10 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.
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 Chalet | Kanimbla
Guests 6 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2
Escape to the pinnacle of serenity! Welcome to our mountain-top dog friendly holiday accommodation, perfectly perched 975 meters above sea level to offer you breathtaking 360-degree views of the Blue Mountains majestic landscape. Just two hours from Sydney, unplug and unwind in a setting where the sky meets the peaks, and where nature is your closest neighbour.
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 Cottage | Grose Vale
Guests 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
Not technically Blue Mountains but rather close by to make it your base to explore particularly the Bells Line of Road side of the ranges. There are great dog friendly places to visit such as Hillbilly and Bilpin Cider Cellar Doors. You should also check the nearby off leash Kurrajong Bark Park.
The property is a traditional settler-style dog friendly log cabin with two bedrooms (a queen and a twin). Fresh linen and towels are provided and the beds have electric blankets. There’s a basic kitchenette and private BBQ to cater for a simple meals. The cottage boasts open fire and air-conditioning/heating as well as a double bath with jets. Looking out over your vast front yard of an acre or more you can see the birds flit across the sun bathed lawn. A stream passes by the cabin and the sounds of the small waterfalls are heard throughout the valley.
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.
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 | Rydal
Guests 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Romantic dog friendly country style tiny house for couples. Luxurious outdoor bath with hot&cold water plus lavender essential oil. The accommodation has a combustion wood fire for cosy nights inside or an outdoor fire for stargazing. Firewood is available at petrol station on highway turnoff. Kindling and firestarters are provided. You and your pets have exclusive access to roam and relax in the vast beauty of the Australian bush. Outside of the private garden which surrounds the tiny house and is securely fenced for your pets and also has spectacular views of the Blue Mountains.
Dog Friendly House | Rydal
Guests 4 | Bedrooms 2 | Bathrooms 1
Experience the amazing outdoor bath or relax at the indoor bathroom with clawfoot bath and overhead shower. Full kitchen facilities with dishwasher, coffee machine, microwave, gas cooktop, double gas oven and Smeg fridge. Large OLED HD smart tv and dvd player with foxtel all channels. Huge open wood fire place – one bucket of wood complimentary and there is an additional bucket available at cost $20.
Lots of amazing wildlife just outside the front door, great walks on the large rural property and neighbouring 450 acre pine forest. 5 minute drive to dog friendly Lake Lyell with plenty of fishing and water sports opportunities. 35 minute drive the Jenolan Caves and Blue Mountains attractions.
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. 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.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.