Forestville Dog Off-leash Area

The Forestville Dog Off-leash Area is Northern Beaches Council's official name for the two dedicated dog zones inside the Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields on Melwood Avenue: the fully fenced Purple Poppy Dog Park and a timed section of Field 3. It is the safer, more structured option if you want your dog off-leash without relying on open parkland.

The rules. Purple Poppy is fenced and off-leash 24 hours a day. Field 3 is off-leash only from 10pm to 8am on weekdays and 10pm to 7am on weekends, on-leash outside those windows. Dogs must stay off the synthetic sports fields entirely and at least 10 metres from playgrounds, and owners need to keep voice control even inside the fenced area.

What's there. Bench seating, water on site, and parking on Melwood Avenue right next to the fields. Some sections have lighting for early or late visits.

Getting there. Access is via Melwood Avenue off Warringah Road, with nearby bus stops on Warringah Road for a short walk in.

Early mornings and late afternoons on weekdays draw steady crowds, and weekend mornings are the busiest overall. For a quieter fenced run, aim for the middle of a weekday.

Sources

• Forestville War Memorial Playing Fields (Field 3 and Purple Poppy) Dog Area · northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
• Dogs and Dog Off-leash Areas | Northern Beaches Council · northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au

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