Merewether Dog Off-Leash Area

The Merewether off-leash area sits on the grassed Dixon Park Reserve on Ocean Street, on the headland between Merewether and Bar Beach. It is a large open run with ocean views, and the one thing to get right before you go is the timing: off-leash here is limited to two windows a day, not all day.

The rules. Dogs may be off-leash from sunrise to 9am and again from 5pm to sunset. Outside those windows the area is on-leash. Dogs must stay under effective control (returning on command), keep 10 metres clear of the children's playground, and declared dangerous or restricted breeds are not permitted. This is a grass reserve, not a swimming beach, so the adjacent patrolled beach is off-limits for off-leash play.

What's there. Dog waste bins, public toilets, sheltered tables and seating, and BBQs. The playground is fenced, which helps keep the two crowds separate.

Getting there. Address is 40 Ocean Street, Merewether. Street parking runs along Ocean Street with a car park near the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club, and the reserve sits directly on the coastal walkway if you are arriving on foot.

Nearby with the dogs. Sunnyboy Kiosk is right at Dixon Park with a dog-friendly deck, water bowls and puppacinos. The Blue Door Kiosk at the Merewether Beach end and Modus Merewether (dog-friendly brewery patio) are both a short walk or drive away.

When to go. The park fills just before 9am and around 5pm as people fit in a run either side of the leash windows. Come in the earlier part of the morning session for the most room. Being grass, tides do not affect access. If your dog actually wants a swim, Horseshoe Beach near Nobbys is the region's designated off-leash dog beach.

Sources

• Leash Free Areas - City of Newcastle · newcastle.nsw.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.