5 best spots to take your dog for an outing this weekend

It’s an unreal city to live in if you’re a human, but we’re pretty sure the pooches of Canberra love living here too.

ACT Government data shows the capital has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in the country, with one in three Canberrans owning a dog. That number increases to one in two in Tuggeranong, where nearly 48% of residents have their own fur baby.

Weston/Molonglo has the second highest level of dog ownership (36%), followed by Belconnen (32%), Woden (32%), the inner north (28%), the inner south (26%) and Gungahlin (23%).

So where do dog owners take their pups as a special treat on the weekends? We asked MARQ Property’s Luke McAuliffe – owner of five-year-old red heeler Max – for the five best dog destinations in Canberra.

Old Canberra Inn

“There’s nothing better than a beer in the beer garden at Old Canberra Inn with your dog at your feet,” Luke says.

“It’s a fantastic dog-friendly pub, with good food, craft beer for the humans and water bowls for the dogs.

“I love its historic charm and how casual it is.”

Frankies at Forde

“Yes it’s a suburban cafe but it has really spacious seating outside which gets the winter sun,” Luke says.

“They have water bowls and sometimes even treats for the dogs of patrons.

“The café has an awesome menu – try the Philly cheese roll at lunch – and a warm, inviting atmosphere.”

O’Connor Dog Park

Predictable? Yes. But if you like to feel like you’re right in the bush while your dog frolics, then you’ll love this dog park.

"It’s divided into two areas - for large and small dogs - and the ground is covered in woodchips," Luke says.

“The off-leash areas are really huge; Max loves the agility equipment and I love the shaded spots. There’s a friendly community of dog owners there, meaning Max can socialise and so can I.”

Yerrabi Pond

Max loves the walking trails around Yerrabi Pond, and getting in the water in Spring and Summer. The pond has two off-leash areas, one with a large grassy space adjacent to the walking track that follows the perimeter of the pond, and an off-leash swimming spot.

“It has well-maintained facilities. It's perfect for exercise, play, and bonding with your furry friend,” Luke says.

Lake Ginninderra

Forget Lake Burley Griffin, it’s all about the lake in the north. The shores of the Lake Ginninderra are on-leash but the beautiful water views are worth it.

“There's a dog park there but exploring the edges of the lake itself is even better."

Photo of cute chihuahua in front of Frankie's at Forde courtesy of @jinx_the_chihuahua on Instagram