.

Max: on a two-way path with bikes, walk on the left and keep your dog on the same side as you. Swapping sides mid-path is how collisions happen.

Getting there and parking

Milton Station sits about 500 m from the path, and CityCat stops at Regatta and North Quay make an easy out-and-back without doubling distance. Driving is the harder option: park at Toowong or West End and walk in.

While you're out there

The riverside walking continues at South Bank via Clem Jones Promenade and the Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop.

For a proper off-lead run afterwards, Anzac Park Fenced Dog Park in Toowong is fully fenced, and The Plough Inn is the obvious finish with the dog under the tables. More options sit in our guides to dog walks in Queensland and South Brisbane with the dogs.

Time your walk outside the 7 am to 9 am and 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm weekday peaks, when bike traffic is heaviest, and check conditions after heavy rain because low sections flood and close for debris clearing. This suits dogs that handle steady foot and bike traffic; nervous dogs will be happier on quieter paths.