The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Sydney Harbour National Park

The Dee Why Rockpool, also called the Isa Wye Ocean Pool, was hand carved out of the sandstone cliffs in 1912, and today it's a family-friendly concrete ocean pool. The main pool is an 8-lane, 50-metre lap pool built directly into the sandstone rock shelf, and just west of that sits the toddler wading pool with shallower and calmer water. The pools are free and open all day every day.

Long Reef is one of the most geologically significant headlands on Sydney’s coastline, with exposed rock formations dating back more than 240 million years. The reef and surrounding rock platform are part of an aquatic reserve known for fossils, iron-rich claystones, and broad intertidal platforms revealed at low tide. The area also holds long Aboriginal history connected to the Garigal and Gannagal people of the Eora Nation, with shell middens found on the headland.

Lovely views and a pair of Sea Eagles

Lane Cove River runs for about 15 kilometres from Pennant Hills to the Parramatta River, flowing through Lane Cove National Park as a calm, slow-moving waterway. The river is tidal in sections, so water levels can vary, but it’s often still and reflective, especially in sheltered areas. You’ll see kayaks and small boats near the boatshed, while quieter stretches feel more enclosed by bushland.

Lane Cove National Park is a stretch of bushland following the Lane Cove River, running through northern Sydney from East Ryde to Pennant Hills and West Chatswood. It’s a popular spot for a day out, with picnic areas, barbecues, open grass, and access to walking tracks and cycling routes. You can also hire a boat along the river or explore historic sites within the park. Entry is $8 per vehicle per day, with bus passengers charged $4.40 per adult and $2.20 per child. Payment is via on-site machines or the Park’nPay app, and facilities including toilets are available throughout.

Fairyland Track in Lane Cove National Park follows the Lane Cove River through shaded bushland, offering a mix of riverside sections and short climbs. The track moves between dense vegetation and more open views along the water, with steps and uneven ground in parts. It’s a moderate walk overall, with a more natural, less manicured feel than nearby paths.

Bilarong Reserve spans roughly 5.3 hectares of riparian bushland and forms part of a corridor connecting the Deep Creek and Middle Creek reserves. The area is rich in birdlife, with black swans that are often spotted feeding on seagrass in the shallows, while waders and woodland birds thrive in the wetlands and forest edges. The Narrabeen Lagoon Trail passes directly through the reserve, making it a natural stopping point for walkers and cyclists. The playgrounds and picnic areas are great for families, and nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching and quiet moments by the water. As a designated Wildlife Protection Area, dogs must be on lead to protect the reserve's diverse ecosystems.

Narrabeen Lagoon, also known as Narrabeen Lake, is one of the Northern Beaches’ most treasured natural assets. Surrounded by suburban Sydney, it provides a pocket of wilderness where visitors can enjoy bushwalking, kayaking, paddleboarding, cycling, or relaxing by the water. The lagoon is a haven for wildlife, with diverse birdlife and thriving aquatic ecosystems. It’s also a cultural and recreational hub, with playgrounds, boating facilities, and picnic areas, making it a favourite spot for both locals and visitors.