29 December 2016

Ask RiotACT: Best off-leash dog play areas in Canberra?

| Elias Hallaj
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If you are a dog owner who likes socialising your pets and letting them run around off-leash (apart from in your own backyard) where are the best places in Canberra to do it?

Steve Chivers’ recent article about the new ban on off-leash dogs at his favourite Yarralumla swimming spot made me think how lucky our family was to live next to an official off-leash area along Ginninderra Creek in West Belconnen.

Most dog owners in Canberra are aware of the six fenced and specifically designed dog parks around our city. I’ve taken our two dogs to the ACT Dog Dark at Belconnen (This was recently upgraded and is located at Diddam’s Close, off Ginninderra Drive) as well as the ACT Dog Park at Yarralumla (located right next to the cycle ways encircling Lake Burley Griffin – and which also has its own Facebook page!)

elias-dog-video

The ACT government has an online list of current off-leash areas, swimming areas and useful information for dog owners, to ensure community safety and minimal disruption to other users of paths and recreation areas here.

If you haven’t been to a dog park before and are unsure about the etiquette, there’s a great guide for dog park first-timers here.

If you are a dog owner (or regularly pet-sit your neighbour’s or friend’s dog/s) where is your favourite off-leash area in Canberra?

Elias Hallaj (aka CBRfoodie) is a part-time food blogger and full-time political staffer who has joined RiotACT as a regular contributor. All opinions are his own. If you have any tips or feedback you can find him on Twitter @CBRfoodie.

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canberradogwalks12:34 pm 28 Feb 17

The Canberra Dog Walks website – http://www.canberradogwalks.com.au – provides free information about dog friendly Canberra including blogs on dog off leash meeting places, dog parks, dog friendly cafes, dog off leash swimming areas, dog friendly wineries and about 20 great dog friendly walks through off leash parks (including detailed directions and links to google maps).

Elias Hallaj (aka CBRFoodie)8:43 pm 06 Jan 17

Sidney Reilly said :

Point Hut still has a swimming area for dogs, its the western side with a very small carpark. The dogs love it the people who can’t read the signs saying it is a dog swimming area don’t like it…

Thanks for that suggestion Sidney – will add it to the list! I’ve noticed loose dogs at a few other riverside and lakeside swimming holes around town – I hope they’re all clearly marked (to help non dog lovers work out who to complain about and also help dog owners follow the rules ?).

Maryann Mussared said :

I don’t have a dog but always stop and watch the pampered pooches having a great time with each other and their owners. Sometimes on a Saturday morning there is even a barista van at the Yarralumla Park!

Coffee and canines sounds like a good combination! Especially on morning walks. If you ever see the coffee truck again Maryanne can you please get the details. Would make a great yarn if he/she has a regular routine at various parks and playgrounds around Canberra ?

Sidney Reilly6:50 pm 06 Jan 17

Point Hut still has a swimming area for dogs, its the western side with a very small carpark. The dogs love it the people who can’t read the signs saying it is a dog swimming area don’t like it…

Maryann Mussared11:38 am 30 Dec 16

I don’t have a dog but always stop and watch the pampered pooches having a great time with each other and their owners. Sometimes on a Saturday morning there is even a barista van at the Yarralumla Park!

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