Top dog-friendly spots in the Adelaide Hills.
It’s no secret that dogs are much more than pets – they’re part of the family. And all those daily walks, games in the backyard and enthusiastic greetings at the front door are doing us some good too.
Studies have linked dog ownership with a range of physical and mental health benefits, from encouraging us to be more active to providing companionship, social connection and plenty of everyday joy. You can read more about the ways our pets can support our happiness and mental health.
At Newenham, our connection to nature and open space has always been an important part of the way our community has been designed, with plenty of opportunities for residents and their four-legged companions to get outside, walk and explore.
And when you’re ready to venture a little further, the Adelaide Hills has plenty more to discover. Knowing exactly where your dog will be welcome isn’t always quite so easy, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite dog-friendly places and experiences across the Hills.
(Please note: while dogs are welcome at the places featured below, most require them to remain on a leash. We recommend checking individual venue requirements before visiting.)
DOG PARKS
Mount Barker off leash Dog Park, “Barka Park”
Officially opened in 2015, Barka Park is an enclosed dog exercise area that features two shelters and seating, doggy bag dispensers, drinking fountains, dog exercise equipment, park furniture and several walking trails and paths. If you’re pampered pooch is looking to make some more four-legged friends, or you’re simply looking for more than a classic walking trail, we highly recommend Barka Park.
Zoomies Dog Park – Mount Barker Springs
For those of us who don’t feel comfortable using public dog parks, Zoomies is a dream come true! A private 1-acre (5,000 sqm) off-lead dog park set on Springs Road, Zoomies is a great option for dogs who prefer solo adventures over the mosh pit of a busy public dog park.
With 1.5m fencing, established gum trees for shade, a paddling pool, toys and agility obstacles, it offers a safe and enriching space for sensitive or reactive dogs to run and explore in nature. Bookings are essential, giving you and your dog plenty of peace, privacy and room to play, with up to four dogs per booking.
Zoomies has also introduced a five-acre Creek Walk through bushland with access to the creek line. Unlike the dog park, this is not a dedicated off-lead area, so it’s best explored on a long lead unless your dog has exceptional recall. By the creek is a picnic table so why not bring the whole family and friends and your furry best mates and make a day of it! It’s another lovely option for dogs who enjoy sniffing, exploring and a quieter wander through nature.
Little Hampton on and off leash Dog Park, “The Glebe”
The Glebe in Littlehampton is a large open space with designated on and off leash areas. It also includes a play space for children, toilet facilities, shelter and walking paths.
With a 4.8 star review on Google, this is an amazing dog park that is regularly visited by local dog lovers. Balhannah Dog Park is a fully off-leash area filled with gorgeous oak trees, a winter creek, and well-defined walking paths while offering wide open spaces for your furry-friend to roam.
Nairne is now home to one of the largest dog parks in the Adelaide Hills, designed with best-practice features for the safety and comfort of both dogs and their owners. 🐶🐾 With secure fencing, airlock gates, a walking path, water fountain, seating, and waste bag dispensers – Woofside Road Dog Park has it all! Conveniently located on the corner of Woodside Road and Webber Drive, it’s also well connected to existing walking paths and nearby open spaces, including Byethorne Park.
DOG WALKS
Not only a productive water reclamation facility, the Laratinga Wetlands are a great place for yourself and your dog to walk, picnic and laze around in the beautiful, natural environment. There are several walks and routes you and your four-legged friend can explore. The trails in the wetlands are also linked to the Mount Barker Linear Trail, an amazing, award-winning shared use path that follows the local Western Flat creek line through Mount Barker and into the heart of Newenham some 8kms away.
Located in Mount Barker, a trip to Totness Recreation Park is a must for dog-owners and is a great walking trail for both yourself and your pup. It is considered a hidden gem and is the perfect spot for your dog to frolic and enjoy their surroundings. We guarantee he or she will absolutely love it here.
With a 4.8 star review on Google, this is an amazing dog park that is regularly visited by local dog lovers. Balhannah Dog Park is a fully off-leash area filled with gorgeous oak trees, a winter creek, well-defined walking paths while offering wide open spaces for your furry-friend to roam.
The Tinjella Trail in Kuitpo Forest is perfect for walking and hiking, trail running, horse riding and mountain biking, but more importantly, it is perfect for dog walking. This relatively easy track takes 4 hours via a 14km circuit.
In the heart of the Adelaide Hills, Belair National Park is a fantastic outdoor space to explore with your beloved pooch. With picturesque views and challenging hikes, Belair has something for every dog and features several picnic areas that allow you and your four-legged friend to relax and recharge. Due to the abundant wildlife seen in this park you can walk your dog in this park as long as it is on a lead.
Mount George Conservation Park
Perhaps one of the less accessible parks of the Adelaide Hills region, Mount George Conservation Park boasts gorgeous scenery and various picnic areas. Dogs are permitted in the designated recreation park on a leash – between Cox Creek and Mount George Road.
DOG-FRIENDLY EATERIES, RESTAURANTS AND CAFES
Lot 100 is a very popular hot-spot in the Adelaide Hills, located in Nairne. This 84-hectare property features Mismatch Brewing, Adelaide Hills Distillery, The Hills Cider Company, Ashton Valley Fresh and Vinteloper. So, there’s something for everyone! And even better, it’s dog friendly. So, bring along your family, friends and your pooch (on a leash) for a fun day out.
Bird in Hand is a family-owned and ever-popular winery, but not many people know that it’s actually a dog-friendly venue. So, we’re here to report they most certainly are! Their shaded courtyard is a great place to sit with your furry friends. They can sit by your side while you relax and indulge on some of South Australia’s best wine, and will be brought cool water to ensure they stay hydrated and happy.
A popular spot for good reason, this café has several mouth-water options for humans and pets alike. This eatery offers free dog biscuits, and better yet—a doggie latte of lactose-free milk with a dog biscuit and turmeric sprinkled on top. If you’re thinking about bringing along your four-legged pal, it will be one spoiled pooch! Find Fred Eatery in Aldgate Village.
This Adelaide Hills café uses only the freshest local produce to create their divine dishes. Located on the main street of Mylor, it’s is a great place to indulge in South Australian ingredients with your four-legged friend by your side.
Offering a sensational menu, this restaurant, located in a heritage cottage Hahndorf, is where you can enjoy all the best flavours of South Australia in the most beautiful setting. They are dog people and offer dog bowls and treats for well-behaved pooches. You can even treat them to a puppacino!
A favourite in Hahndorf, The Haus is the perfect spot for you and your pooch if you’re craving a hearty dish. Free water bowls are provided for pets, so they’ll be able to relax and enjoy some well-deserved love and attention from Hahndorf visitors while you tuck into a German feast.
ADELAIDE HILLS WINE CELLAR DOORS
There’s nothing better than sipping on a glass of red or white wine, surrounded by the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Well – perhaps, it would be even better with your beloved pooch by your side. There are a multitude of Cellar Doors that let you do just that and encourage you to bring your furry friend along while you enjoy some well-deserved vino. Try Deviation Road in Longwood, Nepenthe in Blahannah, Shaw + Smith and Howard Vineyards on the outskirts of Mount Barker to name just a few!
The Bridgewater Inn is a dog-friendly place for hikers walking the nearby Heysen Trail with their best friends to those who just want their fur friend to accompany them when they leave the house. The team will happily supply a water bowl to each table for your pooch and a “doggy bag”, so your dog can also enjoy the great food.
DOG-FRIENDLY EVENTS
Located on Mann Street in Mount Barker, the ever-popular Adelaide Hills Farmers Market is a fantastic spot to buy fresh produce, and indulge in a glass of vino. Even better, it’s a great dog friendly destination (though dogs must be on a short leash). This market runs every Saturday all year-round, with the exception of Easter Saturday.
A relaxed day out for the whole family – pups included. Held every third Sunday of the month, guests are invited to bring their dogs along for a vineyard stroll led by Simon himself, with insights into grape growing, the seasons and life behind the scenes. Complimentary dog treats on arrival. Bookings recommended – check out upcoming dates via their events page.
DOG TRAINING
Located 2kms from Mount Barker, adjacent to Mount Barker Vet Clinic on Flaxley Road, Barker Behaviour and Training provides dog owners with the confidence and skills needed to produce a balanced, well-mannered pooch from the outset. Training all year round in any weather, they have a purpose-built indoor dog training facility and a fully fenced grassed outdoor training area. Specialising in positive, force-free, reward training their highly qualified trainers work with groups or individuals, holding a variety of classes for puppies up to 12 months, adult dogs who may need fine-tuning in the manners department or dog owners just looking for fun short courses allowing for continued bonding.
GROOMING & WASHING
Keep your pet healthy, happy and smelling great! Servicing Mount Barker and surrounds Happy Hounds has been washing and grooming pooches offering professional and personalised mobile wash and grooming services. They employ local professional dog groomers and washers who use positive reinforcement techniques and importantly, are insured and trained to Australian standards. Their prices are based on the size and condition of your pet so they are happy to provide a free quote.
Based in Hutchinson Street, Mount Barker. They promise your dogs with a pampering experience of a lifetime. Follow their grooming journey with beautiful before-and-after shots that showcase their transformation. If you’re looking for a responsible and caring business to groom your pets, you’re in the right place. As lifelong animal owners, they have a deep love for all dogs, regardless of their size.
LOOKING FOR A FUREVER FRIEND
Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter
Are you looking for a four-legged companion? We recommend the Hahndorf Interim Animal Shelter as the first stop on your search. A charity and non-profit, they give abandoned cats and dogs a second chance to find loving homes. Check them out!
If you like this blog you might also like to read How your pets keep you happy and how to keep them happy 🙂
Newenham residents can rest assured that there is no shortage of dog-friendly places in the Adelaide Hills. And even better, Newenham’s linear park pathway connects to the established linear path which leads safely into the town centre of Mount Barker – only 2 km’s away – and all the way to Laratinga Wetlands and back – a 16 km round trip if you and your pooch are up for it!
We encourage you to enjoy all the great places the Adelaide Hills has to offer with your four-legged friend, and while you’re there be sure to pop into Newenham.
The Sales and Information Centre is located at 164 Flaxley Road, Mount Barker. Check the website for open hours or book by appointment for a personal tour at a time that suits you by calling our Sales Team on 0429 107 497.
Come and see for yourself why you and your dog will love living at Newenham.