Blackbutt Place Park Fenced Dog Park

Blackbutt Place Park is a small, fully fenced off-leash dog park tucked into a residential pocket of Brookfield, on Brisbane's western fringe. It is open around the clock, which makes it a handy option for an early or late run when the bigger parks across the city are packed, and the fence does the safety work that recall training has not finished yet.

The dog setup

The enclosure is double-gated, so check both gates shut behind you before clipping the lead off. Brisbane City Council's standard off-lead rules apply: stay inside with your dog, keep it under effective voice or hand control, carry bags and clean up immediately, and leash up and leave if your dog turns aggressive or starts barking excessively. Dogs in heat are not permitted in off-lead areas.

Expect a grassed, tree-shaded enclosure with a water tap and bowl plus waste bag dispensers. This is a modest neighbourhood park rather than a flagship off-lead area, so there is no agility equipment or huge open run; what it offers is a secure, quiet patch of grass close to home.

Pepsi: the ground here turns to mud fast after a Queensland downpour. Storm season means a towel lives in the car and I get wiped down before I am allowed on the seats.

Getting there and parking

The park sits off Brookfield Road on Kensington Circuit, with no dedicated car park, so you will be on the street. Be considerate of residents' driveways and verges when you pull up. Early morning and late afternoon bring the regulars; the middle of the day is often an empty yard for dogs that prefer quiet company.

Make a day of it

Wild Canary Bistro at Brookfield Gardens is a short drive away and welcomes dogs on its outdoor deck, which makes an easy morning of park then breakfast. Merri Park Fenced Dog Park at Chapel Hill is another fenced option over the ridge, and Bru Cru Coffee in Kenmore covers the coffee on the drive back toward the city.

More options are on the Queensland dog friendly parks guide and the Brookfield destination page.