Central Canberra is one of the oldest and most scenic parts of Canberra. With its parks, beaches and mountains, there’s plenty of spaces for you and your dog to explore together.

Yarralumla Dog Park

On the edge of Weston Park, you’ll find this large, grassy dog park.

It has separate areas for large and small dogs. Both have plenty of space for dogs to play, zoom, and socialise.

It is fully fenced, with benches to sit while you supervise your dog.

It’s only a short, on-leash walk to nearby Lake Burley Griffin, including a number of dog beaches.

Off-leash areas

There are 20 areas where dogs can be off-leash across the central Canberra region.

Here are some of our favourites:

Orana Bay, Yarralumla

It doesn’t get more scenic than this beautiful dog-friendly swimming spot.

The small beach on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin overlooks the iconic (soon to be redeveloped) Telstra Tower.

Orana Bay is conveniently located a short walk away from the fenced dog park in Weston Park, Yarralumla, and connects to on-leash walking tracks spanning across Lake Burley Griffin. It’s the perfect spot for your dog to cool after a burning their energy at the dog park or around the lake.

Yarralumla

Yarralumla has a few off-leash areas for dogs to play.

Kurrajong Point Beach in Weston Park is a dog beach surrounded by shade and grass.

The space between Denman Street and Dudley Street up to (but not including) the Canberra Brickworks is a dog off-leash area.

It contains a mix of open grassy areas, as well as shaded walking rails.

Yarralumla Bay Oval and the adjacent grassy area up to Hopetoun Circuit is also a dog off-leash area.

Yarralumla Bay Oval is an excellent spot for socialising and play when it’s not in use. If it’s booked for formal sport (including training sessions), however, you’ll need to return another time.

Check when the sportsground is booked for use.

Haig Park, Braddon and Turner

Inner north Canberrans and their furry family members flock to Haig Park to play. The entire park (except for the three major paths running between Greenway Street and Masson Street) are dog off-leash areas.

You can take your dog for a run on the agility course or explore the nature play area. Pine trees provide plenty of shade, and there is lots of space to run around. There are also public toilets.

If you’d like to stop for lunch, there are plenty of benches and picnic tables. Otherwise, why not visit on a Sunday between 8am and 2pm for the dog-friendly Haig Village Markets?

On-leash areas

Mount Ainslie

If your dog is active, a hike up Mount Ainslie is a great way to get some exercise.

The Kokoda Track is a 4.5 kilometre return walk. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Canberra.

Make sure you stick to the track or trail and don’t venture into the surrounding bushland.

Lake Burley Griffin

Canine Canberrans love this walk as much as their human family members.

There are a few areas around the lake that are dog prohibited areas, including:

• Jerrabomberra Wetlands

• Yarralumla Beach

• Black Mountain Peninsula.

However, the vast majority of the shores of Lake Burley Griffin (including the five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge walk) are perfect for dogs on lead. Not only will you see some of Canberra’s best scenery, but you’re bound to meet some fellow dog owners and their pooches along the way.

Both the inner south and inner north of Canberra feature tree-lined streets, footpaths and cycle paths. These, as well as all verges, are dog on-leash areas. If you venture off the street or path, remember that your dog needs to stay on lead within 10 metres either of either side.

Regardless of where your adventure takes you, you need to clean up after your dog. Failure to pick up your dog droppings is an offence that can land you with a $150 fine. Failure to carry the correct equipment is also an offence and carries a $75 fine.

Learn more about local spots to take your dog or view on-leash, off-leash, conditional off-leash and dog prohibited areas on ACTmapi’s dog exercise area map.