Best Canberra Dog Parks – Complete Guide to Off-Leash Fun

28 Apr 2025 9 min read No comments Dog Parks
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Canberra dog parks are a paradise for dogs, with some of the best off-leash parks in Australia. Whether you have a tiny terrier or a boisterous lab, there’s a dog park here to suit every pup’s needs.

In this guide, you’ll find the best fenced dog parks across Canberra, plus important rules, etiquette tips, and everything you need to know before you visit.

Top Canberra Dog Parks

Canberra has over a dozen dedicated dog parks across its suburbs.
Here are some of the best places for your dog to run, sniff, and socialise:

Inner North and City

·       Haig Park Dog Agility Course (Braddon, ACT)

Location:  Haig Park, Braddon, ACT 2612

Set in the heart of Braddon, Haig Park Dog Exercise Area offers a grassy, shaded space for off-leash fun. While unfenced, it’s perfect for dogs with good recall, and is ideally located near cafés and shops. Water is available nearby, making it a convenient city stop for you and your pup. Find out more at our full listing for Haig Park Dog Dog Agility Course

Haig Park Dog Agility Park is a must for Canberra dogs

·       Inner North Dog Park (O’Connor, ACT)

Location:  41 Fairfax St, O’Connor ACT 2602

Located at the edge of O’Connor, Inner North Dog Park offers two separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, grassy play spaces, seating, and water stations. A popular choice for locals, it’s a welcoming, community-focused park right in the heart of Canberra’s Inner North. Find out more at our full listing for Inner North Dog Park

Inner South

·       Yarralumla Dog Park (Yarralumla, ACT)

Location:  88 Banks St, Yarralumla ACT 2600

Set near Lake Burley Griffin, Yarralumla Dog Park offers two fully fenced play areas for small and large dogs, grassy space for games, shady trees, and water stations. With easy parking nearby and beautiful lake views just a short stroll away, Yarralumla Dog Park is a favourite destination for locals who want a relaxed, social environment for their dogs — with the bonus of a lakeside walk afterwards. For more, see our full listing for Yarralumla Dog Park.

Belconnen

·       Belconnen Dog Park (Belconnen, ACT)

Location:  Diddams Close, Belconnen

Set near the shores of Lake Ginninderra, Belconnen dog park features separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, shaded spots, grassy play areas, and benches. It’s also the starting point for the Lake Ginninderra walk — a scenic dog-friendly trail complete with a dog swimming beach. For more, see our full listing for Belconnen Dog Park.

Belconnen dog park features separate areas for small and large dogs

·       Ginninderry Dog Park (Strathnairn, ACT)

Location:  33 Speldewinde St, Strathnairn ACT 2615

Ginninderry Dog Park offers a fully fenced grassy area for dogs to play and socialise, with agility equipment, water stations, and benches for owners. Newly established, it’s a fantastic addition for dog owners in Canberra’s growing north-west suburbs. Learn more about Ginninderry Dog Park.

Gungahlin

·       Forde Dog Park (Gungahlin, ACT)

Location:  Pooley St, Forde ACT 2914

Forde Dog Park offers a spacious, fully fenced area where dogs of all sizes can run, play, and explore. With agility equipment like weave poles and an A-frame, shaded spots under mature trees, and grassy surfaces, it’s a great spot for active, social pups. Water and waste bins are available for convenience. See our full listing for more on Forde Dog Park.

·       Franklin Dog Park (Gungahlin, ACT)

Location:  1 Nullarbor Ave, Franklin ACT 2913

One of Canberra’s newest fenced dog parks, Franklin offers nearly 3,000m² of grassy space packed with agility equipment like weave poles, A-frame ramps, hurdles, tunnels, and log beams. A small covered area provides limited shade, and a fully fenced perimeter keeps dogs safe while they play. With parking, water, and seating available, Franklin is perfect for active dogs who love to climb, jump, and explore. See our full listing for more on Franklin Dog Park.

Franklin dog park is one of the newest of canberras dog parks

·       Casey Dog Park (Gungahlin, ACT)

Location:  Yeend Avenue near Horse Park Drive, 2913

Also called Springbank Rise Dog Park, Casey Dog Park offers separate areas for small and large dogs, shaded by mature eucalypts. The large dog area features rocks and trees for climbing and exploration, and both sections have water stations and benches for owners. While the surfaces are mostly dirt and gravel, grassy patches remain in quieter corners. A great spot for active dogs and social owners alike. Read more about Casey Dog Park.

Tuggeranong

·       Point Hut Crossing Dog Park and Dog Beach (Gordon, ACT)

Location:  Point Hut Rd, Gordon ACT 2906

Point Hut Crossing offers a fully fenced off-leash dog park alongside a scenic, dog-friendly swimming beach. With grassy play areas, river access, shade, and water stations, it’s perfect for a full day of fun. Dogs can run, play, and splash safely in one of Canberra’s most beautiful natural spots. Learn more about Point Hut Crossing Dog Park and Dog Beach.

·       Greenway Dog Park (Tuggeranong, ACT)

Location:  Mortimer Lewis Drive, Greenway

Set along the shores of Lake Tuggeranong, Greenway Dog Park offers beautiful views, shady spots under mature eucalypts, and large grassy play areas. With separate fenced sections for small and large dogs, plus benches and a water tap, it’s a welcoming space for pups of all sizes. A great choice for both social dogs and owners who appreciate a stunning backdrop. See more about Greenway Dog Park.

Greenway dog park is a very popular canberra dog park in Tuggeranong

Weston Creek

Duffy Dog Park (Duffy, ACT)


Location:  Warragamba Ave, Duffy ACT 2611

Duffy Dog Park (also called Weston Creek Dog Park) offers separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, water stations, and a friendly community vibe. While signage could be improved and steep sidewalks may pose a challenge for some, the park remains a popular spot for southside dog lovers. More about Duffy Dog Park.

Queanbeyan and Googong

·       The Scar Dog Park (Karabar, Queanbeyan, NSW)

Location:  Southbar Road LOT 2 Karabar NSW 2620

The Scar Dog Park offers two fully fenced areas for small and large dogs, agility obstacles, grassy play space, and a shallow water feature for hot days. With water stations and easy parking, it’s a fantastic spot for Queanbeyan dog owners just across the ACT border. Read more about The Scar Dog Park.

·       Queanbeyan West Dog Park (Queanbeyan West, NSW)

Location:  27 Hoover Rd, Queanbeyan West NSW 2620

Queanbeyan West Dog Park offers two fully fenced off-leash areas for small and large dogs. With grassy spaces, shady trees, water stations, and a welcoming community vibe, it’s a fantastic spot for local dog lovers just outside Canberra.

·       Scentral Bark Dog Park (Googong, NSW)

Location:  37 Austin Grv, Googong NSW 2620

Scentral Bark Dog Park offers a fully fenced off-leash space with grassy surfaces, agility equipment, shady spots, and water stations. Perfect for friendly, social pups in Googong looking for a casual play session close to home.

·       Barkley Dog Park (Googong, NSW)

Location:  Dunca Loop, Googong NSW 2620


Barkley Dog Park offers a spacious, fully fenced area for medium and large dogs to run, play, and explore. With grassy and dirt surfaces, basic agility equipment, and nearby seating, it’s a popular choice for bigger pups needing serious off-leash exercise. Just a short walk from Rockley Dog Park.

·       Rockley Dog Park (Googong, NSW)

Location:  13 Rockley Parade Googong NSW 2620

Rockley Dog Park is a tiny, fully fenced off-leash park designed for smaller dogs. It features fun agility equipment like weave poles and pipes, grassy play space, and benches for owners. Perfect for little dogs who love a casual play session, with the larger Barkley Dog Park nearby for bigger pups.

·       Jerrabomberra Dog Park (Jerrabomberra, NSW)

Location:  36 Kinlyside Ave, Jerrabomberra NSW 2619

Jerrabomberra Dog Park provides a small, fenced area ideal for relaxed play and socialisation. While limited in space and amenities, it’s a valuable option for Jerra locals where off-leash spaces are scarce. Visitors needing more room may prefer larger parks nearby in Queanbeyan.

Other Notable Parks

·       Uriarra Crossing Dog Beach (Uriarra, ACT)

Location:  Uriarra Rd, Canberra ACT 2611

Uriarra Crossing Dog Beach offers a dog-friendly swimming spot along the Murrumbidgee River, with grassy areas for off-leash play and shady riverbanks for relaxing. While unfenced, it’s a beautiful natural setting ideal for confident dogs who love to swim and explore.

Canberra Dog Park Rules and Etiquette

To help keep Canberra’s dog parks safe, fun, and welcoming for everyone, the ACT Government has set clear rules and guidelines for dog park use. Here’s what you need to know before you visit:


Requirements Before Visiting

  • Registration: All dogs must be registered with Domestic Animal Services (DAS).
  • Desexing: Dogs must be desexed unless they have a breeding permit.
  • Vaccination: Dogs must be fully vaccinated. Puppies who haven’t completed their vaccinations are not allowed in dog parks.

 Supervision and Effective Control

  • Effective control means keeping your dog within sight and ensuring it responds reliably to your commands.
  • If your dog becomes aggressive, you must leave the park immediately.
  • Owners must be 16 years or older to supervise dogs at the park.
  • Children under 14 must be closely supervised by an adult inside dog parks.

Behavior and Health Restrictions

  • Dogs that are aggressive or on heat are not allowed.
  • Dogs who are very shy, fearful, or poorly socialised may not be suited for dog park environments.
  • Crowding the gate or blocking entrances is discouraged to avoid fights or escapes.

Waste Management

  • Owners must clean up after their dogs and use the provided waste bins.
  • Bring extra waste bags, and clean up any mess you see — even if it’s not from your dog.

Food, Toys, and Dogs per Person

  • Food and toys are not allowed inside dog parks (they can trigger fights).
  • Ideally, limit yourself to supervising two dogs per person.

Park Etiquette Tips

  • Move away from the gate quickly after entering.
  • Keep moving around the park to reduce territorial behaviour.
  • Use the correct area for your dog’s size if there are separate small and large dog zones.
  • Avoid entering overcrowded enclosures.
  • Stay alert — avoid distractions like phones or excessive chatting.

Special Notes

  • Drinking bowls are designed to drain automatically to prevent attracting snakes — empty them after use if they aren’t draining.
  • First-time visitors are encouraged to visit during quieter times (avoid late afternoons on weekdays and peak weekend mornings).

Additional Information

  • Fines may apply for breaking the rules (e.g., $250 for not maintaining effective control).
  • For more information on on and off leash areas in Canberra, please see Park ACT Dogs page. Or contact Access Canberra at 13 22 81

Found Your Dogs New Favourite Park?

We’d love to hear about your adventures! 🐕

If you and your pup visit one of these amazing parks, let us know what you think — or tag us on social media!

Got a favourite off-leash spot we missed?

Drop a comment or get in touch — we’re always looking to make Dog’s Life the best dog-friendly guide in Canberra.

HeadDog
Author: HeadDog

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