Morisset Dog Exercise Area

Morisset Dog Exercise Area is the off leash ground at Gibson Oval on Awaba Street, a large open sports field that doubles as the suburb's community dog run whenever organised sport is not on. It is a working oval first and a dog park second, which shapes how you use it.

The dog setup

Lake Macquarie City Council lists Gibson Oval as leash free, with one clear exception: during organised sport or training sessions dogs must be leashed and kept clear of the playing surface. The main winter codes run roughly April through September, with midweek club training on top, so check whether a game is on before you let go of the lead. Even when the oval is open for dogs, yours needs to stay under effective control, and the leash goes back on in the car park and surrounding streets.

Worth knowing

The oval is completely unfenced and opens toward Awaba Street, so a reliable recall is the only thing standing between a bolting dog and the road, particularly near the car park edge. There are no dog water taps and shade is limited to the field margins, so carry your own water and a bowl. Bins are on site and pick up is expected on the spot.

Max: because it's unfenced, I'd keep new or reactive dogs on a long lead near the car park edge until you know they're reliable off leash here.

Getting there

The oval sits just off Awaba Street in the Morisset commercial area, with a large free car park right beside the field and public toilets on site. Morisset railway station on the Newcastle and Central Coast line is an easy walk away if you would rather come by train.

When to go

Weekday mornings and late afternoons are the quietest windows and the most reliable for actual off leash time, since weekend fixtures and training nights claim the surface in season. The space suits confident, well socialised dogs rather than flight risks.

While you're out there

Cafes along Dora Street put out outdoor seating: Biv's Coffeehouse is pup friendly at the top end of town and Bodyfuel Cafe is another handy stop. For alternatives, Dora Creek Dog Exercise Area is the next suburb over and Avondale Dairy Walk at Cooranbong is a quieter bush walk.

More runs are on the New South Wales dog parks guide and the Morisset destination page.