Frenchs Forest Showground

Frenchs Forest Showground on Glen Street is one of the Northern Beaches' most dependable fenced dog parks: a large fully enclosed off-leash area open around the clock, with a second smaller pen set aside for small and shy dogs.

The dog setup

Northern Beaches Council allows off-leash play in the fenced showground area and the small dog area 24 hours a day, with the main space lit until about 9:30pm so evening runs work even in winter. Leash up for the gates, then keep your dog in sight and coming back on command.

House rules cap it at four dogs per person, and dogs need to be registered and vaccinated. Bags and bins are provided, and the playground and sports fields alongside are strictly on-leash zones. Water is available on site, though a backup bowl never hurts.

The vibe

Early mornings from about 6am to 8am and late afternoons from 4pm to 7pm are the busy windows, especially on weekends. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon on weekdays leave the most room. If the main pen is too boisterous for your dog, the smaller enclosure next door is the calmer option by design.

Worth knowing: the ground drains slowly and churns to mud after rain. If the main area has been dug up, the small dog pen usually holds up better. Check the forecast before committing.

Getting there and parking

The showground fronts Glen Street, Blackbutts Road and Pringle Avenue, right beside the Glen Street Theatre, with an on-site car park. Buses along Glen Street and Warringah Road stop nearby. The adjoining Lionel Watts sportsground adds toilets and a playground if you have kids in tow.

Close by with the dogs

Behind the Beans and Daisy Coffee Shop both cover the post-walk coffee run nearby, and Currie Road Dog Park at Forestville is another fenced option a short drive away.

More options are in our guide to dog parks in New South Wales or the Frenchs Forest destination page.