Brisbane River West End

This riverside circuit follows the Brisbane River around the St Lucia bend, on the paved John Oxley River Walk facing West End and Highgate Hill across the water. Dogs are welcome on lead, and Brisbane City Council sets the limit at two metres, which is worth knowing before you clip on a longer line.

The walk. The full circuit is 16.6 kilometres and about three and a half hours, graded moderate, though the grade comes from the distance rather than any hill. The path itself is flat concrete and suits prams and older dogs. Most people walk a section, and Guyatt Park out along the river walk and back is a comfortable hour, with the University of Queensland grounds at one end.

The rules. Dogs must be on a lead of no more than two metres on the paved river walk and in the surrounding parkland. Brisbane City Council is the land manager and fines apply for off lead dogs outside designated areas. Guyatt Park has a fenced off lead dog park right on the river, which is the one place along here your dog can legally run loose.

Hazards. Magpies nest in the big trees around Guyatt Park and swoop from roughly August to October. The concrete holds heat badly through summer afternoons, so walk on the grass verge or walk early. The river banks are steep and muddy at low tide and are not a safe place to let a dog scramble down.

Getting there. Free parking at Guyatt Park, off Sir Fred Schonell Drive. The Guyatt Park CityCat terminal puts you on the path directly, which is the better arrival if you can time it, and council buses stop at the park entrance. Toilets, barbecues and bubblers with dog bowls are all on site.

Nearby with the dogs. Carawa Street Park Fenced Dog Park is the other fenced option in St Lucia, Orleigh Dog Park sits across the river, Saint and Co is the closest coffee, and The Raven Hotel takes dogs in West End.

When to go. Before eight in the morning, especially between August and October when the magpies are nesting and the shade matters most. Weekdays are quiet, while Saturday afternoons bring the student and family crowd. Good for seniors, on flat ground with a ferry stop to bail out from.

Sources

• Best dog friendly walking trails in Brisbane - Brisbane City Council · www.brisbane.qld.gov.au
• John Oxley River Walk - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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