Jamberoo Dog Park

Jamberoo Dog Park is a fenced off-leash area on the southeast corner of the reserve between Churchill Street and Gibson Crescent, right in the village. It is the Illawarra's newer purpose-built dog space, run by Kiama Municipal Council, and it solves a problem the village had for years: nowhere secure to let a dog off the lead without driving to Kiama or Shellharbour.

The dog setup

The park is split into two fully fenced enclosures, one for small dogs up to about 15kg and a larger run for dogs over that line. Entry is through a double-gated airlock, so let the outer gate close behind you before opening the inner one rather than holding both open. Perimeter fencing is complete, and the surface is maintained turf with shaded sections and an undercover shelter for owners.

Water is covered with dedicated dog water stations and bowls, waste bins are on site, and bench seating is scattered through both yards. Under council rules you stay inside with your dog and keep it under effective control the whole time, dogs with a history of aggression are not permitted, and if a dog turns on the day you leash up and leave.

Worth knowing

The park is open around the clock, so early mornings and after work are both workable. The stretch of Gibson Crescent and Churchill Street beside it doubles as overflow parking for events at Kevin Walsh Oval, so on game days you may need to circle the block or park a little further out.

Max: wait for the airlock gate to shut before you open the second one. It only works if everyone plays by it.

Getting there and parking

Jamberoo has no train station; Albion Park and Kiama are both ten to fifteen minutes away by car and you will need one from either. From the Princes Highway, follow Jamberoo Road into the village and turn onto Churchill Street. On-street parking along Churchill Street and Gibson Crescent puts you at the gate.

While you're out there

The Lodge Jamberoo takes dogs and its restaurant, Lulu's at The Lodge, is an easy lunch stop a couple of minutes away. If your dog still has energy after the fenced run, the off-leash sand at Bombo Beach in Kiama is a twelve minute drive north for a swim to finish the day.

More options are on the New South Wales dog parks guide and the Jamberoo destination page.