Walks for your pooch (with coffee stops along the way!)
Posted on
Walking your furry friend with a brew in hand is one of life’s (big) joy—because it really is pawsible to enjoy both!
Here’s our guide to navigating three fur-tastic walking tracks – each with a delicious detour to keep you and your pooch motivated along the way. Did someone say puppuccino?
Downer to Lyneham (Total: 30 minutes)
The leafy, oak-rich streets of downer are riddled with scenic routes to explore with you and your furry friend. But if you’re looking for guidance, we recommend the stormwater path starting at Downer Playing Fields and making your way into the heart of Lyneham. And yes, it’s more scenic than it sounds.
For coffee and sweet treat fuel up at Gang-Gang café (conveniently located next to the Downer Playing Fields)—they’re about as pooch friendly as it gets! And with the off-leash dog oval so close, you can peacefully sip your cuppa and watch your dog from afar (with a spare hand free for croissant eating, might I add.)
View this post on Instagram
This edgy little café is packed on weekends, and for a good reason—the menu is expansive, creative and bursting with flavour. And don’t even get me started on the cakes—the chai slice will have you daydreaming about its gooey richness for days, and paired with a quality coffee, you have a heavenly foodie experience.
Once you are sufficiently fuelled up, make your way down Frenchman Street to the Dickson Wetlands (where the stormwater drain path will take you to Lyneham). It’s about a 30-minute stroll, so if you are looking for a second coffee fix, you can’t go wrong with one perhaps one of Canberra’s most timeless dinners, Tilley’s.
View this post on Instagram
With plenty of outdoor seating, an old-school aesthetic and an aromatic menu, afternoon brunching has never felt more suave. Let’s raise our puppuccinos to that!
ANU loop (Total: 75 minutes)
The perfect loop for dog owners who like to stroll on the casual side while soaking up these warm Canberra mornings and embracing relaxing somnolent rhythms along the way.
Starting at the end of Marcus and Clark Street (closest to the lake), we suggest popping into Močan & Green Grout before making your way around the loop. A contemporary-style café that focuses on fresh ingredients, bold favours and, most importantly, making your tastebuds happy. The baked eggs are our recommendation, washed down with a well-roasted cuppa. Heaven!
View this post on Instagram
Then, make your way towards the National Film and Sound Archive (this link canberradogwalks will guide you on your journey) before a delicious mid-way patisserie refuels at La Baguette by R&M (seriously, you won’t regret it). Think Praline & rhubarb tartlet, hot and golden croissant and melt-in-your-mouth apple turnovers—oui s’il vous plaît!
View this post on Instagram
Fellows Oval is also worth a visit—shaded by rich gum trees, the occasional weeping willow, and eye-catching views of Canberra’s surrounding mountains. It’s one you and your pooch can both enjoy before making your way on route home.
The ANU loop map can be accessed here: canberradogwalks
(Note: this walk is entirely on leash).
Ainslie shop loop (Total: 60 minutes)
Ainslie has perhaps some of the most picturesque, leafy green streets to meander through. And while the revered mount Ainslie is a ‘dog walking go to’ there’s something magical about getting lost (not literally) in one of Canberra’s oldest and arguably the most charming suburb.
From a mouth-watering pre-walk treat and brew, we suggest paying a visit to the Ainslie Bakehouse. Think handmade pies, drool-worthy sweet treat creations and the smell of freshly made bread perfuming the air. The coffee is equally divine, warm, smooth and balanced in all the right places.
View this post on Instagram
The route itself may need a bit of study—see the detailed map below. You can also shorten it to just Ainslie shops to Majura park (15 minutes)—off-leash ovals are sometimes the best way to tire out an energetic furry friend.
For walking enthusiasts taking the extended route, notable landmarks are Corroboree Park and the base of the Mount Ainslie track, with your final destination taking you back to Ainslie shops. There’s nothing better than a post-walk refreshing drink Edgar’s Inn won’t disappoint (they also do coffee depending on the time of day). A little gem oozing in charm, history and stunning views overlooking Mount Ainslie. Purfect!
View this post on Instagram
The Ainslie shop loop map can be accessed here: canberradogwalks
(Note: this walk is entirely on leash—when not at off-leash parks)
