Dog-Friendly Parks in New South Wales: Check the Exact Route

By Dr Duncan Houston

New South Wales offers dog-friendly bushwalks and coastal outings, but the words “regional park” and “national park” are not interchangeable. Even within a dog-friendly regional park, permission may apply to only a few named trails or a particular beach section.

Build the day around an exact permitted route. Check the park page, current alerts and entrance signs before deciding that your dog can accompany you.

Quick Answer

Pet dogs are generally prohibited in NSW national parks and reserves, with dog walking permitted in specified regional parks and other listed locations. Some permissions cover the whole regional park, while others are limited to named tracks, beaches or campgrounds. Keep your dog under effective control, follow the location's lead rules and check current restrictions before travelling.

Dog-friendly regional parks: check the specific area

The NSW National Parks dog-access list is the starting point for these options:

• Berowra Valley Regional Park: on-lead access is limited to the listed Bellamy, Daphne and Clarinda trail sections
• Blue Gum Hills Regional Park: on-lead dogs are permitted away from picnic and children's play areas
• Wolli Creek Regional Park: listed for on-lead dog access
• William Howe Regional Park: listed for on-lead dog access
• Worimi Regional Park: on-lead access applies to the specified three-kilometre beach section south of Birubi Headland
• Coffs Coast Regional Park: use the official list of permitted beaches and sections rather than assuming the whole coastline is available
• Goolawah Regional Park: check Delicate campground and Delicate Beach separately because their lead conditions differ
• Yellomundee Regional Park: on-lead access is limited to the listed bridle and management trails

These locations offer choices, not a guarantee that the nearest car park connects to a permitted dog route. Match the official map to your intended entrance, track and destination.

Why the exact track matters at Berowra Valley

Do not turn a permission for named regional-park trails into permission for surrounding national-park tracks. The official list describes the permitted sections by their street endpoints, which lets you plan where to enter and where to turn back.

Save the relevant map before leaving. If a navigation app suggests a convenient loop through adjoining land, verify that extra section separately. A route can be physically connected while having different access rules.

Coastal outings need boundary checks

Beach access can change at a headland, creek or park boundary. Do not assume that a dog-friendly campground means the whole adjoining beach is available, or that an off-lead beach permission continues along the next section of coast.

At Goolawah, the regional-park information distinguishes the campground from Delicate Beach. Check the current Goolawah Regional Park page and its maps when planning the route. Nearby similarly named protected areas are separate places.

For Coffs Coast and Worimi, identify the exact permitted beach section before parking. Seasonal protection measures, management activity or a temporary closure can affect an otherwise familiar outing.

What about NSW state forests?

NSW's official dog-access guidance identifies state forests as another option. Use the Forestry Corporation visitor information to choose a destination and check access conditions.

A general permission does not mean every forest road, worksite or camping area is open on the day. Forestry operations, road conditions and closures still matter. Confirm the actual visitor area and route rather than navigating to an unspecified point inside a forest.

Plan the visit in five steps

1. Name the exact place. Check regional-park versus national-park boundaries
2. Identify the permitted section. Include the access route from your parking place
3. Read current alerts. Check the official park or forest page before departure
4. Match the outing to your dog. Consider the surface, distance, shade, other users and an easy return option
5. Confirm on arrival. Read current signs and change the plan if access is unclear or restricted

Check bookings, permits and facility access separately if you intend to camp. This guide does not establish availability or cover every local restriction.

Practical walking habits

Carry a secure lead, water, a bowl, waste bags and current identification. Keep the lead arranged so other people can pass, and allow extra space around wildlife, horses or unfamiliar dogs.

Use a route you can shorten. A new bush setting can be more demanding than an everyday pavement walk, even when the distance looks similar. Do not rely on a stream, public tap or bin being available.

Leave wildlife alone and take all waste away. Dog-friendly access depends on visitors using the space responsibly, including keeping dogs away from prohibited adjoining areas.

When should you choose another destination?

• Go ahead: the complete route is permitted, open and practical
• Adjust: conditions or crowding make the original route unsuitable, but a shorter permitted option is available
• Do not enter: there is a closure, a prohibited-dog sign or unresolved uncertainty about the route

Do not leave your dog in a parked vehicle while you visit a prohibited trail. Plan a genuinely dog-friendly alternative or arrange suitable care elsewhere.

Common mistakes

• Assuming a regional-park permission covers adjoining national park land
• Treating every part of a beach as having the same rule
• Relying on an old travel article instead of the official map
• Assuming a state forest is open without checking current access

Frequently asked questions

Are dogs allowed in NSW national parks?

Pet dogs are generally prohibited. Use the official list to choose permitted locations rather than assuming an exception.

Does “dog-friendly” always mean off lead?

No. Most listed regional-park access is on lead, and exceptions are location-specific.

Can I follow any trail in Berowra Valley?

No. Use the specifically listed regional-park trail sections and verify their endpoints.

Where should I check before travelling?

Use the current NSW National Parks or Forestry Corporation page for the exact destination, including maps, alerts and local signs.

Plan a route, not just a park name

The best dog-friendly outing is one where the entire route is permitted and practical. Choose carefully, keep your dog controlled and be ready to change the plan.

Access check

Official dog-access information was checked on 5 October 2026. Restrictions and closures can change, so use the linked authority pages before each visit.

ASK A VET™ encourages outings that fit your dog's needs and respect local wildlife. Prepare the practical care and the permitted route before setting off.