Rex Amber Park

Rex Amber Park, also signposted as Rex Amber Reserve, is a 24-hour off-leash dog park on Wegener Road in Birdwood, in the Adelaide Hills. It is a natural, low-key setup: open grassy ground with pockets of native vegetation and wetland, rather than a purpose-built dog park with agility gear and separate yards.

The rules

Adelaide Hills Council designates the park off-leash around the clock, but dogs must stay under effective voice or hand control at all times, and you should carry a lead for the way in and out. Pick up after your dog, and keep dogs clear of the revegetated conservation pockets and wildlife. The critical detail is the boundary: the park is not fully fenced, with gaps around the perimeter including drainage pipes, so it is not a secure yard for dogs that bolt or squeeze through small spaces. Walk the fence line before letting a small or nervous dog off the lead.

What's there

You get open grass, some shade, benches and tables, and water stations for dogs when topped up. Ground turns muddy for a day or two after rain, so a dry spell makes for a cleaner-pawed visit. Weekday mornings and afternoons are quietest, with more locals through on weekend mornings.

Getting there

Wegener Road has street parking and no realistic public transport option, so plan to drive. Birdwood itself is an easy stop if you are already in the Hills, about 45 minutes from Adelaide.

Close by with the dogs

The Fold Birdwood welcomes leashed dogs with outdoor seating and water bowls, and the Blumberg Hotel in town does pub dining that suits a meal with the dog afterwards. For a fully fenced run, Balhannah Dog Park is about 20 minutes south. Further down the valley, Emma and Ivy at Lobethal is a dog-friendly cafe stop, and Petaluma Wine at Woodside suits a cellar door visit. See more off-leash parks in South Australia or explore Birdwood.

Pepsi: off-lead grass all day, if I promise not to investigate the drainage pipes.