There are plenty of public parks around Australia where you and your dog can explore and exercise to your hearts’ content.
Be sure to take note of which areas of a park are off-lead, and which are on-lead only, before letting your little one roam free. Even though many parks have bag dispensers, it’s safer to bring your own stock of waste disposal bags so you’re not left without any. Check out these top 10 dog parks around Australia for fun times with your dog.
Sydney:
Observatory Hill Park
Not only can you bring your best friend to this park north of central Sydney, you can enjoy spectacular views across Sydney Harbour, including the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge. Even better, your dogs can go off-lead at all times. It’s a shame, really, they won’t see the fantastic view spread out ahead of them.
Melbourne:
Albert Park Reserve
This large park surrounding Albert Park Lake is a great location to exercise your dog, with varied terrain through most on-lead zones. While your dog needs to stay on the lead in most areas (and out of exclusion zones), there are dedicated off-lead sections of the park to let them roam to their hearts’ content.
Perth:
South Cottesloe Beach
This part of the iconic Western Australian beach is open all year-round for pet parents and their dogs. The Town of Cottesloe defines the dog-friendly area as “south or small groyne at Beach Street all the way south to Mosman Beach”. Let your dog let off steam in this dog exercise area. From 1 October to 31 March each year, the nearby Vera View Beach is also open for dogs, but only in the hours before 10am and after 4pm.
Brisbane:
Elanora Park, Wynnum
This park has a huge off-lead area for your dogs to explore, as well as agility equipment. If your dog loves to check out new smells and sights, there’s a mangrove boardwalk that will satisfy their curiosity.
Gold Coast:
Pizzey Park, Mermaid Waters
This small park, between Broadbeach and Burleigh Heads and slightly inland, has excellent agility equipment for your pup to try, as well as picturesque walks – both on- and off-lead. For more info about dog parks on the Gold Coast, download the GC Dog Parks app.
Adelaide:
Ngampa Yarta
This park north of the Adelaide CBD actually contains two dog parks, one for older and larger dogs, and one for dogs under six months of age, or 14kg in weight. There are also obstacles to keep your pup occupied.
Darwin:
Marlowe Lagoon Pet Park
A park that was developed specifically for pets and their owners. The large off-lead area is complemented by drinking troughs and eight sets of dog exercise equipment. Ensure to let your pet have plenty of water in the Top End heat. Best of all, the park is open for pets and owners all day, every day.
Hobart:
Queens Domain
This large park area in central Hobart has several areas for dog exercise, both on- and off-lead. Soldiers Memorial Oval and Cross Roads West Oval both allow dogs to roam off their leads, but only when sports events are not in progress. The field surrounding the picnic area in the north of the domain and the area between the Tennis Centre and Athletic Centre both allow dogs off-lead at any time
Canberra:
Lake Tuggeranong Dog Park
This park has separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, plus lots of shade for hot days. The park backs onto Lake Tuggeranong – dogs are allowed to swim in lakes in the Australian Capital Territory, provided they are not within 10 metres of a signposted public swimming area. Let your dog tucker itself out swimming in the lake!
Newcastle:
Horseshoe Beach
This popular riverside spot is right at the point where the Hunter River flows into the Pacific Ocean. It’s a very popular dog-walking spot, so ideal for your pet if they love to socialise with other canines (make sure your dog won’t be intimidated, though!). It’s conveniently located right near the Newcastle CBD.
Tips for visiting dog parks
• Ensure you check any local council conditions before visiting a dog park to ensure you and your pup aren’t breaking any rules.
• Check whether your dog’s breed is one that’s allowed off-lead (eg, pitbull terriers are not allowed off-lead in designated off-lead areas under the Companion Animals Act 1998).
• Even though your dog is allowed off the lead, you still must be considered “in control” of your dog, meaning they must come when called and can be put back on the lead quickly, when necessary.
• Ensure your dog has access to plenty of water.
• Only take your dog to socialise when they’ve completed their final vaccinations.
Once you’ve checked the rules for a certain park, you and your pup can explore the outdoors until you’re tuckered out and ready for bed!