Our walking directions are detailed enough to help you find your way from the starting point even without a map. Our website is fully responsive so the directions will be easy to read and look good on your smartphone. Walking directions include:

• approximate walking times and distances
• a rating indicating the amount of off leash opportunities
• location of public toilets and bins
• location of children’s playgrounds
• advice about when dogs can go off leash; when they should be called to heel, for example, prior to a road crossing; or when they should be on leash
• warnings about potential distractions such as horse riders or kangaroos
• additional commentary about particular sections of the walk such as views, historic features, interesting architecture or sculptures.

Each walk is accompanied by a detailed google map illustrating the walking route. You can just use the map to find your way but the walking directions give you important information about off leash and on leash areas, where to find the nearest toilet, when to watch out for kangaroos, plus interesting commentary about what you're seeing.

Approximate walking times are provided, assuming a steady walking pace with a few stops to throw a ball, let your dog socialise with other dogs, or take in the views. If you walk the whole route at a brisk pace without pause you may take less time than estimated. If you dawdle a lot you may take longer. Elderly walkers or families with young children may also take longer.

Each walk provides warnings about potential doggie distractions such as kangaroos, rabbits, horses, etc. Canberra isn’t called the ‘bush capital’ for nothing! You can encounter kangaroos and rabbits even in the Parliamentary Triangle. Having said that, most of our walks avoid Canberra’s so-called nature parks where these distractions are most common. Where they can’t be avoided, we provide a warning to leash your dog, especially if they are ‘chase’ inclined. Each walk also warns when approaching sports grounds, schools and bike paths. You should always respect other users and be aware of ACT Government dog regulations.

All walks are rated for their off leash opportunities.
 means long sections of the walk can be completed off leash
 means there are good sections of off leash walking
 means off leash areas are included along the route allowing games and socialising but most of the route must be walked on leash.

We also have two outstanding walks that are on-leash only.

Your dog should be on leash along paved paths, in shopping centres, on school grounds, crossing busy roads and in Canberra's nature parks. Dogs off leash should be well socialised and reliably come when called.

The ACT Government provides information about designated off leash areas on its website. Our blog on walking your dog in the ACT provides a good summary of what you need to know. It’s your responsibility to ensure the safety of your dog, the safety of others, and to know the laws in Canberra.

Most walks begin and end at a shopping centre featuring a dog friendly café. In most cases there are several dog friendly establishments with outside tables where proprietors welcome dogs. However disruptive dogs may not be welcomed. You'll need to check café opening times. Many are open 7 days a week, but some are closed Sundays and/or Mondays. Cafés that are exceptionally dog friendly, welcoming and/or serve consistently good coffee are identified as 'Our Pick'. See also our blog on Canberra dog friendly cafés. We have not received any inducements to recommend these cafés.

All walk directions include a link to a gallery of photos taken on that walk so you can preview what to expect. All photos are taken by amateurs, so what you see is what you get!

All directions include a link to important stuff you should know before starting any of our walks. You should also check the ACT Government website outlining dog regulations so you can be well informed. Our blog on walking your dog in Canberra provides a good summary of what you need to know. Our walks assume you are a responsible dog owner with effective control of your dog.