A 3-day itinerary in Sydney for dogs and their people

Morning 

You’ll want to start your weekend of fun feeling fresh, so book your pup in for a groom at BabaG’s. This sprawling space in Saint Peters is a grooming salon, doggy daycare and cafe all in one, so you can relax and enjoy a coffee with a pastry, gourmet sandwich or traditional burek within view of the clippers. The groomers don’t use cages (pups can run around in the daycare area if they need to wait) and only a few dogs are groomed at a time, perfect for anxious pooches. 

BabaG's Cafe and Grooming Salon, Saint Peters - Credit: BabaG's Cafe and Grooming Salon

Afternoon  

It’s just a short stroll from BabaG’s to Sydney Park, one of the city’s best dog parks. The whole area is off leash (excluding the playground), and there are endless trails, grassy hills and even a puppy pond. There are plenty of places to rub off that just-washed smell. 

Sydney Park, Saint Peters

Then it’s time to check in to your luxurious, dog-friendly hotel. Pier One Sydney Harbour in Walsh Bay considers pets part of the family, so you’re both in for the paw-fect stay. The special puppy package includes a memory foam dog bed, designer food and water bowls, and an in-room mini bar of special dog goodies. The pet-friendly rooms open straight out onto the pier, so it’s easy to go for a walk, and there’s a special Plates for Pups menu of dishes like snapper fillet with steamed carrots and chicken breast with cauliflower. 

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Sydney - Credit: Anna Kucera

Evening 

After a well-deserved snooze for both of you, clip on the leash and walk through Walsh Bay and Barangaroo Reserve to the Mov’in Bed Beach Cinema. Set up on the edge of Barangaroo, this outdoor cinema shows the latest releases and classic films with 150 plush queen- and king-size beds set up on more than 280 tons of white sand. For each session there are a handful of dedicated dog tickets available – your pup will get their own special DOGUE bed to lounge on plus bowls, toys and treats. You can order burgers, pizzas and cocktails to be delivered right to your bed. 

Mov'in Bed Beach Cinema, Barangaroo

Morning 

Rose Bay is the only dedicated dog beach in the centre of the city and it’s regularly packed with happy pups walking on the sand, digging holes and swimming in the calm waters. Bring a ball or frisbee and you’re in for hours of fun. If your dog is the adventurous kind, hire a stand-up paddleboard from Rose Bay Aquatic Hire and take them out for a lap. Afterwards, walk around the shoreline to Rose Bay Social and grab a seat in the outdoor area for brunch. 

Rose Bay Dog Beach, Rose Bay

Afternoon  

Head back to the city for a wander around The Rocks Markets. Held every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm, there are dozens of stalls selling everything from handmade soap and original art to jewellery, clothes and Sydney souvenirs. You may even be able to pick up a custom dog collar or some gourmet treats. There are also lots of food stalls, live music and outdoor seating. 

The Rocks Markets, The Rocks

Evening 

Dine in house tonight. The hotel’s Pier Bar welcomes dogs at the outdoor tables. These also have the best view of the sunset and you can watch the twinkling lights of the city as they come on. Sip on a signature Harbour Breeze or Waterside Wattle cocktail and get a Bark Bark Breeze mocktail (made with banana, coconut water and peanut butter) for your pup. Choose from burgers, steak, salads and share plates, and don’t forget to order a special dinner for your furry friend. 

Pier One Sydney Harbour, Sydney

Morning 

Pop your pup in a carrier and hop on the ferry to Manly. Choose a seat outside so they can feel the wind in their fur as you cruise across the harbour. The short walk from Manly to Shelly Beach is one of the prettiest in the city, with gorgeous ocean views along the whole 1.5km length. Reward your efforts with breakfast at The Boathouse Shelly Beach, where dogs can sit at the outside tables. If you still have energy to burn, walk back along the foreshore to Manly Lagoon. There’s an off-leash area for running, sand digging and paddling. 

Manly Lagoon, Manly

Afternoon 

Once you’re back on the south side, enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Barangaroo Reserve. There’s plenty of grass to spread out a picnic blanket and nearby cafes to pick up supplies. Dogs need to stay on the lead, but they’ll probably be happy to snooze in the sun after such a big morning.  

Barangaroo Reserve, Barangaroo

Evening 

The Australian Heritage Hotel in The Rocks is one of the oldest pubs in Sydney – it opened on George Street in 1824 and moved to its current location in 1914. Dogs are welcome (or even encouraged) in all areas of the hotel, so it’s the ideal spot for your final dinner. It’s best known for its pizzas, with some interesting flavour combinations – try the Coat of Arms topped with emu and kangaroo or the Saltwater Crocodile. 

The Australian Heritage Hotel, The Rocks - Credit: The Australian Heritage Hotel