Off-Leash Dog Parks

Dog-Off Leash Areas.jpg

Exercise is important for both people and dogs. It helps dogs stay healthy and happy.

When taking your dog to a public place, you are responsible for keeping it under control and making sure it behaves appropriately.

Council understands that many dog owners want places where their dogs can run freely without a leash. To support this, several off-leash exercise areas are available in parks across the Shire. These areas are marked with signs and bollards that clearly show where dogs are allowed off leash.

Before using an off-leash area, dog owners should read and follow the rules shown on the signs at each location. These rules are in place to help keep people, dogs and public spaces safe and enjoyable for everyone.

This element requires javascript to be enabled.

Please wait while we load your map...

Off-leash or free run areas are located at the following reserves:

Some free run areas may have time restrictions in place to protect the nearby residents' enjoyment of their homes.

All dogs within a designated off-leash area must be supervised. In all other parks and public places dogs must be on-leash at all times.

This person MUST:

  • Be a competent person over 16 years of age
  • Be able to control the dog/s by voice command
  • Remove and dispose of all dog waste
  • Have no more than four dogs under their control
  • Not allow restricted breeds or dogs declared as dangerous to use off-leash areas

Under the Companion Animals Act (s14), dogs are not allowed in the following public places, whether on or off leash:

  • Within 10 metres of children's playground equipment
  • Within 10 metres of food preparation areas such as public barbeques and kiosks
  • Active recreation areas such as sports fields, ovals and courts (during the playing of organised sport)
  • Public bathing areas
  • School grounds unless with the permission of the principal
  • Child care centres unless with the permission of the director
  • Shopping areas unless with permission

The Companion Animals Act encourages responsible pet ownership and helps keep pets, owners and the community safe. It also provides the rules and laws that councils use to manage dogs and their owners.

Council supports responsible pet ownership and encourages dog owners to understand and meet their responsibilities. This helps reduce conflicts in public spaces and ensures that parks and other shared areas can be enjoyed by everyone.

Council usually focuses on education first and only takes formal action when serious or ongoing problems occur.

Council has also resolved to monitor the presence of dogs in bushland reserves and report any effects upon local plants and wildlife.

Visiting an off-leash dog park for the first time

Your first visit to an off-leash dog park can feel overwhelming for both you and your dog.

To make the experience easier, consider visiting during quieter times when there are fewer people and dogs. As you become more familiar with the park, you and your dog will likely feel more confident and enjoy your visits.

Before visiting, make sure your dog is registered and up to date with its vaccinations. In NSW, all dogs must be lifetime registered by six months of age. Puppies that have not completed their vaccinations should not visit dog parks.

Not every dog is suited to an off-leash environment. Dogs that are aggressive, anxious or extremely shy may not cope well in a dog park. Taking an aggressive dog into an off-leash area can put other people and animals at risk.

Your dog should respond to basic commands, especially when called. It is also important that you can recognise your dog’s body language and behaviour. Watch for signs that your dog is tired, thirsty, stressed, fearful or uncomfortable, and respond appropriately.

Children under 14 years old should always be supervised by an adult in off-leash areas. Dogs can behave unpredictably, so close supervision is important for everyone’s safety.

Some dogs may become possessive of toys, treats or even their owners. To help avoid conflict, do not bring food into the park, apart from small training treats if needed. Toys should also be left at home unless the area is quiet and safe to use them.

When you arrive at the off-leash area:

  • If the dog park is very busy, consider returning at a quieter time. If you are worried about another dog's behaviour or your own dog's reactions, leave the area and try again later.
  • When entering or leaving through the transition area, check that no one else is using it at the same time. This helps prevent dogs from escaping or becoming stressed in a confined space.
  • After entering, move away from the gate and into the open area. This allows dogs to spread out and reduces crowding around the entrance.
  • Keep moving around the park rather than staying in one place. Walking encourages dogs to explore the area and can help reduce territorial behaviour.
  • Always bring waste bags and clean up after your dog. Keeping the park clean makes it safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
  • Stay focused on your dog at all times. While dog parks are a great place to meet other owners, it is important to keep watching your dog and be ready to step in if needed.
  • Dogs often play in groups, and situations can change quickly. If you notice signs that your dog or another dog is becoming uncomfortable, call your dog away and give it space.
Back to top