Best places to take your dog around Gungahlin

Canberra is a great city to own a dog — there are plenty of beautiful places where you can bring your furry friend along. So whether it’s swimming areas, walks or just bringing your pup along when you feel like grabbing a cuppa, keep reading to learn the best places to take your dog around Gungahlin and the Canberra area.

Best dog walks in Canberra

1. Lake Ginninderra – Diddams Close, Belconnen

Belconnen is a beautiful area a bit further away from the city — this generously-sized, grassy and well treed peninsula is the perfect spot to take your pup out for a walk they’ll undoubtedly love. Most of the dog park and dog walk areas are off-leash, which is great.

Head to Lake Ginninderra for an easy stroll around the peninsula, near the car park located at the entrance of Diddams Close and adjacent to the Belconnen Dog Park. There’s good shade, ample sandy access to the water, great facilities, and nice views across the water.

2. Yarralumla walk

The Yarralumla dog-friendly walk showcases the best Yarralumla has to offer, featuring Westbourne Woods, past Government House, along the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, and past the fully fenced Yarralumla Dog Park. The great thing about this walk is that it’s mostly shaded and can also provide your dog with a refreshing swim,  perfect for summer. The walk starts and ends at the Yarralumla shops – where you’ll find several dog friendly café options.

3. Murrumbidgee River – Point Hut Crossing, Point Hut Road

This spot is beautiful, located immediately behind the southern Tuggeranong suburb of Gordon. There's a long sandy beach where your pup can play and the river isn't usually very wide or deep. Just note that if you go after heavy rains, the current may be stronger than usual. Lack of shaded areas could be the only downside to this walk.

4. Murrumbidgee River – Uriarra Crossing, Uriarra Road

Also located in the Murrumbidgee River, this walk features a classic Canberra river swimming spot and walking area. Make sure you take your dog for a stroll along the river bank upstream, and when they’ve explored enough, let them play in the water. You can choose from a huge park environment on the east bank, or a more modest spot on the far, west bank.

5. Lake Burley Griffin – Barrenjoey Rd, Yarramundi Reach

Yarramundi Reach is a small peninsula on Lake Burley Griffin that features exotic shady trees as well as vast expanses of grassland — perfect for a quiet walk with your pup. There are also two good spots for your dog to paddle along the shore, shallow enough if they’re not that good on full-on swimming. Please note this walk is a dog-on-leash area.

Dog-friendly cafés in Canberra

1. Atlas

Located on Hibberson St, this little cafe is the latest team on the block serving up frothy coffees to Gungahlin locals. With a focus on locally sourced produce, you can’t beat the fantastic food served up alongside their bittersweet lattes. Breakfast, anyone?

2. BitterSweet Café

BitterSweet cafe is right in the centre of Green Square and features plenty of generously-spaced outdoor tables in a beautifully-paved and lawn setting. Expect very good coffee and breakfast every day from around 7:30 am.

3. Hello Café

Hello Café in Blamey Place is a friendly neighbourhood café, filled with pleasant outdoor tables. Open for breakfast and lunch from 7.00 am every day (except Sunday), head to Hello for a variety of substantial, tasty meals and tempting sweet treats.

4. The Front Gallery and Café

The Front Gallery and Café has undeniable charm and an electric neighbourhood vibe — boasting ancient outdoor sofas designed for both humans and dogs! The Front Gallery and Café is open every day for breakfast and lunch.

5. 210 Degrees Bakery and Patisserie

Featuring a great and comfy outdoor sitting area for your four-legged friend, 210 Degrees Bakery and Patisserie will win you over with its mouth-watering chocolate croissants and its top-notch coffee.

6. Red Brick Espresso

Dogs (and kids) will love the grassy outdoor space that Red Brick Espresso provides — along with its delightful coffee. The cafe is open every day featuring simple breakfast and lunch offerings.

7. Beess & Co

Beess & Co boasts a spacious, shady location under an old plane tree. Outdoor tables provide ample space for your pooch. Be sure to arrive early or book a table in advance — Beess & Co is popular.
Canberra is pretty cool place. So next time you’re about to walk out the door, think about bringing your furry friend with you. And when you’re around Gungahlin, check out The Marketplace Gungahlin to see what’s on and to grab a bite to eat.