South Bank via Clem Jones Promenade

The Clem Jones Promenade is the paved riverfront walk through South Bank Parklands, running along the Brisbane River with the CBD skyline across the water. It is one of Brisbane's best-known walks, and the one thing to have straight before you go is that despite the beach, lagoons and fountains all around it, none of the water is open to dogs. This is a walking and sightseeing outing with a dog at your side, not a swimming one.

Leash status

Dogs are welcome through the parklands on a physical lead and under effective control at all times, and they must stay out of Streets Beach, the swimming pools, the streams, the fountains and the shower areas. Formal dining areas are also off limits, and the whole parkland closes to dogs during major events. Accredited assistance dogs are the exception and are welcome throughout. Free waste bags sit in dispensers at the parkland entry points, with bins all the way along. Full rules come from the land manager, South Bank Corporation, and they are enforced.

The walk

AllTrails grades the 3.9 km out and back, which includes the curling Arbour walkway, easy, and it takes 45 to 60 minutes at a stroll. The surface is fully paved and flat the whole way, with grassed stretches such as Riverside Green alongside for a rest. This is a busy, bustling urban walk that suits dogs of any size or energy level, and if the promenade crowds get heavy the Rainforest Walk runs parallel through thicker planting and is the quieter line.

Pepsi: Do not assume the beach is fair game because it looks like public sand. Streets Beach, the pools, the streams and the fountains are all off limits, so keep the lead on and steer well clear.

Water and hazards

There is nowhere on the parklands a dog may swim, which is the honest disappointment of the place. Drinking is sorted though: three bubblers have dedicated dog bowls, one at the Arbour near the front of The Ship Inn, one at Riverside Green and one at the Cultural Forecourt. Watch for e-scooters and cyclists sharing the promenade, and keep the lead short in the crowded sections near the weekend markets and the pool precinct.

Getting there and parking

The parklands sit on Clem Jones Promenade in South Brisbane. South Brisbane and South Bank railway stations both adjoin the parklands, CityCat terminals are right on the promenade, and paid parking is at the South Bank Car Park entered from Vulture Street or Grey Street. Public transport is genuinely the easier option on weekends.

Pair it with

Extend the outing across the river on the Neville Bonner Bridge and Kangaroo Point Bridge Loop, or follow the Bicentennial Bikeway further along the river. For a proper off-lead run, Orleigh Dog Park in West End has the fenced riverfront section, and afterwards The Plough Inn or The Raven Hotel both take dogs.

When to go

Weekday mornings before 9am are quietest and coolest. Friday evenings, Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings draw the biggest crowds, and the pavement holds summer heat well into the evening. The flat surface and constant benches make it an easy outing for senior dogs, provided they are comfortable around scooters, strollers and noise.

More riverfront routes are in our QLD trails guide, and the South Brisbane page has the full local dog-friendly listing.