Gleeson's Weir Park Dog Off Leash Area

Gleeson's Weir Park Dog Off Leash Area sits on the bank of the Ross River at Arinya Street in Cranbrook, about 15 minutes from central Townsville. It combines a grassy, tree shaded run with direct river access, which makes it a swim and play spot rather than a plain suburban dog park.

The dog setup

The off-leash zone is a fenced grassy pocket beside the weir, but the boundary runs to the riverbank itself so the water is open to the park. Confident swimmers can wade straight in, and most of the ground sits under mature shade trees.

There are no separate small dog and large dog enclosures, so all sizes share the one space. Council rules still apply: keep your dog in effective control, carry a lead, and use the bins on site for waste.

Water weeds collect along the river edge and can tangle smaller or less confident dogs, so keep a close eye on anyone paddling near the bank. After heavy rain the current near the weir picks up and it is safer to keep dogs in the shallows.

The vibe

This is a quiet local park rather than a busy destination dog park, with picnic tables and seating spread through the shade. It is open around the clock, and weekday mornings tend to be the calmest stretch.

Pepsi: the river access is the whole point here. I do two circuits of the grass, then stand in the shallows until my humans give up waiting for me.

Getting there

Parking sits beside the entrance on Arinya Street in Cranbrook, and the main gate is on the riverside path at the end of the street. The park is in a residential pocket, so if you are on public transport expect a walk from the nearest bus stop.

Close by with the dogs

Missy Moo's Coffee in Cranbrook covers the drive-home coffee run, and if your dog needs a fully enclosed yard the Rossiter Park Fenced Dog Park at Aitkenvale is a short drive away.

The bigger Townsville Main Dog Park is also nearby, and you can compare every option on the Cranbrook destination page or browse the Queensland parks guide.