Pennyweight Park Fenced Dog Park

Pennyweight Park Fenced Dog Park is a fully fenced off-leash park on Otway Street South in Ballarat East, redeveloped in 2020 and now one of the area's more reliable options for a proper off-leash run without the guesswork of shared parkland.

The rules. Dogs run off-leash inside the fence but need to stay under effective voice control, and the park does not separate large and small dogs into different sections, so keep an eye on interactions if your dog is small or nervous. Entry is via a double-gated system, use both gates properly so nothing bolts while you're getting the lead off.

What's there. The park has bench seating, an undercover shelter, a drinking fountain, picnic tables and bins, plus a fenced children's playground next door. It's wheelchair accessible. There are no public toilets on site, so plan ahead.

Getting there. The park sits on Otway Street South / Main Road, Ballarat East, a short drive from the Ballarat CBD. Free street parking is generally easy to find, and bus stops run along Main Road for those without a car.

Nearby with the dogs. The Ballarat Central cafe strip is a few minutes' drive and has several outdoor-friendly options worth a coffee stop afterwards, including The Turret Cafe & Catering, Shep St. Sandos and Earls Deli.

When to go. Evenings and weekends draw the biggest local crowd, so if your dog needs more room, aim for a weekday morning or mid-afternoon instead. Good for dogs that are confident around others, since there's no separate small-dog area.

Sources

• Dog parks - City of Ballarat · ballarat.vic.gov.au
• Pennyweight Park and Dog Park - Prospect Cottage Ballarat · prospectcottage.com.au
• Pennyweight Park - Goldfields Guide · goldfieldsguide.com.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.