Toowoomba to Lockyer Valley
Sitting just below the Great Dividing Range, the Lockyer Valley is affectionately known as Australia’s salad bowl, as the region is one of the 10 most fertile farming areas in the world.
Are you and your four-legged friend ready for the ultimate walkies?
If you’ve already ticked off our best pet-friendly activities in Southern Queensland Country, get ready for your next pawsome adventure together, hitting one of our hiking trails.
Pack your leash, water bowl and good boy (or girl) and get ready to experience the best pet-friendly hikes our region has to offer.
Do you and pooch fancy a walk through a eucalyptus forest? Beginning at the carpark on Table Top Drive, Stevenson Street Trail runs parallel to the south-eastern side of the Picnic Point bridle trail.
Stevenson Street Trail ends at a white metal gate, which happens to lead to the Road Reserve Trail – if your good boy still has some beans to burn off.
Table Top Mountain Bushland Reserve, Toowoomba Region
Pick up where you left off at the white metal gate and keep on moving through the Road Reserve Trail that follows the boundary between Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley.
This trail provides views of Table Top Mountain not visible from anywhere else in Toowoomba.
Great news for dog lovers who ride (bicycles, not their dogs), the entire Brisbane Valley Rail Trail is pet-friendly.
The trail starts in Wulkuraka (Ipswich) and travels for 161kms, all the way to Yarraman. Of course, we don’t expect your pooch to tire their paws out for that long, there’re plenty of different sections of the trail to stop and explore along the way.
The Yarraman Caravan Park and Cabins are pet-friendly so can start or end your adventure in comfort (psst – for more pet-friendly accommodation ideas, check out this guide).
For those with pets of equine variety, there’re several sections of the trail suitable for horse-riding too.
Brisbane Valley Rail Trail
Head to the heritage town of Yarraman for a taste of history and a walk through the ancient Yarraman State Forest.
With a mixture of hoop pine plantation forests, natural bushland and bunya pines, this hike will deliver endless on-leash good times.
Treat your four-legged bestie to a hike with water views through the Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park Scenic Trail. There’s no chance of false advertising here, the hike is scenic indeed, with a 3.3km water-ski circuit that wraps around Serpentine Creek.
The Goondiwindi Natural Heritage and Water Park Scenic Trail
Head to the outskirts of Goondiwindi to find an oasis of native Australian flora and fauna aka the Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands.
Take your pup for a stroll along the walking trail surrounded by bushland and listen out for birdcalls that give the town of Goondiwindi its moniker, translating to ‘resting place of birds’.
Looking to spend a weekend in the Goondiwindi region? We’ve selected the top things to see and do if you’ve got 48 hours up your sleeve.
The Goondiwindi Botanic Gardens of the Western Woodlands
Located in the heart of Granite Belt Wine Country - the Girraween Country Inn offers similar scenery to its neighbour Girraween National Park.
Since national parks don’t allow pets, Girraween Country Inn provides a taste of the real thing minus the canine caveat.
With pristine gardens, birdlife abundant and 42 acres of property, go exploring with Fido right by your side.
Although the name may suggest otherwise, we assure you we’re not sending you to a traditional castle – Donnelly’s Castle is a granite rock formation.
Take a short drive to Pozieres from Stanthorpe and treat your furry companion to a hike with a rocky twist.
This hike allows you to explore the boulders and rock formations, similar to those found in Girraween National Park, followed by a 200m hike to the top of the site to take in views of the surrounding area.
Donnelly’s Castle, Pozieres, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Who says dogs can’t enjoy a panoramic view? Located a short drive from Stanthorpe’s city centre stands Mt Marlay.
Known as a popular biking trail, Mt Marley also offers plenty of bushwalking tracks for you and your pooch to explore.
Once you’ve worked up a sweat climb back up to the top to soak in the views of Stanthorpe and the Granite Belt.
Mt Marley, Stanthorpe, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Your doggo will be spoilt for choice on the River Walk in Warwick, with five different routes to choose from.
Pick your walking track based on fitness level and enjoy the various scenery offered by each.
If you feel inspired to stay a little longer have a squiz at our guide on 7 things to do in Warwick, which includes a pet-friendly campground.
River Walk, Warwick, Southern Downs & Granite Belt
Drop a pin between the villages of Laidley and Forest Hill in the Lockyer Valley and put paws to pavement around Lake Dyer.
With plenty of walking trails to choose from, keep your pooch on leash and explore the area finishing off with a picnic lakeside – just don’t forget to pack the kibble!
Lake Dyer, Laidley, Lockyer Valley
If you’re starting to feel the four walls of your backyard and kennel caving in, plan a trip with somewhere with room to roam, the Chinchilla Weir.
Located 8km from Chinchilla’s CBD, Chinchilla Weir is a popular waterside camping spot that has recently undergone a face lift with upgraded facilities.
Treat your pooch to a weekend of hiking and camping in the area and let them stretch their legs surrounded by native flora and fauna.
Looking for more pet-friendly adventures in Southern Queensland Country?
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Southern Queensland Country Tourism acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands and waterways that run through these regions. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and emerging.
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