Vanilla Ave Dog Park

This small, fully fenced off-leash park in Griffin sits within the wider Ultramarine Parade Park precinct off Evergreen Parade, and it is built for one job: a quick, secure fenced run for locals rather than a destination trip. The surrounding park carries a playground, fitness equipment and walking paths, so the dog run is one stop in a bigger neighbourhood parkland.

The dog setup

Entry is through a double gate, and it is worth checking both gates close properly before you let your dog off lead, because they are there to stop accidental escapes. Inside the fence, dogs still need to be under effective control at all times. Female dogs in season and declared dangerous dogs are not permitted, and dogs stay leashed anywhere outside the fenced zone. Waste bags and bins are generally provided, though owners are expected to pick up regardless. There is a water point for dogs on site, limited seating and patchy shade, so part of the run sits in full sun through the middle of the day. There are no public toilets at the dog park itself.

Max: the ground gets muddy and worn when the park is busy, and it can turn into a rough and tumble scrum on weekend evenings, so keep an eye on smaller or nervous dogs at peak times.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Evergreen Parade or Ultramarine Parade in Griffin, with wheelchair-accessible parking available nearby. Bus coverage in this part of Moreton Bay is limited, so it is best reached by car or on foot from the surrounding streets.

When to go

Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons are the quiet windows. Weekends and weekend evenings draw the biggest crowds, which is when the ground gets churned up and the play gets rowdy, so if your dog is small or easily overwhelmed, give those windows a miss or watch closely once other dogs arrive.

Close by with the dogs

Rocks Cafe is the local dog-friendly coffee stop, and more options are on the QLD dog parks guide and the Griffin destination page.