Leash Free Areas

COVID-19 Update

For the latest information and public health orders, see the NSW Health COVID-19 website.

Newcastle off leash areas allow your dog to be exercised off leash.

Dogs are permitted off leash between sunrise and sunset only
Off leash activities will be permitted only on designated areas approved by Council.
All dogs using the areas are to be accompanied and supervised by a competent person.
All dogs using the area must be able to be controlled without a leash, eg. return to handler on command.
Dogs declared dangerous dogs by Council, menacing and restricted breeds eg. Pitbull Terriers as indicated under the Companion Animals Act 1998 are not permitted to use any designated off leash areas.
It is the responsibility of the dog owner in each instance to remove all dog faeces.
The owner is liable if the dog attacks a person or animal.
Dogs must not be encouraged to attack.
No food items are to be brought into dog parks.

NB: Dog owners are responsible for picking up after their dog.

Off Leash Locations – to be read in conjunction with Councils Leash Free brochure (PDF) or contact Council on (02) 4974 2000.

Acacia Avenue, North Lambton - Acacia Ave is the city's first fenced dog park where owners can legally let their dogs roam free inside their very own playground. This park will be closed for maintenance work between 7am and 3pm on Wednesday 13 April.
Ballast Ground, Stockton
Carrington Foreshore
Horseshoe Beach, Newcastle
King Edward Park, Newcastle
Islington Park, Islington
Maryland Dr Reserve, Maryland
Michael St Reserve, Lambton
Pitt St Reserve (off King St), Stockton
Purdue Park (off Scholey St), Mayfield
Nesca Park, Newcastle
Tarro Recreation Area, Tarro
Upper Reserve, Wallsend

Time Restricted Off Leash Areas

Dogs are only allowed to be off-leash in leash free designated areas approved by Council.

The following rules apply:

All dogs are to be accompanied and supervised
All dogs area must be able to be controlled without a leash
Dogs that are declared dangerous dogs by Council (such as aggressive and restricted breeds identified by the Companion animals Act 1998) are not allowed to use any designated off leash areas
Dog owners / controllers MUST remove all dog faeces that may be deposited by the dog under their control
Dogs MUST NOT be encouraged to attack. The dog owner is liable under legislation if the dog attacks a person or animal
Dogs are permitted off leash between sunrise and sunset only except in time restricted areas
Dogs are not permitted on the Memorial Walk
Within time restricted off leash areas, dogs are allowed off leash between sunrise and 9am and between 5pm and sunset.

These areas are patrolled. There are penalties for non compliance.

For further information

View Council's leash free area brochure (PDF) or contact Council on (02) 4974 2000.