18 May 2015

Canberra's friendliest off-leash dog meeting places

| canberradogwalks
Join the conversation
9

Did you know that most Canberra neighbourhood ovals and sports fields (areas that are irrigated), and lots of parks around our suburbs are designated dog off-leash areas?

Dog walkers in the know meet up in these areas, usually late afternoon, to chat while their dogs play together, chase balls, socialise and sniff.

Dogs at play - Reid Oval

These areas generally ‘self-select’ for experienced, friendly owners and well-socialised, well -trained dogs. It’s a great opportunity to introduce a young dog to off leash situations in a safe and supportive environment. If you or your dog find dog parks a bit too intense, we can highly recommend visiting these instead.

There are some rules of course. ACT regulations allow dogs off leash on ovals only when sports aren’t in progress. Some parks are ‘nature parks’ where dogs must be on leash.

It’s also important to be respectful of other users and follow some basic etiquette. E.g. don’t let your dog chase children, steal soccer balls or otherwise interfere with other people’s enjoyment!

Narrabundah Neighbourhood Oval - playtime!

You’ll be most welcome if you monitor your dog’s interactions and don’t let them ‘play’ with another dog to the point of harassment. Be cautious with dogs on leash who might not appreciate a strange, loose dog rushing up. You might need to begin with your dog on leash until he/she is a bit more settled and/or reliably comes when called.

Here are some of favourite Canberra off leash dog meeting places to get you started. Each provides extensive off leash walking, most have natural borders or low fencing on two or more sides, and there’s off street parking for those who don’t live within walking distance. Most importantly, the regulars are really lovely people with very friendly dogs!

Reid Oval (parking off Elimatta Street)

There’s great off leash dog walking at Reid Oval with views of Mt Ainslie and the War Memorial nearby. Each evening between 5pm and 6.30pm you’ll find a regular group of locals with well-socialised dogs meeting informally to chat and let their dogs run and play off-leash. It’s fenced on one side, with lots of shady trees too and handy bins for poo bags.

Reid Oval - human and canine socialising

Narrabundah Neighbourhood Oval (parking off Kootara Crescent near Nimbin Street)

More great off-leash dog walking is to be had at Narrabundah’s neighbourhood oval, which is fenced on three sides. The locals are super friendly. We are regular Wednesday evening visitors and are warmly welcomed by humans and dogs alike. There’s plenty of socialising (and some dog zoomies) while we keep fit walking around the oval perimeter – generally between 5.30pm and 6.30pm. This ‘group’ particularly suits smaller dogs – our whippets are giants here!

Narrabundah Neighbourhood Oval - walkies!

Mawson Neighbourhood Oval (parking off Ainsworth Street)

A popular hang-out for locals and their well socialised dogs, Mawson’s neighbourhood oval is fenced on three sides and offers an irrigated oval plus a scrubbier grassy border with shady trees. Locals wander down from around 4.30 pm (a few retirees here!) to let their dogs play, throw balls and generally socialise. There’s a bin near the amenities block by the car park.

Mawson Neighbourhood Oval - drinks are shared

O’Connor Oval (parking off Pedder Street)

Another huge and green open space, O’Connor Oval offers super variety for active dogs – an irrigated oval, a scrubby grass border, and a little creek perfect for summer cooling off. Dogs of all ages and sizes make an appearance throughout the late afternoon and evening. There’s fencing on three sides and bins next to the gravel car park.

O'Connor Oval - stick game!

Free information on Canberra dog off leash areas as well as great dog walking routes is available here. To find out more about regulations and off leash areas, visit the ACT Government dog regulations page.

Mawson Neighbourhood Oval - ball time

Join the conversation

9
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

london said :

What a ridiculous idea! Only in Canberra. Must be great for people to go to play sport amongst all the dog droppings.
Never seen such irresponsible dog owners as those that live in ACT.
People walk dogs around the street without leashes, don’t clean up after them, look the other way when in someone’s yard and generally allow them to be a nuisance to others.

A bit late to the party but you’re going to fit in well here.

What a ridiculous idea! Only in Canberra. Must be great for people to go to play sport amongst all the dog droppings.
Never seen such irresponsible dog owners as those that live in ACT.
People walk dogs around the street without leashes, don’t clean up after them, look the other way when in someone’s yard and generally allow them to be a nuisance to others.

wildturkeycanoe8:45 am 01 Jun 15

Dog owners, pleeeease pick up your pet’s droppings. We were at the Hawker playing fields on Saturday and both on and off the field were nice, fresh, stinky poos. Kids run around, trip over, roll and slide on these grounds. How disgusting it’d be to get the bow-wow’s faeces all over your child’s hands, clothes and hair. Think about the children!

CrazyWhippetSheila said :

I’m not convinced that areas fenced on 3, or less, sides are suitable for off lead whippets.

If they’re busy interacting with the other dogs it shouldn’t be a problem

I have been to Belconnen, Lake Ginninderra, Diddams Close. Been going there every weekend.

canberradogwalks11:11 am 19 May 15

scentednightgardens said :

A great article with really useful information for dog owners! It is also worth repeating that by and large, dogs are not allowed off-leash in the 30-odd Nature Reserves within and between the suburbs of Canberra. The temptation can be strong to let them have a run when walking in the NR’s but its not cool, people!

Thanks for the positive feedback. Dog owners can find lots more free useful info at http://www.canberradogwalks.com.au including links to the ACT dog regulations and off-leash/non-off-leash maps.

CrazyWhippetSheila4:58 pm 17 May 15

I’m not convinced that areas fenced on 3, or less, sides are suitable for off lead whippets.

scentednightgardens4:05 pm 17 May 15

A great article with really useful information for dog owners! It is also worth repeating that by and large, dogs are not allowed off-leash in the 30-odd Nature Reserves within and between the suburbs of Canberra. The temptation can be strong to let them have a run when walking in the NR’s but its not cool, people!

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.