Penguin Dog Park

Penguin Dog Park is a fully fenced off-leash area on the coastal edge of Penguin, near the sports centre on Tasmania's north-west coast. The draw is a secure, double-gated enclosure with a bit of agility gear and a flat beachside setting, which makes it an easy stop for a run rather than a destination in its own right.

The rules

Inside the fence dogs can be off-leash, but Central Coast Council's dog management policy still requires effective control, meaning they come back when called. On the adjoining areas and at nearby Lions Park, dogs must be leashed on a lead no longer than two metres, and dogs are banned from parts of Penguin Beach east of Johnsons Beach Road, so check signage before heading onto the sand. Dogs are also kept well clear of playgrounds and sportsgrounds across the council area.

What's there

The park is fully fenced with a double-gated entrance, some agility equipment, bench seating and a little shade. Poo-bag dispensers and water are provided, though supplies and cleanliness can be hit and miss, so bring your own bags and a water bottle to be safe.

Max: the fence is the main event here, so latch both gates behind you. And pack your own bags and water rather than counting on the dispensers.

Getting there

The park sits just off Penguin's coastal road, an easy run off the Bass Highway with free parking nearby. From the town centre it is a flat, pleasant walk along the beach path. Regional buses run along the Bass Highway if you are without a car, leaving a short walk to the gates.

Close by with the dogs

Time a visit at low tide and you can follow up with a walk along the on-lead town beach, where the foreshore pathway runs the length of the bay. For coffee, @ Coffee & Soul and Beach Hut Coffee are a short drive up the coast at Ulverstone, and Penguin Beachfront Apartments puts you on the sand if you are staying over. More options sit on the Tasmania park guide and the Penguin destination page.

It is generally a quiet spot; weekends and late afternoons are the busiest as locals bring their dogs out.