Acacia Avenue Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Acacia Avenue Reserve was Newcastle's first fully fenced off-leash dog park, and it is still one of its best equipped: more than 8,000 square metres in North Lambton, split into two secure sections and open 24 hours. Leads can come off the moment you are through the second gate.

The dog setup

Two separate fenced zones keep things fair: one for large and active dogs, one for small or quieter dogs, each with its own double-gated entry. Dog bubblers with bowls, shaded shelters, bench seating and accessible paths make it an easy park to spend an hour at rather than a quick zoomie stop.

Bag dispensers and bins are installed at the park, though it pays to carry your own spares because supply runs out at busy times. Owners need to stay inside the fence and keep dogs under watch, and any dog getting aggressive with others should be leashed and taken out straight away.

Max: pick a weekday mid-morning if your dog needs room to settle. Weekend mornings bring the whole neighbourhood and the small dog side fills first.

Worth knowing

The ground holds water and can turn muddy after heavy rain, so a towel in the car is worth packing. Early mornings and early evenings, especially weekends, are the busy windows, while early afternoons leave more space for timid dogs to warm up.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits off local streets near Croudace Street and Hobart Road in North Lambton, with off-street parking at the entrance. Bus stops on Croudace Street make it walkable if you are coming from Lambton without a car.

Close by with the dogs

First Light and Corner Lane Espresso both welcome dogs at outdoor tables and are a few minutes away, as is Rosie & Shell in New Lambton. The unfenced North Lambton Dog Off Leash Area is the alternative if you want open space rather than a pen.

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