Merewether Dog Off-Leash Area

The Merewether Dog Off-Leash Area sits on the grassed Dixon Park Reserve at 40 Ocean Street, on the headland between Merewether and Bar Beach in Newcastle. It is a big open run with ocean views, and the one thing to get right before you go is timing: off leash here means two windows a day, not all day.

The dog setup

Under City of Newcastle rules, dogs may be off leash from sunrise to 9am and again from 5pm to sunset. Outside those windows the reserve reverts to on lead. Dogs must stay under effective control and return 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 rather than a swimming spot, so the adjacent patrolled beach stays off limits for off leash play. Waste bins are provided and rangers patrol, so carry bags.

Worth knowing

Amenities are good by beach-reserve standards: public toilets, sheltered tables and seating, BBQs and a fenced playground that keeps the kids and dogs apart. Being grass, tides never affect access, but in summer the reserve bakes, which is another reason to favour the morning window.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Ocean Street, with a car park near the Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club. The reserve sits directly on Newcastle's coastal walkway, so arriving on foot from Merewether or Bar Beach is easy and makes a good warm-up walk in itself.

Max: Ocean views, a big grass run, and a kiosk with puppacinos at the end of it. Just watch the clock on the leash windows.

When to go

The park fills just before 9am and around 5pm as locals squeeze runs either side of the leash windows. Come early in the morning session for the most room. If your dog actually wants a swim, Horseshoe Beach near Nobbys is the region's designated off leash dog beach.

Close by with the dogs

Sunnyboy Kiosk sits right at Dixon Park with a dog-friendly deck, water bowls and puppacinos, and Modus Merewether pours on a dog-friendly brewery patio a short walk away. For a proper swim session, Horseshoe Beach is the backup plan.

Plot more outings on our guide to dog friendly parks in New South Wales or browse what else suits dogs around Merewether.