38 of the Best Fenced Dog Parks in NSW

An increasing number of fenced dog parks are being built around Australia, including in NSW. Whether you’re travelling with your dog and don’t have access to your own fenced yard, or you want somewhere for your dog to socialise without worrying that they can run off, it’s a welcome development. While not a comprehensive list, these are some of the best fenced dog parks in NSW…

If you’re staying at caravan parks, check out these caravan parks with their own fenced dog parks

Fenced Dogs Parks in Sydney

The number of off-leash dog exercise areas in Sydney varies between different council areas. Unfortunately, many of the areas are unfenced, with only a few newer fenced dog parks scattered around Sydney. It’s worth a drive to some of these fenced dog parks in Sydney…

#1 Shale Hills Dog Park, West Hoxton

One of the best dog parks anywhere in Sydney is the Shale Hills Dog Park. This park only opened a few years ago and is located in the Western Sydney Parklands at West Hoxton.  

While fully fenced, this dog park is huge – your dog will have plenty of room to run around and have their own space! There’s also a smaller fenced area just for smaller dogs. The park also has an agility course and training stations, perfect for more structured play, plus benches, shade and an interesting scent garden.

#2 The Ridge Dog Off-Leash Bush Park, Barden Ridge

I recently discovered another great dog park in an out-of-the-way spot in southern Sydney. The Ridge Dog Park is a bush dog park located in Barden Ridge, accessed from New Illawarra Road. It’s tucked in behind the golf course and sporting fields – follow the signs or use Google Maps to find the spot.

What’s great about this park is that it’s such a large area, a mix of grass and bushy trees, adjacent to a bushland reserve. There’s sure to be lots of interesting smells and spots for your pup to explore, plus plenty of room to run around. Just be warned it is on a slope, though!

There are two separately fenced areas, with no clear signage which one should be used by smaller dogs, although it’s probably the smaller, northern area. There’s also a handy gate in between both areas. Shaded seats, water fountains, bags and bins are also provided. Parking is at a premium during weekend spot – either visit during the week or early or late in the day, with the park’s hours from 7am to sunset.

#3 Warrigal Dog Run, Bungarribee

Another popular fenced dog park in Sydney is the Warrigal Dog Run at Bungarribee. One of Sydney’s largest off-leash dog areas, this is also located in the Western Sydney Parklands, but at the northern end, just north of the M4.

The entrance to Bungarribee Park is at the intersection of Doonside Road and Holbeche Road. Park in the Runway Carpark, with the off-leash area just to the north of it. There’s two separate areas, both with double gates, plus shady seats, water fountains and bins.

Nearby is the Harvey’s Social, a cafe located in a shipping container. There’s plenty of outdoor tables, or else grab a takeaway coffee to enjoy while watching your dog enjoy some off-leash time.

#4 Enmore Dog Park, Enmore

One of the few inner Sydney dog parks that are fenced, Enmore Dog Park is popular with dog owners right throughout the Inner West who don’t entirely trust their dog in the other unfenced dog exercise areas.

The park is located next to Enmore TAFE, in between Sarah, Simmons and James Streets. Due to being heavily utilised, there’s not much grass and the dusty dirt becomes muddy after rain. There is however a path that loops around the park.

Despite being small, it feels larger than it is due to the many trees, which also provide plenty of shade. There’s also seats, a water fountains, bags and some dirt to top up holes that you pup may dig. Just note there are no double entrance gates.

#5 Levey Street Reserve Off-Leash Dog Park, Wolli Creek

Another off-leash dog park not far from the centre of Sydney is the Levey Street Reserve Off-Leash Dog Park, also known as the Cahill Park Off-Leash Dog Park. The park is located in the suburb of Wolli Creek, just one block east of the Princes Highway, and is very different to the Enmore Dog Park.

A fairly large flat expanse of well-maintained grass, just be warned that there’s not much shade, so it’s best visiting early or late in the day during summer. However, there’s parking on the surrounding streets, double gates, seats, a water fountain and bins and bags provided, even a worm farm dog poo recycling trial.

#6 Sir Joseph Banks Park Off-Leash Dog Area, Botany

One of the few fenced dog parks in the east of Sydney (and borderline east at that…) is at Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany. The fenced off-leash dog area is near the end of Hayden Place, on the north side of the park, or follow the paths from the carpark at the end of Tupia Street.

The large dog park has multiple double gated entrances, as well as a water fountain and biodegradable poop bags. (Make sure you place them in the worm farm recycling bins being trialed!) There’s plenty of shade and seating in the large park, along with lots of natural areas for exploring and a sandpit for digging.

Note that the dog park is technically only open from 7am to 7pm (8pm during daylight savings time) from Monday to Saturday, then 8am to 7pm (8pm during daylight savings) on Sunday, ruling out early morning visits. There’s also plenty of paths for on-leash walks in the surrounding park.

#7 Grant Park Off-Leash Dog Park, Enfield

At Grant Park in Enfield, next to the Enfield Aquatic Centre, there are two fenced dog parks. Generally, one park is used by big dogs, while the other park is used by smaller dogs.

Both parks are securely fenced, plus there’s water bowls, seats and plenty of nearby parking. While there is lighting, note that the dog parks are only open from 6am to 9pm.

#8 Blackman Park Off-Leash Dog Park, Lane Cove West

I recently discovered an excellent dog park when visiting Blackman Park in Lane Cove West, also home to the delightful Puppy Tail Cafe. Head past the playing fields in the park to the fenced dog park at the end of Lloyd Rees Drive, with parking and toilets right next to it.

This relatively new dog park has two separate areas, with a second area that is generally used by smaller dogs, although there is no signage so it’s up to dog owners. The main area has an excellent agility course, plus a shade cloth for sunny days. Both fenced areas are double gated, with plenty of water fountains and bins.

As mentioned, the park is next to Puppy Tail Cafe, a kiosk-style building with hooks outside for leashing your dog while you order. As well as hot and cold drinks, there’s treats for pups and a small food menu.

Dogs are also allowed off-leash on the adjacent grass fields when they are not in use, plus on the shared path around the park before 9am on weekdays.

#9 Crestwood Reserve Fenced Dog Park, Baulkham Hills

Crestwood Reserve in Baulkham Hills has two fenced off-leash dog areas, one each for small and large dogs. Both areas are a good size, and have plenty of shade, a water bubbler, bins and bags. There’s also some dog agility equipment. Just be warned they can become rather dusty.

The dog parks are located in the southern end of Crestwood Reserve, near the intersection of Peel Road and Warrina Avenue. The surrounding path has plenty of paths for on-leash walks before or after.

Check out more suggestions for dog parks in Sydney, both fenced and unfenced

Fenced Dog Parks on the Central Coast & Newcastle

Heading north of Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle regions are home to some great off-leash dog parks, whether you live locally, are visiting the areas, or passing through on a road trip.

#1 Kariong Dog Park, Kariong

Kariong Dog Park is located at the Mount Penang Parklands, just west of Gosford. If you’re travelling north along the Pacific Motorway, it’s only a five minute detour taking the Gosford turn-off.

While this park is technically fenced, the fence is far from dog-proof. Luckily then it’s not near any major roads, instead just at the end of a laneway mainly used to access the dog park. A large grassed paddock, there’s plenty of room for dogs to enjoy a run, plus there’s a dam along one edge.

#2 Tuggerah Dog Park, Tuggerah

For a more secure dog park on the Central Coast, instead head to Tuggerah Dog Park, on the eastern side of Tuggerah. The park is at the end of Second Avenue, pass the home centres and sporting complex.

This dog park contains three separately fenced areas, including an area each for large and small dogs. There’s also a mixed area with a agility equipment for dogs. Unfortunately, there’s no bag dispenser, so bring your own, but at least there is a bin these days. Also be warned it is next to the waste treatment plant, so sometimes there’s a whiff that you can’t blame on the dogs.

#3 Speers Point Dog Exercise Area, Speers Point

An excellent dog park at the northern tip of Lake Macquarie is the Speers Point Dog Exercise Area. Only recently constructed, the park has secure fencing, seating and shade. There’s even some agility equipment.

Just keep in mind that as there isn’t a separate area for smaller dogs, it’s best to visit this park at quieter times of the day if you have a smaller timid dog.

#4 Croudace Bay Dog Park, Eleebana

There’s also a second fenced dog park next to Lake Macquarie. Just south of Warners Bay, the fenced dog park is located at Croudace Bay in Eleebana.

The area is also home to a larger off-leash dog exercise area (during the mornings and evenings) – to find the fenced dog park, search for “Small Fenced Dog Park” on Google Maps. The enclosed area isn’t that large, but is nicely constructed, consisting of sandy gravel, so mud isn’t an issue.

#5 Acacia Avenue Dog Park, North Lambton

Newcastle is currently home to a single fenced dog park, although there are reports that more may be constructed. Luckily, the existing Acacia Avenue Dog Park in North Lambton is an excellent park, and worth travelling to from around Newcastle.

The park has separate areas for large and small (or active and quiet) dogs, along with high fences, sheltered seating and drinking water fountains. On Google Maps, search for the “North Lambton Dog Off-Leash Area”.

#6 Boomerang Park Dog Park, Raymond Terrace

Immediately north of Newcastle, an ideal spot to visit with your dog is Boomerang Park in Raymond Terrace. This reserve is home to two off-leash dog exercise areas.

On the northern side of the park, next to Kangaroo Street, is a large unfenced dog exercise area. However, next to the skate park, just off Irrawang Street, a fenced dog park has also been recently constructed. The park has two double-gated entrances, a water station, seating, and plenty of nearby parking.

Fenced Dog Parks on the North Coast

Heading north along the North Coast, the majority of the off-leash dog exercise areas are beaches. Only a few towns offer fenced dog parks, with these the best options to visit with your dog.

#1 Fingal Bay Reserve Off-Lead Dog Exercise Area, Fingal Bay

While the beautiful Fingal Bay Beach in the Port Stephens region is off limits to dogs, head to the off-lead dog exercise area at the reserve just behind the beach for some fun with your dog.

This large fenced area is partially grassed, partially bushy – let your dog take their pick. There’s also a convenient picnic table, plus a tap and hose. There are two entrances are either end, both double-gated.

The Port Stephens area is also home to two other fenced dog parks. At Soldiers Point, head to Lancaster Park, home to a popular dog park. Note that it’s only open from 7am to 7pm, with yappy hour around 4pm each day. Alternatively, there’s also a basic fenced dog park just off Coachwood Drive in Medowie.

#2 Beach Street Reserve Dog Park, Tuncurry

If you’re visiting the twin towns of Forster-Tuncurry, don’t miss heading to the Beach Street Reserve Dog Park. Close to the entrance to the off-leash Nine Mile Beach, this fully fenced dog park is lovingly looked after by volunteers.

A very large park, there’s an excellent dog agility course, plus a separate area for small dogs. There’s also plenty of seating around the park, plus water and bags available. Just take care that sometimes there’s a gap underneath the gate that small dogs may be able to escape through.

#3 Stuart Park Dog Park, Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is home to multiple excellent off-leash dog beaches, but just one fenced dog park. Head to Stuart Park, on the western edge of the town centre, next to Woods Street in the centre of the park. (Search for “Dog Friendly Park” on Google Maps.)

With a separate area for small dogs, there’s plenty of seating and shade, plus a water tap and bowl. There’s also agility equipment. Keep an eye out for koalas in the trees above. Just be warned that there may not be much grass, especially in the larger area.

#4 Thompsons Road Dog Park, Coffs Harbour

The tourist hub of Coffs Harbour is home to two fenced dog parks. The older of the two parks is the Thompsons Road Dog Park, which we visited on our road trip along the coast. The park is particularly handy when you’re driving along the Pacific Highway, just 200m off the highway on the southern side of town.

Thompsons Road Dog Park is a large fully enclosed park, with plenty of shade and benches to sit on. There’s even a creek where your dog can enjoy a freshwater swim. There’s plenty of parking along the front of the park.

#5 West Coffs Reserve District Park, Coffs Harbour

The second newer fenced dog park in Coffs Harbour is located at the West Coffs Reserve District Park. This large, recently constructed park has plenty of facilities for the whole family, including an excellent playground for human kids, complete with a flying fox, and excellent BBQ facilities. It’s a 5 minute drive west of the highway.

If visiting with a dog, there are two fully fenced off-leash dog areas. One is for all dogs, while the second area is restricted to smaller dogs under 10kg, but no puppies. There’s also water bubblers at the park.

#6 Corcoran Park Dog Park, Grafton

While not exactly on the coast, Grafton is just a short detour inland from the Pacific Highway. It’s particularly worthwhile making the detour during spring when its famous jacaranda trees turn the town purple, plus for the new fenced dog park.

Only opening in October 2023, Corcoran Park on the banks of the Clarence River now has a new fenced dog park. The dog park features two separately fenced areas. The larger of the two areas contains an agility course, a dig pit, a toy library and logs to explore. There’s also water bubblers and shaded seats.

Fenced Dog Parks on the South Coast

The South Coast is also home to only a handful of fenced dog parks, mainly around the Wollongong and Shellharbour areas, with most off-leash areas located at beaches. Check out these fenced dog parks on the South Coast of NSW…

#1 Woonona Petfood Dog Park, Bellambi

One of the best fenced dog parks on the South Coast is not a council-run park, but a privately constructed park. This dog park is located at Woonona Petfood & Produce on Bellambi Lane, just behind the store.

Completely enclosed and with agility equipment, it’s a great option for if you’ve just visited the store, perhaps before or after a dog wash, plus free to the general public. The dog parks is open seven days a week, but presumably only during business hours (currently until 2pm on Saturday and Sunday).

#2 Reed Park Dog Park, Horsley

The Wollongong region is also home to one council-run fenced dog park, the Reed Park Dog Park at Horsley. The park is just west of Dapto, on Bong Bong Road.

A large grassy area with a separate section for small dogs, there’s also a selection of agility equipment in both areas. With a water tap, bowls, bins and bags, just be warned there isn’t much shade, and it can get quite boggy after rain.

#3 Oak Flats Dog Park, Oak Flats

In the Shellharbour area, my pick of the two fenced dog parks is the Oak Flats Dog Park. It’s also just off the Princes Highway, convenient for if you’re driving south with your pup, with plenty of parking alongside the park on Kingston Street.

The Oak Flats Dog Park has two separate areas, one for large dogs over 15kg and another for small dogs 15kg and under. Both areas are securely fenced, with bins, water fountains and seating, although there is only limited shade in the Small Dogs area. The Large Dogs area also has some agility equipment.

#4 Flinders Dog Park, Flinders

Shellharbour is also home to a second dog park, closer to the centre of Shellharbour in Flinders. The Flinders Dog Park is located on Whittaker Street, in between Arrabi and Atchison Streets.

The park is securely fenced and nicely grassed, although it’s located on a slope. While there is only a single area for all size dogs, the park still contains agility equipment, plus a sheltered picnic table and seats.

#5 Clifton Park Dog Park, Sanctuary Point

Heading further south, if you’re visiting Jervis Bay with your dog, there is a single off-leash dog park in the region, located at Clifton Park in Sanctuary Point.

The fenced dog park is located close to the rear of the park. Make sure you keep your dog on a leash while walking to it, past the playground and learn to ride area at the front of the park. The park has a double-gated entry, seating and plenty of shade.

In the surrounding region, there’s also a dog agility park in Nowra, on the corner of West Street and North Street.

#6 Milton Showground Dog Park, Milton

The furthest south fenced dog park that I’m aware of on the South Coast (let me know if you know of any others!) is at Milton Showground, just north of Mollymook and Ulladulla. (Just note that as of early 2023 the Showground is closed for renovation, including this dog park.)

A large area at Milton Showground permits off-leash dogs, excluding the show ring and livestock yards, outside of major events. Included in this area is a fenced agility area, used by the local dog club, plus open to visitors.

Milton Showground is also a popular dog-friendly camping spot, although the area is currently being renovated and is closed to camping until July 2023.

Fenced Dog Parks in Country NSW

If you’re heading west of Sydney with your dog, whether to the Southern Highlands, Blue Mountains or inland NSW, check out these great fenced dog parks in country NSW.

#1 Centennial Dog Park, Bowral

The Southern Highlands region is home to three fenced dog parks. Out of these three, I’ve visited Centennial Dog Park in Bowral with my dog.

A large expanse of the central section of Centennial Park has been fenced and permits off-leash dogs, with plenty of room for multiple dogs to run around. The park is double gated, with a water station and poop bag dispensers, plus a seat just inside the entrance, although unsheltered. You can park right outside the gate.

The two other fenced dog parks in the Southern Highlands are a small area at western end of Alexandra Square in Mittagong and a large expanse in the southeastern corner of Seymour Park in Moss Vale.

#2 South Lawson Park Dog Park, Lawson

One of the best fenced dogs parks in the Blue Mountains can be found at South Lawson Park in Lawson. Formerly a golf course, this large park has been redeveloped in recent years.

The park is now home to a large fenced dog park in the middle of the park, with multiple double-gate entrances around it. Inside you’ll find a mix of sealed and dirt walking paths, sections of bushland and large stretches of grass. There’s plenty of room for your dog to enjoy themselves off-leash, even if they aren’t that social.

Note that dogs need to be kept leashed in the surrounding park, which is home to two accessible sealed walking paths, including a 2.1km long loop path.

#3 Jennie Blackman Dog Park, Mudgee

The popular wine-growing town of Mudgee is home to an excellent fenced dog park, the Jennie Blackman Dog Park. It’s located just north of the town centre, at the Glen Willow Sporting Complex on Pitts Lane, and was named after a local resident and dog lover.

The park features a secure double-gated entrance. While the central area is for all sized dogs, there’s also now sections for small and large dogs at either end. It’s located at the far end of the local bike and walking path, so perhaps combine a visit to the off-leash park with a leashed walk.

#4 Yass Dog Park, Yass

The Yass Dog Park is located in the Southern Tablelands town of Yass. The town is a handy spot to visit while driving along the Hume Highway, thanks to its cafes and bakeries, although a bit of a detour.

This fenced dog park is located just off the main road through town, in between the Yass River and the swimming pool. According to the council website, the park is divided into three separate zones: an Active Zone, a Quiet Zone and a Come and Try Zone.

#5 Barkley Dog Park, Googong

The Barkley Dog Park is in the township of Googong, near Queanbeyan, just across the border from the ACT and Canberra. It’s located just off Grazier Road with a handy carpark next to it.

This large and rather wild park is a delightful spot for adventurous dogs, but with the security of a tall fence around it. There’s even a dam for dogs to enjoy a swim on hot summer days (bring your own towel!), plus some stormwater pipes to explore.

Seating, a water fountain and bins are provided, plus a handy concrete path for walking laps. Just note that there isn’t much shade for sunny or rainy days, plus keep an eye out for snakes.

#6 Junee Agility Dog Park, Junee

The country town of Junee has been home to a fenced dog park since 2020. Head to the Junee Agility Dog Park, which is located on Park Lane, next to the Junee Tourist Park. It’s also conveniently close to the popular Junee Licorice & Chocolate Factory.

The park not surprisingly has a great agility course for dogs, including some grassy ramps. The grassy area with a high fence also has seats and shady trees. According to the council website, a larger area alongside Park Lane also allows off-leash dogs, if you prefer an unfenced walk.

#7 Mirri Ngurang Dog Park, West Wyalong

Another recently opened fenced dog park in regional NSW is Mirri Ngurang Dog Park, which only opened in West Wyalong in 2021. The name means “dog place” in the local Wiradjuri language, and it’s the perfect spot for visiting and local dogs.

The park is on the eastern side of West Wyalong, part of the larger Cooinda Park, near the imposing poppet head. Surrounded by a fence with laser cut dog images, the park is a mix of grass and gravel, with a wide range of agility equipment. There’s shade trees and bags and bins on hand.

#8 Narrandera Off-Leash Dog Park, Narrandera

During September 2023, a new off-leash dog park opened in Narrandera, located on Lethbridge Drive. It’s just a couple of blocks off the Newell Highway, make it convenient if you are driving past and everyone needs to stretch their legs – both humans and dogs.

There’s high secure fences and double gates, plus obstacles will soon be added. Just make sure you review the rules and hazards listed at the entrance.

#9 Yanco Off-Leash Area, Yanco

Just down the road is the also recently opened Yanco Off-Leash Area, located in McCaughey Bicentennial Park in Yanco. The town is about a 15 minute detour off the Stuart Highway in southern NSW, in between Narrandera and Leeton.

The off-leash area is about 2000 square meters and fully fenced, with multiple access gates. Inside is a picnic table, dog drinking bowl, bag dispenser and bin.

#10 Hay Dog Park, Hay

The Hay Dog Park is a convenient fenced dog park for if you are visiting the town, or just passing through on the Sturt Highway and need a break from the monotony of the Hay Plains. The dog park is just off the highway on Russell Street – turn towards town at the roundabout, then take the first right.

The fenced dog park has two sections for small and large dogs. Recent photos show lovely green grass, although I don’t know whether this will be maintained once dry conditions return. The park is also conveniently next to an excellent kid’s playground.

#11 Moama Off Leash Dog Park, Moama

Finally, there is an excellent off-leash dog park in Moama, on the northern bank of the Murray River, just across from the wonderfully dog-friendly tourist town of Echuca in Victoria. It’s well worth crossing the bridge just to visit the park when in the area!

The park that was only set up in 2020 is located on Perricoota Road. Search for “Moama Off Leash Dog Park” on Google. The huge, fully enclosed park is wonderfully landscaped – a great natural environment for dogs to play or just sniff and explore, with the security of being enclosed.

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