Dog-friendly Canberra: things to do in Canberra with a dog

House sitting in Canberra soon, and want to know all the hot spots to take your new furry friend? Or welcoming pet sitters in Canberra, and making a handy guide to the city?

Either way, look no further than our guide to dog-friendly Canberra - here, we explore restaurants, cafes, walks, activities and dog parks Canberra has to offer. So, notepads at the ready? Let’s get into our ultimate guide to things to do in Canberra with a dog.

Dog parks in Canberra

Sometimes the best thing to do with your canine pal is to let them off in a safe zone designed for dogs. Explore our list of the dog parks Canberra has to offer below for green space designed for fetch, walkies and chatting with other pet lovers. 

Naturally, always check the dog park’s rules before letting your pooch off the leash, and be sure to have recall training in check.

• Yarralumla dog park. 88 Banks St, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia
• Inner North dog park. 41 Fairfax St, O'Connor ACT 2602, Australia
• Lake Ginnindera dog park. Belconnen ACT 2617, Australia
• Greenway dog park. Greenway ACT 2900, Australia
• Barkley dog park. Googong NSW 2620, Australia
• Springbank Rise dog park. Casey ACT 2913, Australia
• The Scar. LOT 2 Southbar Rd, Karabar NSW 2620, Australia
• Forde dog park. Forde ACT 2914, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes in Canberra

Nothing quite beats relaxing after a long game of fetch with a coffee in the sun, with your canine companion by your side. Explore the dog-friendly cafes Canberra has to offer below, and remember to double check they’re still dog-friendly before planning your trip.

Gang Gang Cafe and Bar

Described as a ‘hidden gem’, this spot welcomes dogs in the outdoor seating area, so pop along for a coffee and choose from classic breakfast plates of eggs, French toast and more.

Location: Shop4/2 Frencham Pl, Downer ACT 2602, Australia

Little Oink

On the other side of the city you’ll find Little Oink - a dog-friendly cafe that allows dogs outdoors.

Location: 22 Cook Pl, Cook ACT 2614, Australia

Stella’s by the Lake

For heartier lunch plates and views of Lake Ginnindera, head to this dog-friendly cafe for tacos, burgers, noodles and more.

Location: 1 Beissel St, Belconnen ACT 2617, Australia

The Cupping Room

If you’re anywhere near University Avenue, head to this hip spot for creative breakfast plates and decent brews.

Location: 1/1-13 University Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Knox Made in Watson

Whether fresh pastries are your thing or you’re after a local spot to relax and eat breakfast with your furry friend, this dog-friendly cafe is likely to tick all the boxes.

Location: Shop 1/13 Watson Pl, Watson ACT 2602, Australia

More dog-friendly cafes in Canberra

• Common Grounds Corner. 4/1 Jeffries St, Gowrie ACT 2904, Australia
• Bittersweet. Cusack Centre, 27 Eyre St, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia
• Farmer’s Daughter. 27 Bentham St, Yarralumla ACT 2603, Australia
• Kita. 59 Boolimba Cres, Narrabundah ACT 2604, Australia
• Local Press Cafe. 35 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants Canberra

Looking for somewhere to dine after a long day of exploring the city, but don’t want to leave your canine companion behind? Not to worry - explore the dog-friendly restaurants Canberra has to offer below.

Yarralumla Gallery Oaks Brasserie

With a picturesque backdrop of the plant nursery, this is certainly a sought-after setting in Yarralumla. Choose from classic all-day breakfast plates or head down for a spot of lunch and choose from burgers, pasta and salads.

Location: 36 Robert Boden Grv, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia

Edgar’s 

More of a burgers and steaks kind of diner? Pop along to Edgar’s - a dog-friendly gastropub.

Location: 1 Edgar St, Ainslie ACT 2602, Australia

Foreshore Social

For views of Lake Burley Griffin, stop at Foreshore Social and choose from pastas, salads, steaks and fish dishes.

Location: 27 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia

Lazy Su

Craving bao? Head to Lazy Su for pan-Asian small plates and hearty mains of Japanese roast chicken and seafood stir fry.

Location: 1/9 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Monster Kitchen and Bar

Craving something a little upmarket? Check out Monster Kitchen and Bar to choose from dishes made with locally sourced and seasonal ingredients.

Location: Ground/25 Edinburgh Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

More dog-friendly restaurants in Canberra

• Assembly the People’s Pub. 11 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia
• Snapper & Co. Mariner Pl, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia
• Betty’s Burgers. Shop FG08/148 Bunda St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
• Grease Monkey. 19 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs in Canberra

One way to get to know local culture is to stop at your nearby pub. So that you can take your four-pawed pal along, explore our list of the dog-friendly pubs Canberra has to offer below.

The Old Canberra Inn

Stop at The Old Canberra Inn for hearty pub classics and craft beers on tap.

Location: 195 Mouat St, Lyneham ACT 2602, Australia

The Pedlar

Into your wine? Head to The Pedlar for a decent wine selection and treat yourself to a pub classic if you’re feeling peckish.

Location: 65 Constitution Ave, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia

The Civic Pub

Looking for a cosy spot to relax with a cold one with your furry best pal? Head to The Civic on Lonsdale Street if you’re in the area.

Location: 8 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

BentSpoke Brewing Co.

Serious about your beer? Head to BentSpoke Brewing Co. for an impressive selection, and stay for tacos, burgers and steaks.

Location: 48/38 Mort St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

The Duxton

For an eclectic pub menu and a lengthy drinks list, head to The Duxton if you’re anywhere near Macpherson Street.

Location: 8 Macpherson St, O'Connor ACT 2602, Australia

More dog-friendly pubs in Canberra

• The George Harcourt Inn. 3 Gold Creek Rd, Nicholls ACT 2913, Australia
• The Dock. 7/81 Giles St, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia
• Casey Jones Pub. 15 Kingsland Parade, Casey ACT 2913, Australia
• Walt & Burley. 70/17 Eastlake Parade, Kingston ACT 2604, Australia
• Frankies at Forde. 1/26 Francis Forde Blvd, Forde ACT 2914, Australia

Dog-friendly walks in Canberra

So you’re house sitting in Canberra (or you’ve got a canine pal of your own) - knowing the local dog-friendly walking spots is undoubtedly your top priority. Take a look below for a few dog-friendly walks Canberra has to offer, as well as gentler walks around the city.

Hike Mount Ainslie

To view the city from afar, start at the War Memorial and head through the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to summit the hill. If your furry friend isn’t up to the walk, you’ve got the option to drive up and stop at the car park at the top.

Location: Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia

Explore the National Arboretum

Take your furry pal for a leashed walk through Canberra’s stunning National Arboretum, and explore the oak and cedar forests.

Location: Forest Dr, Australian Capital Territory 2611, Australia

Explore Commonwealth Park

Enjoy the sweeping views of Commonwealth Park which runs from the city centre to Lake Burley Griffin, and be sure to keep your pup on a leash.

Location: Commonwealth Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Walk a loop next to Lake Burley Griffin

There are multiple walking loops around Lake Burley Griffin, where you and your furry friend can enjoy an on-leash walk and impressive views of the water. The Bridge to Bridge walk is popular with dog owners, because it’s only 5km. Start at Commonwealth Bridge and end at Kings Avenue Bridge, and soak up the cultural sights along the way.

Location: Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Explore Dickson Wetland

Consider yourself a birdwatcher? Get out of the hustle and bustle of the city and into nature at this dog-friendly wetland.

Location:Hawdon and, Dutton St, Dickson ACT 2602, Australia

Dog-friendly activities in Canberra

Want something to do with your four-pawed pal, that’s not just going for a walk - albeit scenic? Explore these dog-friendly activities Canberra has to offer so that planning a day out with your pooch pal is no less than a doddle.

Visit Parliament House

For some bread and butter Canberra sightseeing, take a look at the impressive building that is Parliament House, built in 1988. Dogs are allowed on the lawns out the front, called The Great Verandah.

Location: Parliament Dr, Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

Visit a local vineyard

Are you serious about wine? Well if you’re house sitting in Canberra, a visit to a dog-friendly winery in the Canberra District wine region is well worth it. Here are a few dog-friendly wineries in Canberra to choose from.

Dog-friendly wineries Canberra

• Murrumbateman Winery. 131 McIntosh Cct, Murrumbateman NSW 2582, Australia
• Mount Majura Vineyard. 88 Lime Kiln Rd, Majura ACT 2609, Australia
• Brindabella Hills Winery. 156 Woodgrove Cl, Wallaroo NSW 2618, Australia
• Lerida Estate. 87 The Vineyards Rd, Lake George NSW 2620, Australia

War Memorial sculpture garden

Take a step back in time at the Australian War Memorial’s sculpture garden with your furry friend on a leash.

Location: Treloar Cres, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia

Hire a boat on Lake Burley Griffin

Get some quality time with your furry pal by hiring a boat and viewing the city from Lake Burley Griffin.

Location: Australian Capital Territory, Australia

Go for a dog-friendly swim

Did you know that Kurrajong Point has a dog-friendly beach? Let your pooch cool down on a hot day and soak up the lake views.

Location: Weston Park Rd, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia

Tips for pet parents

So you’ve explored all things to do with your furry friends in dog-friendly Canberra - now follow our tips below on keeping your pooch happy while you’re both in and outside of the city.

• Follow local rules. If you haven’t already, check the Government of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) website for rules around dogs in public areas to avoid fines.
• Always bring a leash. As is the case in many cities, Canberra has dedicated on and off-leash areas, so plan your trip ahead and only let your pooch off the leash if they’re under control and it’s an off-leash zone.
• Plan ahead for your holiday. Going on a trip without your furry friend, and need someone to look after them while you’re away? Here it’s simple to connect with pet-loving sitters who’ll care for your furry companion in the comfort of their own home. And just for one annual membership fee, you can welcome as many sitters as you need throughout the year. Click below to learn more.

Tips for pet sitters

House sitting in Canberra? Well it’s clear you won’t be short of things to do with your new furry pal in Australia’s capital. For tips on how to have the best house sitting experience, follow these tips below.

• Look after the home. Pet parents will have left you with a set of instructions in your welcome guide, so alongside exploring the city, be sure to stay on top of the house sitting duties you’ve agreed to, like collecting the mail and watering the plants. And it goes without saying - always leave the home as you found it.
• Familiarize yourself with local rules. If you haven’t explored Australia much, it’s worth getting clued-up on local rules around dog-friendliness. Look at local council websites and chat with the pet owners about where they tend to bring their pooch.
• Explore local dog parks. While it’s always worth being a tourist for the day with your canine pal by your side, why not get to know the local area a little? Dog parks are a great place to start - chat to your neighbors, fellow pet lovers and let your furry friend have a good run in a safe space.
• Find your next Canberra adventure. Still need to secure your Canberra house sit? Exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay and explore Australia’s capital with a canine companion by your side. Click below to find out how it all works.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly Victoria: things to do in Victoria with a dog
• Dog-friendly NSW: things to do in NSW with a dog
• Dog-friendly guide to Melbourne: things to do in Melbourne with a dog