Hackett Hounds Dog Owners Group

The Hackett Hounds open space at the end of Holtze Close is a low-key, unfenced off-leash patch of suburban parkland that serves Hackett's daily dog crowd. It is not a flagship destination and it is not fenced, but for locals it does the job: open grass, bench seating, some tree shade and a 24-hour window with no time restrictions on either end of the day.

The dog setup

Off-leash here still means effective control. Carry a lead at all times, keep your dog within reach and cleaning up is expected, with waste bins provided on site. Dogs that threaten or harass other dogs or people are not welcome. There are no separate zones for big and small dogs, and as with any Canberra reserve, keep dogs well clear of nearby playgrounds and barbecue areas.

Max: no fence means no excuses. If recall is still a work in progress, keep a long line on and rehearse the basics here before trusting the open ground.

Worth knowing

The unfenced boundary opens onto surrounding streets and walking paths, so scope the layout before unclipping a dog prone to chasing or spooking. Bring your own waste bags, since supplies on site are not guaranteed. Partial shade and benches make it comfortable for owners to linger, but there are no water stations of record, so pack a bowl and water.

Getting there and parking

The space sits at the end of Holtze Close, with street parking along the close itself. Local buses service the Hackett area, and suburban walking paths connect the park to the rest of the suburb, so it is an easy walk-in for most residents.

While you're out there

Hackett has no other listed dog venues, but Dickson is a few minutes away: Cafe Stepping Stone Dickson and Hudsons of Dickson both welcome dogs at outdoor tables for a post-walk coffee. If your dog needs a fully fenced run instead, the Inner North Dog Park in O'Connor is the closest secure alternative.

When to go

Weekday afternoons between 4:30 and 6:00pm draw the after-work regulars, and weekend mornings from 9 to 11am are busy too. For a quieter visit, aim for weekday mid-morning or an early weekend afternoon, when the ground thins out and nervous dogs can spread wide.