Writers Walk

The Writers Walk is a paved harbour promenade that curves around Circular Quay in The Rocks, from the Overseas Passenger Terminal at the west end to the forecourt of the Sydney Opera House at the east. Sixty-odd brass plaques set into the pavement quote the writers who have described this harbour, and the whole route runs with the Opera House on one side and the Harbour Bridge on the other. It is flat, fully accessible, and about a kilometre to a kilometre and a half one way depending on where you start counting.

Leash status

This is an on-lead walk, full stop. The quay is City of Sydney and Place Management NSW land, and dogs are welcome on the public promenade only if they stay on a leash. There is no off-leash component anywhere on this route, and with ferries, buses and tourist crowds funnelling through, a short lead is the sensible choice anyway.

The one trap sits at the eastern end: the path runs into the boundary of the Royal Botanic Garden near the Opera House, and dogs are prohibited inside the gardens, assistance animals excepted. Stay on the quay side of the line.

Water, shade and terrain

The surface is level paving the whole way, fine for strollers, wheelchairs and older dogs. Shade is scarce and there are no drinking fountains along the promenade itself, so carry water for your dog; some quayside cafes will fill a bowl if you ask. Toilets sit near Circular Quay station.

Max: this walk is all pavement and all sun. On a summer afternoon the sandstone radiates heat well after the shade arrives, so go early and bring water.

Getting there and parking

Any train or ferry to Circular Quay drops you at the midpoint of the walk, which is the easiest way in by far. If you drive, paid parking is available at Wilson Parking on Harrington Street and in the Opera House car park, both a short walk from the promenade.

Worth knowing

Reading every plaque turns the stroll into a half hour or more; walking it straight through takes about twenty minutes each way. The quay is busiest midday and on weekends, and cruise-ship days bring crowds to the western end. If your dog is uneasy around dense foot traffic, this is a dawn walk.

When to go

Early morning is the sweet spot: soft light on the Bridge, commuters rather than tour groups, and cooler pavement under paws. Early evening works too, and the walk is one of the few in Sydney that improves after dark when the harbour lights come up.

While you're out there

For a grassy leg-stretch before the pavement, Munn Reserve at Millers Point is close by. Afterwards, The Australian Heritage Hotel keeps a dog-friendly outdoor area, and if you are turning the walk into a weekend, the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney and Pier One Sydney Harbour both take dogs.

More routes are on the New South Wales dog walks guide and the The Rocks destination page.