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

Live in the capital of Australia’s Northern Territory, and want to learn about things to do in Darwin with your dog, or making a handy guide for your next Darwin pet sitter? 

Well whether you’re house sitting in Darwin or you’re a pet parent yourself, look no further than our ultimate dog-friendly guide to the city (and beyond). 

Here you’ll find a guide to the pet shops Darwin NT has to offer, plus dog-friendly Darwin beaches, activities, walks, cafes, tourist attractions and more.

Dog-friendly walks Darwin

Looking for free things to do in Darwin, Australia with a dog? It all starts with a local dog walk, right? Take a look below for a list of places to walk your dog in Darwin, and remember to follow the rules in leashed areas.

George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens

Free to enter and dog-friendly, George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens is the perfect place to get into nature with your furry companion. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the gardens, just be sure to keep your pooch away from the playgrounds and always clean up after them. 

If it’s a hot day and you want to get out of the open space, you’re likely looking for somewhere to take shade! Head to the garden’s Rainforest Loop or appropriately-named Shade Forest to cool down with your furry friend.

Location: Gilruth Ave & Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia

Casuarina Coastal Reserve

Get some sea air with your canine companion at Casuarina Coastal Reserve, where you’ll find off-leash areas between Rapid Creek and Lee Point Rocks. Explore the beach itself, the grassy reserve behind and enjoy a game of fetch (or three!) with your canine companion at the dog-friendly park. If you’re walking between the Cliffs and Dripstone Point (including Dripstone Cliffs picnic area), keep your pup on the leash. 

Location: 445 Trower Rd, Brinkin NT 0810, Australia

Bicentennial Park

Bicentennial Park is a must-visit in Darwin and of course, totally free to roam with your leashed dog. Home to the Darwin Cenotaph, it’s the ideal spot to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle without venturing too far. And if it’s views you’re after, stop by this park to soak up the sights of the harbour.

Location: Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Jervois Park

For waterside views, explore this dog-friendly Darwin park and let your dog off the leash if recall training is in check. Keep your pooch at least 5 metres away from playgrounds, wetlands and organised sporting areas.

Location: Jervois Rd, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

It’s also worth us mentioning that while a popular place for locals and tourists to walk, the entire East Point Reserve is not pet-friendly.

Darwin’s best beaches to take dogs

Along with inner city dog-friendly gardens, you’re sure to want to stroll by the coast with your furry best friend - whether you’re house sitting in Darwin or you live in the city with a dog. 

Something to note when planning your dog-friendly Darwin day out - there are box jellyfish and crocodiles in the water near Darwin, so be extra careful if you plan on going in the sea.

With warnings out of the way, take a look below for some of the best Darwin beaches to enjoy with your pooch.

Lee Point Beach

Enjoy the pet-friendly areas of Lee Point Beach with your furry friends - they’re allowed off the leash between Lee Point Rocks and Rapid Creek.

Location: Lee Point Picnic Parking Loop, Lee Point NT 0810, Australia

Fannie Bay & Vesteys Beach

Fannie Bay foreshore is one of the dog friendly beaches Darwin has to offer - dogs are allowed along the path that runs from Ross Smith Avenue to the entrance of Lake Alexander.

Location: Fannie Bay, Northern Territory

Nightcliff Beach

Known as a great spot to catch the sunrise and sunset, enjoy some quality time with your furry friend at Darwin’s Nightcliff Beach.

Location: 244 Casuarina Dr, Nightcliff NT 0810, Australia

Mindil Beach

Explore the stunning coastline on Mindil Beach and stop at the beachside vendors selling food and local crafts.

Location:The Gardens NT, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes in Darwin

Nothing quite beats a morning coffee run with your furry companion after walkies or an hour’s game of fetch! Take a look at the dog-friendly cafes Darwin has to offer below, and be sure to always double check before strolling in to order with your dog.

Eva’s Cafe

If you want to discover dog-friendly Darwin, Eva’s Cafe is your place to start. Not only does this spot allow dogs, they’re encouraged to stop by! In fact, the cafe invites customers to share pictures of their pups enjoying their time at the cafe on Instagram. And once you’re done with your puppy photoshoot, find dog water bowls around the gardens and tuck into locally-sourced plates.

Location: Gardens Rd, The Gardens NT 0820, Australia

Cafe Central Darwin

If you’re looking for relaxed vibes and a reliable international menu, head to Cafe Central Darwin and enjoy some quality time outdoors with your pooch.

Location: 1/29 Rossiter St, Rapid Creek NT 0810, Australia

De La Plage

For sea views and a moment to soak up the sun with your furry best pal, head up to Darribah Road for a spot of lunch.

Location: Surf Life Saving Club Lot 9316 Darribah Road, Brinkin NT 0810, Australia

Boatshed

For harbour views and well-reviewed cafe bites, sit outdoors at Boatshed with your canine friend for company.

Location: 56 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia

Ray’s Cafe and Patisserie

Looking for a spot in dog-friendly Darwin to get your pastry fix? Look no further than Ray’s Cafe and Patisserie on Smith Street.

Location: 66 Smith St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Dog parks in Darwin

When planning a day out with your furry best pal, sometimes the safest (and most rewarding option) is to stop by a local dog park. It’s worth noting that the popular Marlow Lagoon pet park is permanently closed - before you make your way there! 

For dog parks that have remained open and provide ideal green space for your pooch to run free, look no further than our list below.

• Muirhead Dog Park. 20 Mahoney St, Muirhead NT 0810, Australia
• Casuarina Dog Park. Brinkin NT 0810, Australia
• Maurice Terrace Dog Park. 52 Maurice Terrace, Bakewell NT 0832, Australia
• Zuccoli Dog Park. 13 Tuckeroo Bvd, Zuccoli NT 0832, Australia

Dog-friendly activities in Darwin

Want to get to know your city better, or house sitting and keen to see the tourist places in Darwin? Take a look below for a few dog-friendly attractions the city has to offer.

Explore Darwin’s WWII History

Take a step back in time to discover Darwin’s WWII history during walkies with your furry friend. During your walk through Bicentennial Park, stop at the war memorials where you’ll find photographs from the time period. Keep your visits outdoors, as Darwin’s WWII museums do not permit dogs.

Location: Esplanade, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Discover local street art

Did you know that Darwin is a city home to street art? Well if you’d like a free activity to do with your dog, go out for walkies and see if you can spot some work by local artists! Start with the locations below.

Locations: Austin Lane, West Lane, Shadforth Lane

Darwin Waterfront Heritage and Cultural Trail

Keep your dog on a leash and discover Darwin’s culture and history in just one walk along the Waterfront Heritage and Cultural Trail. Start at Stokes Hill Wharf (we’ve added the map location below) and explore the city’s history on foot with your pooch right by your side.

Location: Stokes Hill Wharf

Palmerston Escarpment Trail

If you’re looking for things to do from Darwin with a dog and you’ve got a bit of time to get out of the city, why not go on a hiking trail? Considered an easy route, keep your dog on a leash and enjoy the open green space with your furry pal.

Location: Gregory NT 0852, Australia

Holmes Jungle Nature Park

Home to marsupials like possums and bandicoots, Holmes Jungle Nature Park is perfect if you’re in the mood to explore nature with your canine companion. Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash and under control at all times.

Location: JW2H+66F, Holmes NT 0812, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants in Darwin

For a few spots to enjoy lunch or dinner with your canine companion, take a look at our list of the dog-friendly restaurants Darwin has to offer. Many will provide water bowls for your dog, and always call before arriving to double check they still welcome four-legged guests.

Wharf One

If fish is your thing and you’re after somewhere to eat with your furry best pal, stop by Wharf One on Kitchener Drive.

Location: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0801, Australia

Lola’s Pergola 

Stop by Lola’s Pergola for pizza and harbour-side views - the perfect place to enjoy a sunset with your canine companions.

Location: 48 Marina Blvd, Larrakeyah NT 0820, Australia

Snapper Rocks

Another dog-friendly restaurant for fish lovers: choose from colorful plates of cod, salmon, tuna and more.

Location: B2/7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Hot Tamale

In the mood for tacos or quesadillas? Stop by Hot Tamale on Kitchener Drive and enjoy the spot’s eclectic decor.

Location: F2/19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs in Darwin

After somewhere to stop for a cold one in the sun with your canine pal? Not to worry, fellow pet lover - find a list of Darwin’s pubs that are pet-friendly below.

The Precinct 

Stop by for craft beer and upmarket pub grub for some quality time with your furry pal in one of Darwin’s dog-friendly pubs.

Location: 7 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Beachfront Hotel

Need somewhere to refuel after a long walk around the city? Swing by for a drink or dinner and soak up the coastal views.

Location: 342 Casuarina Dr, Rapid Creek NT 0810, Australia

Hotel Darwin

Love a sports pub and need somewhere to stop where your furry pal will be welcome? Check out Hotel Darwin for a relaxed vibe, decent drinks choices and casual eats.

Location: 39 Mitchell St, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Fiddlers Green

Can’t resist an Irish pub? Stop by Fiddlers Green to chat to locals and rest assured your furry pal can come along too.

Location: 19 Kitchener Dr, Darwin City NT 0800, Australia

Pet shops Darwin NT

Need to top up on pet supplies, or simply want to treat Fido to something new? Find a list of the pet shops Darwin NT has to offer below, where you’ll find dog food, treats, biscuits, toys and apparel.

• Petstock. Jape Homemaker Centre, Tenancy 7-9, 365/366 Bagot Rd, Millner NT 0810, Australia
• Aussie Pooch Nutrition and Wellbeing. 38 Bishop St, Woolner NT 0820, Australia
• Accessories for Dogs. 12 Legune Ave, Leanyer NT 0812, Australia
• Moondidley Pets. 425 Stuart Hwy, Coolalinga NT 0839, Australia

Tips for pet parents

So you’re all clued-up on exploring the city of Darwin with your furry best friend - to make sure they’re content, safe and happy while you’re both at home and away, explore our tips below.

• Know your dog-friendly beaches. As we’ve explored, not all beaches in Australia welcome dogs, and some areas that do require dogs to be kept on a leash. So before arriving, check the local rules and always clean up after them.
• Swim with caution. Some of the waters near Darwin are home to box jellyfish and crocodiles, so always swim with caution and check local news for sightings.
• Plan ahead for your holiday. It’s one thing planning a dog-friendly Darwin day out, but what about when the time comes for you to go on holiday, without your best pal? Well vets agree pets are happier at home, so consider welcoming an in-home pet sitter to keep your home and furry family safe and secure while you’re away. To learn more, click below.

Tips for pet sitters

Want to explore Australia with furry friends by your side? Sounds like it’s time to start your Darwin house sitting adventure. Explore our tips below so that both you and your new furry pals can enjoy your time in Darwin together.

• Follow pet parent instructions. Pet parents know their pooch best, so follow their advice when it comes to where you can and can’t bring your new furry pal along.
• Explore local dog-friendly spots. Living like a local and chatting with neighboring pet lovers is one of the best things about house sitting, so head along to local dog parks or beaches to get to know likeminded others.
• Experience Darwin through house sitting. Click below to find out how to find a house sit in Darwin where you’ll exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay.

Useful resources

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