Dog-Friendly Outdoor Activities To Explore In Darwin

Darwin is made for dog owners and their pups when you consider the many reserves and beaches that have designated off-leash areas. At Eukanuba, we love seeing dogs that are outdoors and being active with their owners, so we've pulled together some of the best beaches, parks and walking trails to explore with your dog in Darwin.

Read on to find out some of our favourite dog-friendly outdoor locations. Darwin has the options!

You’ll quickly learn how dog-friendly Darwin is when you see how many great hikes and walks there are for you and your pup. Here are some of our favourites:

Darwin Botanic Gardens

Darwin's George Brown Darwin Botanic Gardens are close to the city centre and Mindil Beach, and all dogs are allowed off-leash here (while kept under effective control. The Rainforest Loop and Shade Forest are two sections that are particularly pleasant to explore, mainly due to the amount of shade they offer, but also because the scenery is so wonderful!

You can also stroll down the Cycad Garden and Dinosaur Trails, where you can grab a snack at the dog-friendly Eva’s Cafe. This is an excellent spot for some exercise without having to venture too far from the city.

Location: The Gardens NT 0820
Dog Rules: Find out more information here

Casuarina Coastal Reserve

A great off-leash option for a waterside walk is Casuarina Coastal Reserve. Over 5km long, this trail runs along the coast between Nightcliff and Lee Point. There is a sandy beach, grassy reserve, picnic areas and walking tracks.

Dogs can be let off the leash between Rapid Creek and Lee Point Rocks but must be kept on a leash between the Cliffs and Dripstone Point. A leash will also be required around Sandy Creek, Rapid Creek, Dripstone Cliffs and Lee Point Picnic Areas. Check out the full map of the areas, which explains the on and off-leash sections here. Also, head to De La Plage Cafe at the Surf Club for a bite to eat and a drink, as they are dog-friendly!

Location: 445 Trower Rd, Brinkin NT 0810
Dog Rules: Find out more information here

Holmes Jungle Nature Park

Holmes Jungle Nature Park is one of the few nature parks where dogs are allowed in Darwin. While they do need to stay on a leash, this beautiful spot is well worth a visit. Situated east of the airport, you'll find a rainforest boardwalk and the savannah walk, which are great trails for some exploration.

Location: 445 Trower Rd, Brinkin NT 0810
Dog Rules: Find out more information here

Did you know that dogs are allowed off-leash at Darwin beaches by default, meaning off-leash is a standard rule, not an allowance. It is vital to be aware that crocodiles are a danger around Darwin, and there should be no swimming between October to May, which is stinger season. Outside of this, a good run along the beach is a great way to exercise, and these are the best options:

Mindil Beach

This is not only one of the best beaches on offer in Darwin, but it's also the one closest to the CBD. There is plenty of room for a good run here, and if you head down on the weekend, you can check out the Mindil Beach Sunset Markets to pick up some treasures or a bite to eat.

Location: The Gardens NT 0820

Lee Point Beach

If you want to head a little further out to get away from it all with your dog, Lee Point Beach is a great option. This quiet beach offers plenty of spaces for a leash-free stroll, and your dog will love exploring the rock pool around the beach. You can find dog use conditions and appropriate areas for this beach here.

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

Beach Walk, East Point Road, Fannie Bay

While Dogs are not allowed in East Point Reserve, you can do a lovely beach walk on the path that is right by the beach on East Point Road. This walk leads all the way up to the reserve entrance. During this walk, your dog will need to be on a leash, but this is still a great chance for some exercise with a view!

Location: Fannie Bay NT 0820

You won’t find a better exercise spot than a dog park! Darwin has plenty of great places where your dog can run wild and socialise with others. Here are some of our favourites:

Marlow Lagoon Dog Park

This may be the prettiest dog park in Australia! Marlow Lagoon Dog Park is located in the Palmerston City area, which is south of Darwin proper. Right next to Marlow Lagoon, you'll find a huge, fully fenced area with three smaller fenced areas that are designated for smaller or quieter dogs.

The main park includes agility equipment, plenty of shade and water, and a BBQ and picnic table. It's perfect for a dog-day out and a great way for your canine to burn off some energy!

Location: 36 Elrundie Ave, Marlow Lagoon NT 0830

Lakeside Dog Park

The newest dog park in Darwin is Lakeside Dog Park, located next to the Lakeside Drive Community Garden and is an initiative as a part of the Lakeside Drive Masterplan. The fenced park has separate small and large dog exercise areas, water troughs and plenty of shade, thanks to the many trees in the area.

Location: Alawa NT 0810

Breezes Muirhead Dog Park

With 3,000 m² of open space, Muirhead Park is the perfect spot for some off-leash fun in the large fenced areas. There is also an agility area and no shortage of friends to play with, as Muirhead is one of the most popular dog parks in the Northern Territory.

Location: https://goo.gl/maps/sA2Pc2sdM9t7qsap9

When venturing outside with your pup, especially for off-lead activities, it's important that your dog knows how to behave in public. A big part of this is teaching them to walk on a lead, as well as teaching them basic obedience skills to help gain control of your dog in new, or exciting situations.

Well-trained pups make friends easily and have more opportunities to be active. By dedicating the time to training, there will be loads of fun stuff you and your dog can do together outdoors in Darwin!