Dogs in parks
Dogs and other pets are generally not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves. This is because our parks provide a refuge for native Australian plants and animals.
Read more about Dogs in parks
However, dogs are allowed in some NSW regional parks, and all NSW state forests. And people with a disability may be accompanied by a trained assistance animal in all areas open to the public.
When bringing your dog to a NSW regional park or state forest, you must keep them under effective control at all times. And always remember to bring bags and clean up after your dog.
Where can I bring my dog?
On-leash dogs permitted on:
- Bellamy trail between Bellamy Street and De Saxe Close, Thornleigh
- Daphne trail between Tuscan Way (at the end of Daphne Close) and Patricia Place, Cherrybrook
- Clarinda trail, between Clarinda Street and Simon Place, Hornsby
On-leash dogs permitted away from picnic areas and children's play areas.
On-leash dogs permitted away from picnic areas and children's play areas.
On-leash dogs permitted at:
- Hearns Lake Beach (Woolgoolga)
- Darkum Beach (Woolgoolga North)
- Corindi/Pipe Clay Beach (Arrawarra North)
- Emerald Beach, north of Fiddamans Creek and south of Diggers Head
- Woolgoolga Back Beach
- Woolgoolga Lake
On-leash dogs permitted in all areas.
On-leash dogs permitted at Delicate campground and Delicate Beach.
On-leash dogs permitted at campgrounds, picnic areas, public roads and walking tracks.
On-leash dogs permitted in all areas.
On-leash dogs permitted in all areas.
Murrumbidgee Valley Regional Park
On-leash dogs permitted at:
- Bunyip Hole campground
- Wooloondool campground
Ngula Bulgarabang Regional Park
On-leash dogs permitted.
Parramatta River Regional Park
On-leash dogs permitted on designated walking tracks in the park and in the nearby foreshore parks to the east and west.
On-leash dogs permitted in all areas except hired pavilions and children's play areas.
On-leash dogs permitted in all areas.
On-leash dogs permitted in all areas.
On-leash dogs permitted on a 3km section of the beach south of Birubi Headland.
On-leash dogs permitted on:
- Coreena and Burrawang bridle trails
- Transgrid management trail along the Nepean River.
Dogs are welcome in all NSW state forests
If you’re keen to enjoy nature with your dog you might want to visit a NSW state forest. Dogs are welcome in all state forests across NSW.
For more information visit the Forestry Corporation website or call the Forestry Corporation Information Line on 1300 655 687 or 02 9871 3377.
Why can't I bring my dog to other NSW national parks and reserves
When you're off on a national park adventure, it can be hard to leave your dog at home. But there are good reasons why dogs and other pets aren’t allowed in NSW national parks and reserves:
- The sights, sounds and smells of dogs and other domestic pets cause native animals great stress, and can even cause them to leave their homes and their young unprotected.
- Poisonous baits are often laid to control foxes, and these can be fatal to dogs.
- If they feel threatened, kangaroos and goannas may defend themselves and injure your dog.
Leaving your dogs and pets at home helps protect these precious places, and your pet.
Please read the Pets in parks policy for more information.
Can I bring my dog to historic sites?
Some historic sites, like Hill End Historic Site and Hartley Historic Site, are managed as 'living' villages or towns.
Dogs may be permitted on-leash in these locations, but you should check with the historic site's local National Parks office to confirm and learn any conditions that may apply.
Are there restrictions for assistance animals in parks?
As long as you have reasonable proof that they are an assistance animal, you can bring your trained assistance animal, including guide dogs and hearing dogs, into areas open to the public. Please refer to the Pets in parks policy for more details, including accepted forms of proof.
If you’re planning to book accommodation in a park, you should contact the park’s local National Parks office to learn more.
Can I drive through a park with a pet in my car?
Pets are normally prohibited within vehicles in national parks and reserves. However, you may drive on a publicly accessible road through a park, to get to a destination outside the park, with a pet in your car if:
- you comply with any conditions in the park's plan of management
- there is no sign which prohibits driving through the park with a pet in your vehicle
- you do not stop to visit the park or to use park facilities (unless for safety reasons or to use publicly accessible toilets)
- you keep your pets inside the vehicle while driving through the park.
Please refer to the Pets in parks policy for more details.