Anyone who owns a dog will know they are just as much a part of your family as the humans!
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So it only makes sense that you want to include them in your holiday, and the good news is that Tasmania is incredibly pet-friendly.
From short walks to mountain summits to beaches, there's plenty of options for adventure-minded dog owners who want to explore Tasmania with their four-legged friend.
Tourist attractions
Port Arthur: Dogs are allowed on a lead at Port Arthur, all year round. However, there are limitations and they can't join you on the cruise or access some historic buildings.
Tahune Adventures: If you and your pooch have a head for heights then Tahune airwalk is for you. The suspension bridge and walks surrounding the area are all dog friendly..
Bridestowe Lavender Farm: If you're looking for your next Instagram opportunity with your dog then look no further than the Bridestowe Lavender Farm in summer.
Table Cape Tulip Farm: Spring is the time to take your dog to see the tulips, with the Table Cape Tulip Farm near Wynyard in bloom from September to the end of October.
Vineyards: Completing a wine tour with your dog in tow does sound idyllic and while many vineyards are dog friendly make sure to check before hand. Wobbly Boot in Coal river is the most dog-friendly vineyard with an off leash area and a friendly golden retriever called Maeve who is ready to great everyone with a waggling tail.
Walks
You may be tempted to think you have to leave your dog at home when going for a jaunt in Tasmania's famous wilderness areas. Most hikes in the state are in national parks, where dogs are most definitely not allowed. However, there are plenty of rewarding walks in less-restricted - but just as beautiful - parts of the state.
North-East Tasmania
There are 73 parks in the City of Launceston region where dogs are allowed - see them all on the 'Parks and Gardens' section of the council website. Standouts include the lengthy network of trails contained in Heritage Forest, Trevallyn Recreation Reserve, and the trails in Youngtown Regional Park and Jinglers Creek Reserve.
Of those 73 parks, there are 10 off-leash areas: Arbour Park in West Launceston; Coronation Park in South Launceston; Hardwicke Street Reserve in Summerhill; Heritage Forest in Invermay; Hoblers Bridge Reserve in Newstead; Lawrence Vale Road Reserve in South Launceston; Newnham Reserve; Rocherlea Recreation Ground; St Leonards Picnic Ground; and Waverley Lake Park.
Outside of Launceston, you don't have to go too far to have a mini-adventure with your pet. Hollybank Reserve is a favourite of mountain bike riders, but there is also a 40-minute, educational walk through examples of Tasmania's major production forest types, lined with interpretive signs.
There are two walks in the trails around Derby where dogs are allowed. Moon Valley Rim is a two-hour, three kilometre circuit walk that takes you to the top of Mt Poimena, beginning from the Poimena car park on Sun Flat Road. Goblin Forest Walk starts from the same car park and is easier: only half an hour and 500 metres in the Blue Tier Forest Reserve.
Mt Stronach is a 30-minute drive outside of Derby. This 5km return walk is a long steady climb, but you'll have wonderful views of North East Tasmania from the summit.
Take your dogs to see some of Tasmania's tall trees with the 30-minute walk at Evercreech, between Launceston and the East Coast. These giants of the Eucalyptus viminalis species are the tallest of their type in Australia, and reach over 90m in height - plus, there is a picnic area in this reserve.
Central Tasmania
Saint Valentine's Peak is another steep incline that more than makes up for the exertion required with stunning views. The trailhead is located 21 kilometres south of Ridgley, at a car park at the very end of Kara Road. It's a nine-kilometre, four-hour return hike through both forested and alpine areas to a rewarding summit.
Further west, Mount Gnomon is a one hour, two-kilometre hike near the town of Penguin, off Ironcliffe Road. The fairly easy jaunt takes in lush forest and dry euculypt forest. A fork about halfway along the track will lead you to Mount Gnomon on the right or Mount Dial on the left - at only a kilometre further, this second summit can be added for a longer hike.
The West Coast: One of the stand-out dog-friendly walks in the state - indeed, one of the stand-out short walks in the state - is Montezuma Falls. This three-hour return hike is eight kilometres along an 1800s abandoned train line to an 104 metre high waterfall, taking in everything from open mine shafts to sassafras, myrtle and leatherwood forest. The trackhead is located two kilometres from the town of Rosebery.
Another option is Mount Farrell Track, Lake Herbert Track, or Mount Murchison, all starting near the town of Tullah. Mount Farrell is eight kilometres return, estimated to take three to four hours. There is the option of adding on the track to glacial lake Lake Herbert by taking a fork about halfway along the track. Mount Murchison is 5.1 kilometres and passes three lakes on the way to the summit. This track is highly praised by experienced walkers, especially for its "hanging lakes" which mimic natural infinity pools. However, it features rock climbs, steep cliffs and a rickety rope climb section - only take the most adventuresome of dogs on this one.
Near Strahan, the short, 50-minute Hogarth Falls walk is one of Tasmania's 60 Great Short Walks. As well as towering gum trees, there are beautiful rainforest trees such as leatherwood, sassafras and myrtle on your way to the falls - and platypus are sometimes sighted along this trail. The Strahan foreshore is also an option for a nice walk with your dog.
Southern Tasmania
There are lots of dog-friendly short walks accessible from Hobart. Explore the south of the state with your dogs by heading to any of these dog-friendly trails.
The springs to Lenah Valley: A downhill walk with three historic huts, a lookout and a waterfall to explore. This is a good all year round family walk and it also suits people seeking a bushwalk with their dog (on lead of course!)
Clarks Cliffs: Unlike the coastal based walks that the Tasman Peninsula is renowned for, the Clarks Cliffs trail gives walkers an alternative and unique inland experience. The walk takes in wet eucalypt forests crowded with plant life and cliff top views of a majority of the peninsula. Track conditions differ throughout the walk making this 4 hour, 8km, walk an interesting challenge at times.
Snug Falls: Located just outside of the township of Snug, Snug Falls is a beautiful waterfall above an idyllic river bed. The walk itself is only 1 hour, 2km return along an undulating trail, making it a great short walk for those in the area.
Nierinna Creek: Located on the outskirts of Margate starting from Burnaby Drive this 6k walk is Immersed in beautiful bushland the track follows Nierinna Creek for, occasionally scrambling to the upper sections of the gully. Both dogs and horses are welcomed on this trail.
Beaches
There are many dog-friendly beaches in Tasmania, including off-leash areas at St Helens, Bicheno, and Scamander. Check the relevant council website to find the nearest ones to you. Here are just a few of our favourites:
Adams Beach, Bridport: To get to this lovely off-leash dog beach, drive as far as you can North-West along the beach-facing road of Bentley Street.
Bay of Fires: Dogs are allowed on-lead at some spots along Tasmania's most beautiful stretch of coast, the Bay of Fires. Bring your furred friend to the unfortunately-named Suicide Beach, the more-cheerful Cosy Corner camping grounds by the beach, and Swimcart Lagoon.
Hellyer Beach: Facebook group 'Dog Friendly Places in Tasmania' recommends this little stretch of coast as their favourite. It's tucked away near Port Latta on the North-West Coast.