Dogs and pets

Dogs and other pets are welcome in some conservation parks, State forests and recreation areas, but not in national parks.

Why can’t I take my dog into a national park?

The purpose of national parks is to conserve nature, providing a much-needed refuge for native plants and animals. While dogs and other pets are a valued part of a family, they’re a real threat to our native animals. They can:

  • scare or stress native animals with their presence or scent
  • chase and sometimes catch and kill wildlife
  • introduce disease and increase the spread of weeds
  • be hurt by aggressive native wildlife or exposure to different plant species
  • disturb the peace and quiet for other visitors.

This is why dogs, cats, and all other domestic pets—including caged birds—aren’t allowed. On-the-spot fines apply if you are found to have pets with you in a national park.

Travelling with a dog in a vehicle through a national park

You can travel through a national park with your dog in a vehicle but only on gazetted roads. The dog must stay inside the vehicle and you must stay on the gazetted roads. You can’t travel on any non-gazetted (management) roads in the park and you can’t stop at day-use areas, lookouts or any other sites.

Provisions for traversing recreation areas are different for each area. Check the individual web pages for these areas for details.

Places where dogs are welcome

Find conservation parks, recreation areas and State forests in Queensland where dogs are permitted on a leash.

Check each web page carefully to find out where in the area you can take your dog and pay attention to any signs when you get there. Dogs may only be allowed in specific areas within the park or forest. You must ensure your dog remains on a leash at all times and pick up after your dog. On-the-spot fines apply for not complying with these rules.

Dog-friendly camping areas

Dogs can stay overnight in only a few of our camping areas. When you arrive, check the signs to see where you and your dog can go.

Be a responsible dog owner

Follow these simple rules to help make your visit enjoyable for you, your dog, other visitors and the local wildlife.

  • Keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times.
  • Always clean up after your dog. Collect waste in a secure bag and dispose of it responsibly. Most parks and forests don’t have rubbish bins, so bring your own bags and take them with you when you leave.
  • Always check your dog carefully for ticks.

Certified support dogs and assistance animals

Certified support dogs are allowed into public areas of Queensland’s parks and forests, including camping areas and national parks. Certified support dogs must wear an identifying coat or harness and the approved badge or tag.

Assistance animals may be allowed in public areas of parks and forests with verified medical and animal suitability documents. There’s comprehensive information about this in our operational policy certified support dogs and assistance animals in QPWS managed areas.

Helpful signs and symbols

Signs and symbols indicate where pets are and aren’t allowed. Look for these standard symbols before taking your pet into a park or forest.

Dogs permitted on leash
Dogs permitted on leash—your dog is permitted in the area provided it is on a leash and under effective control at all times.

Dogs and pets prohibited
Domestic animals prohibited—your pet is not permitted in the area.