10 Dog Friendly Walking Trails on the Fleurieu Peninsula

• 18 September 2025
• petMeow
• Holiday with pets , Places to go , Things to do

10 Dog Friendly Walks on the Southern Fleurieu

Walking is the easiest, cheapest, and healthiest way to get around. It’s good for us… and the planet. The only footprint you’ll leave is your own! Despite its natural benefits, some of us need extra motivation to lace up those shoes.

How to make walking more enjoyable? Go with friends, family, or your furry companions (no one loves walks more than dogs!). Explore beautiful environments, discover new places, listen to music, or enjoy the peace and quiet. Visit spots cars can’t reach and snap amazing photos. Even on holiday, walking is the best way to see sights up close and meet locals.

For guests in our pet friendly holiday homes or the many visitors to South Australia’s most popular tourist destination, we’ve created a list of ten stunning dog-friendly walks around the Fleurieu Peninsula.  We’ve got notes on the degree of difficulty and what ages and fitness levels each walk is suitable for.

Find Your Perfect Fleurieu Walk

1. Encounter Bikeway (shared walking path)

• Location: Encounter Bay
• Distance: 31 km one-way
• Difficulty: Easy & flat
• Suitable for: All ages and fitness levels, with good wheelchair accessibility in various sections

Linking Encounter Bay, Victor Harbor, Middleton and Goolwa is the Encounter Bikeway, is a shared path that’s very popular with both serious and novice walkers. 

The full length of this scenic path is 31 km one way but of course you can just pick a portion of the track, so it is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There are also a number of side paths to explore if you’re the adventurous type!

Here’s an idea: walk one way or even part of the way and catch the Cockle Train back. Be sure to check the timetable before you leave! 

The path is well maintained and flat, so it is also suitable for wheelchairs and prams. Scattered along the path you will pass picnic tables, public toilets, seating, plenty of playgrounds and of course incredible views! 

There is mobile phone access the entire 31 kms and the path is easily accessible at various points by car. Check out this brochure to learn more about the Bikeway and see a map of the entire route.

Need a place for you and your pooch to stay in Encounter Bay? Browse and book your ideal home-away-from-home here.

2. Hindmarsh Falls

• Location: Hindmarsh Valley
• Distance: 200 metres
• Difficulty: Easy with some steep parts
• Suitable for: Most fitness levels, but the route isn’t recommended for prams or wheelchairs

Best viewed in the wintertime, Hindmarsh Falls is a spectacular sight. This walk is a very short one, only 200 metres long, through stunning native bushland. It can be slightly steep in parts, so it isn’t recommended for wheelchairs or prams. It is easily navigated, though, especially with the use of the handrails and steps.

This is a great walk for bird watchers and photographers, as well as families who want to enjoy a picnic in the picnic area before or after their walk. Unfortunately, there are no public toilets in the area or even close by, so if you plan on spending a good part of the day enjoying this area, you may want to plan for that.

The Falls can be accessed at the end of Waterfall Road, Hindmarsh Valley (off Hindmarsh Tiers Road), and there are two car parks available, one at the picnic spot and one at the start of the walking track. Mobile phone reception is not very reliable, so don’t rely on it during your walk.

3. Hindmarsh River Trail

• Location: Victor Harbor
• Distance: 8 km loop
• Difficulty: Easy & flat
• Suitable for: Most fitness levels, as the walk can be broken up into shorter sections

This picturesque walk begins at the ocean and follows the Hindmarsh River upstream. It can be started at the car park at the end of Bridge Terrace or the car park on Wattle Drive and is flat, so it’s suitable for most people.

There is a picnic spot along the way if you want to take a break while you immerse yourself in the beautiful surroundings. You will also pass ‘Harry’s Hole,’ which is a small swamp bursting with life where you can stop and listen to the sounds of the birds and frogs that call this place home.

The Hindmarsh River Walk is a loop, so you will never see the same scenery twice. It has several starting points enabling the walk to be broken up into several smaller legs if needed. Mobile phone access is available for the entire walk.

Looking for pet friendly accommodation in Victor Harbor? Explore the area’s top options here.

4. Kings Head Hike, Heysen Trail

• Location: Encounter Bay
• Distance: 6.5 km one-way
• Difficulty: Mostly flat & easy with some hills
• Suitable for: Most fitness levels, wheelchairs, and prams

Beginning at Kent Reserve, Encounter Bay, this 6.5km one-way scenic coastal walk is mostly flat with a few hills, but the path is well maintained and it is suitable for most fitness levels, wheelchairs, and prams. The entire walk is along the coastline with breathtaking views to take in, picnic spots to have lunch or take a break and seating along the path too.

From Kent Reserve, follow the path along Franklin Parade and walk towards the Bluff. The trail continues past Whalers Way behind Rosetta Head (The Bluff), past Petrel Cove and along the Victor Harbor Heritage Trail to Kings Beach and Kings Head. There is mobile phone access to the entire trail.

For the short scenic version on the wild side of the Bluff, pick the trail up at Petrel Cove or at Kings Beach Rd (an extension of Three Gullies Rd/Jagger Rd at Encounter Bay).  There is plenty of parking at both ends. 

Looking for a cosy spot for you and your furry friend in Encounter Bay? Explore and book your perfect home-away-from-home today.

5. Victor Harbor Heritage Trail, Heysen Spur Trail

• Location: Victor Harbor
• Distance: 5.8 km linear (point-to-point)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Suitable for: Families with prams, wheelchair users, walkers of most abilities

The Heritage Trail has a bit of everything! It is a 5.8 km-long, one-way, flat, and well-maintained path along the coast. A dog and child-friendly walk, suitable for prams and wheelchairs too. You’ll get stunning views, the chance to see dolphins and whales swimming offshore, and a short history/geology lesson (through the interpretive signage) all in one!

This walk promotes awareness and understanding of the cultural, environmental and historical significance of the section of Victor Harbor’s spectacular coastline from Kent Reserve to Kings Beach Road, where it joins up with the Heysen Trail. There is seating available along the way, good mobile phone coverage, and it’s accessible by car.

Looking for pet friendly accommodation in Victor Harbor? Explore the area’s top options here.

6. Harbourmasters Walking Trail

• Location: Port Elliot
• Distance: 1.9 km circular
• Difficulty: Easy
• Suitable for: Walkers of varying fitness, but the route may be unsuitable for prams due to the cobblestone section

The Harbourmaster’s walk is a short but delightful path saturated in history that runs from Horseshoe Bay to Knights Beach in Port Elliot. The trail begins at the ruins of the Harbour Master’s Cottage opposite the YHA on the Strand and is another child-friendly and dog-friendly walk. 

The trail follows a cobblestone path (paved by volunteers in the 1930s and 1940s) around the headland of Freemans Knob past Lady’s Beach, Rocky Bay and Green Bay before reaching Knights Beach. The trail returns along the Esplanade and the Centenary Stairs and past Freemans Lookout. The views are panoramic, which also makes it the perfect walk for professional or novice photographers. The trail has a picnic spot along the way, seating available, public toilets and mobile phone coverage too. Download a map of the walk here.

Why not make a weekend of it? Browse our pet friendly Port Elliot properties to find the ideal accommodation for you and your furry friend.

7. Lagoon Trail, Hindmarsh River Estuary

• Location: Victor Harbor
• Distance: 1.2 km circular
• Difficulty: Easy
• Suitable for: Boardwalks make this trail accessible for everyone

Enjoy this short, 1.2 km walk along boardwalks and around the lagoon in Hindmarsh River Estuary, through paperbark woodland. The lagoon is a remnant of what was once the route of the Hindmarsh River. It is about 120 meters long and up to 35 meters wide and is a mixture of salty and fresh water.

Begin the walk at the bridge of the Hindmarsh River mouth and enjoy all the natural beauty and wildlife as you make your way around the lagoon. There is a picnic spot nearby, public toilets and mobile phone coverage. Download a map of the walk here.

Searching for pet friendly accommodation in Victor Harbor? Check out the best options in the area here.

8. Walk Into History at Port Elliot

• Location: Port Elliot
• Distance: Two routes to choose from, both of which can be shortened or lengthened as required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Suitable for: Walkers and history buffs of all abilities

This trail is a quick self-guided walk through the town that gives a great insight into the history of Port Elliot from the middle of the 19th Century and the years since. This historical walk, which is separated into two trails, takes visitors past locations of historic significance. Each stopping point has an information board which provides further details of its history over the last 160 years.

The walk commences alongside the railway station and takes around 60 minutes to complete, depending on which route you choose. There are local shops close by, public toilets, picnic areas and Port Elliot is accessible not only by car but by bus and train too. The walking path is well-maintained and flat and is suitable for all fitness levels. It is wheelchair and pram-friendly, and of course, just like all the other walks we have mentioned, the fur kids are very welcome! You may want to add to the history theme of the day and include a trip on the Cockle train in your itinerary.

Find out more about the walk and download the map here.

Why not make a weekend of it? Browse our pet friendly Port Elliot properties to find the ideal accommodation for you and your furry friend.

9. Rosetta Trail (The Bluff)

• Location: Encounter Bay
• Distance: 800 metres one-way
• Difficulty: Moderate, some sections of the ascent are steep and can be slippery
• Suitable for: Walkers with a good level of fitness seeking spectacular views

Explore The Bluff (also known as Rosetta Head) by walking the 800-meter Rosetta Trail to the top of the Bluff. Begin at The Bluff carpark and make your way up the 60 metre ascent to the summit of the Bluff. This walk requires a little effort but once you reach the Bluff, the spectacular 360-degree views make it well worth it! This is also a popular spot for whale watchers with whales coming as close as 10 metres to the cliff face.

Photographers often frequent this area, not only for the views and the whales but the dolphins and seals too! There is mobile phone coverage on this walk too but no seating, toilets or anything else, so grab a back pack, your camera, binoculars and a drink and head on up to the top of the Bluff.

Need a place for you and your pooch to stay in Encounter Bay? Browse and book your ideal home-away-from-home here.

10. Inman River Valley

• Location: Victor Harbor
• Distance: 8 km there & back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Suitable for: Walkers of all fitness levels, but long grass may make sections unsuitable for prams and wheelchairs

This gentle riverside walk follows the banks of the Inman River, winding through pockets of natural bushland. The path is maintained, but sturdy walking shoes are recommended, and in warmer weather, keep an eye out for snakes basking in the sun.

Your journey begins at Kent Reserve, once a traditional camping site for the Ramindjeri people and later named after John Kent, an English storekeeper who served with the 39th Regiment under Captain Collett Barker. Interpretive signs at the reserve provide fascinating insights into its history. The walk concludes at the historic Victor Harbor Cemetery, established in 1860. Find out more about this historic walk here.

Searching for pet friendly accommodation in Victor Harbor? Check out the best options in the area here.

Explore the Best Dog-Friendly Walking Trails on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend adventure or a visitor exploring the Fleurieu Peninsula for the first time, these dog-friendly walking trails offer the perfect way to enjoy the region’s stunning landscapes with your four-legged friend by your side. 

From coastal paths with sweeping ocean views to serene bush tracks filled with native wildlife, there’s a trail to suit every pace and personality. So, grab the leash, pack some water and treats, and discover why walking the Fleurieu is an experience both you and your pup will love.

If you’re planning a getaway in South or West Australia for you and your furry friend, you’ll need a comfy, cosy place to stay. Pet Let is home to a hand-picked collection of some of the best pet-friendly holiday lets in the region. Browse, book, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure with your pooch.