Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop

The Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop links South Bank to Kangaroo Point via two pedestrian bridges over the Brisbane River, with a full circuit running 5.8 km and taking most walkers 1 to 1.5 hours. It is a flat, moderate loop with river views, CBD skyline sightlines and a proper sunset payoff, and dogs are welcome on lead the whole way.

The walk. This is a loop of 5.8 km, rated moderate, done in about 72 minutes at a steady pace. Surfaces are concrete path and metal bridge decking, mostly flat, with some stairs as you climb around the Kangaroo Point cliffs. The route crosses the river twice: once on the Neville Bonner Bridge (opened 2024, shaded end to end, shared by pedestrians and cyclists) and once on the Kangaroo Point Bridge, also known as the Green Bridge.

The rules. Dogs must stay on lead at all times, on both bridges and on all surrounding pathways. This is confirmed with Brisbane City Council, though the bridges themselves also involve Queensland's Department of Transport and Main Roads, so treat any bridge signage as final. The one spot to know: dogs are not permitted on the artificial Streets Beach sand at South Bank. The adjacent Clem Jones Promenade is fine for dogs and runs right alongside it, so you do not need to detour far to stay on the right side of the rule.

Water. Bubblers and drinking fountains are dotted along both the South Bank and Kangaroo Point riverside paths, so a walk of this length is easy to manage without carrying much extra water for your dog.

Hazards. The metal decking on both bridges can heat up fast in summer sun. Test it with your hand before letting your dog cross barepawed, and aim for shaded hours if you are walking midday in warmer months.

Getting there. The Kangaroo Point Cliffs car park is paid, or you can try street parking on River Terrace, which has a 2-hour limit. South Bank has its own car parks if you prefer to start from that side. South Brisbane Train Station and the South Bank Ferry Terminal are both close by. Dogs can technically travel on CityCats in off-peak periods, but only in a carrier or muzzled under Translink rules, so it is not a practical option for most dogs doing this loop.

Nearby with the dogs. Off-lead energy to burn goes at James Warner Park Fenced Dog Park. For a longer variation on the bridge theme, try the Four Bridges Walk or the Kangaroo Point and Story Bridge Loop. Afterwards, The Plough Inn has outdoor seating for a well-earned rest.

When to go. Weekday mornings after the 7-9am commute rush, or later evenings once the sunset crowd thins out, give you the clearest path. Weekends and sunset itself are the busiest times, worth avoiding if your dog is not keen on crowds. Good for confident walkers and steady leash dogs rather than nervous ones, given the bridge traffic and stairs.

Sources

• Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop · www.alltrails.com
• Kangaroo Point Bridge (Green Bridge) - Brisbane City Council · www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
• Brisbane's Best Dog-Friendly Walks - Kangaroo Point News · kangaroopointnews.com.au
• Owning a dog in Brisbane · www.brisbane.qld.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.