CNCC Showgrounds

The CNCC Showgrounds at 80 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough, is the Hunter region's dedicated dog sport facility, not a casual off-leash park. The single deciding fact for visitors: you can only use the grounds as a member of an affiliated club or as a registered participant in a scheduled event, trial or training day.

How access works

There is no general public access for daily dog walks. The grounds exist for affiliated clubs such as Newcastle All Breeds Dog Training Club and Newcastle Canine Sprinters, and entry is tied to their activities. Visitors check in at the clubhouse on arrival, and depending on the event, dogs may need to be measured by a judge before competing. The site is fully fenced and secure, which is essential for off-leash competition work, but the fencing is there for event safety, not as an invitation to drop in.

What the grounds offer

Grassed space suits agility, obedience, conformation shows and sprinting events, with water access for dogs. A canteen operates during scheduled events and shows, toilets and showers are available, and a central clubhouse handles check-in and administration. Camping space is part of the setup, which makes multi-day trials workable for regional competitors travelling with dogs; camping is paid to the caretaker or club secretary, with no power available. A 10km/h speed limit applies to all vehicles within the grounds.

Max: keep your dog leashed between the car and the clubhouse. Everyone else there is competing, and the check-in rules are enforced.

Getting there and parking

The address is 80 Hillsborough Road, Hillsborough NSW 2290, but navigation needs care: entering Hillsborough alone can send you to rural cattle country. Use 80 Hillsborough Rd, Newcastle, or search for Newcastle Canine Sprinters instead. Turn off Hillsborough Road into the site, drive around to the left and cross the bridge to the designated parking area, which matters most on trial days when the entrance gets congested.

Close by with the dogs

For everyday off-leash walking nearby, Charlestown Dog Exercise Area and Gateshead Dog Exercise Area are open public options a few minutes away, with Lucas Bakery & Cafe handy in Gateshead for a coffee stop.

More options are on the NSW dog parks guide and the Hillsborough destination page.