12 Best Dog Friendly Walks, Bars and Cafes in the Blue Mountains
Blue Mountains maybe known for it’s National Park (where dogs are not allowed), however there are plenty of dog friendly walks surrounding the National Parks. There are also some great dog friendly pubs and cafes to visit while you are in the area. Here are our TOP PICKS for you to visit with your dog in the Blue Mountains.
This Guide has been created in partnership with APPLAWS TASTE TOPPERS, turning dry dog food into a tail-wagging taste sensation
But before we start, let’s have a look at some stunning dog friendly accommodation options in the area.
Dog Friendly Accommodation in the Blue Mountains
Dog Friendly Cottage | Megalong Valley
Guests 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 2
Sunrise Lodge is wonderfully quiet and secluded dog friendly accommodation – perfect for a romantic weekend – or a place to relax, unwind and experience the magic of mountain life. Nestled on the edge of the boutique vineyard with magnificent escarpment views across the Megalong Valley, it offers an unforgettable self-catered holiday experience. Purpose designed, the lodge comprises two large bedrooms each with an en-suite bathroom, spacious central living area with open fire and a fully-equipped kitchen and large deck.
McKeowns Rest | Oberon
Guests 13 | Bedrooms 6 | Bathrooms 6
Nestled on a working cattle farm on the western edge of the Blue Mountains, dog friendly accommodation at McKeown’s Rest offers the perfect setting to reconnect with nature, family, and friends. Located just 5km from Jenolan Caves and a short drive from Kanangra Walls, this spacious homestead is ideal for a peaceful pet friendly farm stay escape in regional NSW.
The homestead is styled with eclectic collections gathered over generations, blending rustic charm with comfort and sustainability. Every fixture and piece of furniture has been hand-selected with repurposing and character in mind — creating a space that’s both warm and thoughtfully curated.
Wake to the sound of birdsong, enjoy a slow breakfast as sunlight pours through the expansive windows, or curl up with a book in the window seat overlooking the gardens and paddocks. It’s a place to pause and soak in the rhythm of country life.
Featuring a fully equipped kitchen, underfloor hydronic heating, a wood-burning fireplace, and cosy lounges, McKeown’s Rest is one of NSW’s best-value farm stays for families, groups, and couples seeking both authenticity and luxury.
This is a working farm and we expect dogs to be kept on leash when outside the house or not in the enclosed area provided.
King room with ensuite, 3 Queen rooms with ensuite, 1 double with ensuite, kids room 3xking single beds.Fully equipped large open plan kitchen with separate dining and lounge. TV and DVD players, WIFI, bbq, outdoor dining. Includes general entry to Kenzell Farm daily. Ample parking.
Dog Friendly Winery Stay | Megalong Valley
Guests 8 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2
The dog friendly winery Homestead offers enough entertaining areas to enjoy your stay without ever leaving. Set on top of a ridge overlooking the vineyard, this dog friendly accommodation enjoys spectacular views of the Blue Mountains sandstone escarpment that is transformed into bright orange and pink colours at sunset.
Dog Friendly Cottage | Grose Vale
Guests 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
Not just a private dog friendly cottage but a full acess to 32ha farm with cattle, chickens & nursery, in a quiet private valley with bushwalks & large lake for canoeing. Just 3 mins from Kurrajong Village with shops, cafes, butcher, baker, ATM. At the end of a quiet country lane, peaceful, relaxing & replenishing.
Fully equiped cottage, 2 bedrooms with queen beds, large fireplace, breakfast provisions included. Hermitage Cottage provides a welcome escape from all stress & we guarantee that you will come away refreshed & invigorated . Guests have exclusive use of the cottage, the grounds & 32ha (80 acres) of a private valley.
Dog Friendly Camping | Oberon
Reconnect with nature at our peaceful, pet-friendly bush campsites in Oberon NSW
For those seeking a more back-to-nature escape, Kenzell Farm offers four private, self-sufficient campsites nestled across our working cattle farm on the western edge of the Blue Mountains. Surrounded by wide paddocks, gentle hills, and starry night skies, our campsites provide the perfect mix of serenity, space, and farm charm.
Enjoy the freedom of pet-friendly camping, bring your own firewood for a crackling campfire, and fall asleep to the sounds of wildlife all around you. These unpowered bush camping sites are ideal for caravans, camper trailers, or tents — with easy access and flat ground.
Wake up to the sight of cattle grazing nearby, and don’t be surprised if kangaroos, wombats, or wallabies hop past your tent. You might even spot a platypus in the creek or deer at dusk.
During the day, campers are welcome to visit the friendly animals across the farm — from cheeky goats and alpacas to camels, pigs, donkeys, and our photogenic Highland cattle.
Dog Friendly Walks in Blue Mountains
You can find more dog friendly walks from our Dog Friendly Hikes & Walks directory. Sometimes restrictions on dogs may change. We will do our utmost to keep the directory up to date. If any information is incorrect, please let us know.
1. South Lawson Waterfall Circuit
Lawson
This is a well marked scenic dog friendly hiking track passing several waterfalls.
First head down to Adelina Falls on the main track. Stop for a paddle and continue your walk along the Lawson Creek towards Junction Falls. Once you continue your journey from Junction Falls, take note of the set of stone steps on your left as you will be going that way after visiting the Federal Falls only a few pawsteps ahead.
Next falls to stop by are the Cataract falls, just before the track is turning away from the creek. Stop here and relax for a while.
Climb a set of timber and stone steps as you return to the main track and turn left at the end of the steps and look for the signs to Honour Avenue. Follow the track parallel to Honour Avenue until you reach your starting point.
2. The Campbell Rhododendron Garden
Blackheath
The Campbell Rhododendron Gardens were created in 1970 on 18.3 hectares (45 acres) of Australian bushland, 1065 metres above sea level at the northern end of Blackheath, in the beautiful Blue Mountains. The Gardens are unique in the world—no other garden has attempted to plant exotics, on such a large scale, underneath and amongst their existing native bushland. Dogs are welcome on the lead.
3. Zig Zag Track
Mount Victoria
Head to the end of the Kanimbla Valley Road (where the asphalt ends) to find the start point to this stunning dog friendly hike. This walk will take you and your dog to amazing lookouts, waterfall, peppermint trees and magical rainforest!
Few metres down from the fire trail is the Pulpit Rock Lookout that is worth checking out. Walk back to fire trail and follow it (towards left) to the end. After about 5 minutes you will see North Track turning right. Ignore this and continue on the track.
Once you see a sign CAVE you can either continue on the track or go and have a look at this Bushrangers Cave and then return back to the track. Continue to descent until you reach a fork from where you should turn left and continue to descent a little further. Continue your walk until you reach a crossing with red arrows pointing left and right. Turn right to go and check the small waterfall and return OR simply turn left to continue on the walk. After a rather steep climb you get to the junction. Zig Zag track continue to the left (follow sign posts to Pulpit Rock, your starting point).
4. Lake Lyell
Rydal
Great fresh water lake to take your dog for a swim on a hot summers day! You can also go fishing and there are couple of great dog friendly accommodation options nearby if you decide to stay over night!
Dog Friendly Pubs, Bars & Cafes in Blue Mountains
5. The Lookout Cafe
33 Echo Point Road, Katoomba
The Lookout is your ultimate dog friendly cafe and bar with stunning views over the Blue Mountains. Perched on the edge of the Blue Mountains Echo Point escarpment, with breathtaking views of the valley and walking distance to the Three Sisters, unrivalled by any other venue in the mountains; The Lookout Echo Point is a world-class destination to drink & dine with your pooch! Highly recommended to visit with your pup in the Blue Mountains. Dogs are always welcome in the beautiful garden seating overlooking the valley. Plenty of water and even treats available at the bar for the furry guests.
6. Dryridge Estate
226 Aspinall Road, Megalong Valley
Nestled in the beautiful Megalong Valley surrounded by towering sandstone escarpments, dog friendly winery Dryridge Estate is a stunning boutique vineyard 20 minutes by car from Blackheath, the nearest Blue Mountains township. Visit the Cellar Door and enjoy delicious wines, cheese platters and some of the best scenery in the Blue Mountains.
7. Moon & Co
172 Rusden Road, Mount Riverview
Moon & Co is a family run cafe located in the lower Blue Mountains in Mount Riverview, serving breakfast, lunch and coffees. Dogs are always warmly welcome and they also have treats available for their furry customers. Great dog friendly undercover seating at the front + a large fenced kids playground at the front making it one of the most family friendly venues in the area.
8. Mountain Culture Beer
23 Parke Street, Katoomba
Mountain Culture Beer Co is a dog friendly brewery pub in the fully restored iconic “Echo” building in Katoomba. Dogs are welcome to join you for a drink at the covered outdoor seating area.
9. The Old City Bank Bar
15 Katoomba Street, Katoomba
An iconic english style pub that was once the first bank in Katoomba.
The Old City Bank Bar welcomes dogs daily after 3pm (when the food service is finished) into their beer garden. Beer Garden is not completely in shade but it has a great atmosphere to go for an after hike drink with your pup.
10. The Lithgow Tin Shed
69 Bridge Street, Lithgow
At the top end of Lithgow is an iconic dog friendly Tin Shed… filled with the aroma of delicious meals and freshly ground coffee!
With the warm and inviting atmosphere, great coffee and friendly service, this is so much more than just a cafe!
The Tin Shed supports local growers. They source as many things from our local area as possible, including the live music EVERY Friday night!
Dogs are allowed in the covered outdoor seating area.
11. Bilpin Cider
2369 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin
This family owned and operated dog friendly bar / cellar door is set on a farm in the heart of Bilpin. Visitors are encouraged to sample across the entire range of products, tour the grounds and orchards and visit the friendly sheep and alpacas.
12. Hillbilly Cider
2270 Bells Line of Road, Bilpin
Hillbilly Cider is a dog friendly bar / cellar door in Bilpin. They love their furry guests so much that decided to include them even in their logo. Taste their unique 100% natural ciders (apple & pear) or go and pick your own apples from the garden. Enter the rustic cider shed and you and your pooch will be guaranteed a warm welcome from Tessa & Shane and their friendly staff.
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