Redhead Dog Exercise Area

The Redhead Dog Exercise Area is a large open grassy park on Elsdon Street, set back from the coast, giving local dogs room to run off-leash on turf rather than sand. It is open around the clock, unfenced, and deliberately simple: no fountains, no bag dispensers, just a big field close to home. It is also a separate spot from the Redhead Beach off-leash area, and knowing the difference between the two is the key to visiting well.

The dog setup

Dogs can run off-leash here under effective control, with seating for owners and wheelchair-accessible areas at the edges. Because the field is not fenced, recall matters near the boundaries. Bring water, a bowl and your own waste bags; bins are not reliably provided, so plan to carry waste out.

On the sand down the hill, Lake Macquarie City Council's beach rules are stricter and have changed in recent years: off-leash applies south of Second Creek at all times, dogs are completely prohibited between First and Second Creek, and dune and dune-rehabilitation zones are off-limits everywhere. Rangers and lifeguards patrol, and penalties apply in the prohibited stretch. Access to the off-leash beach is typically via the Cain Street car park and the path down to the sand.

Max: grass in the morning, sand in the afternoon. The exercise area is for the run, the beach south of Second Creek is for the swim.

Worth knowing

The park is busiest with locals on weekends and most active late afternoon, roughly 4pm to 6pm. In summer, early mornings and late afternoons are kinder on paws and coats. It suits social dogs who want a run on grass rather than surf; dogs who prefer a fence line are better served elsewhere in the region.

Getting there and parking

The park sits on Elsdon Street with street parking along the front, and it is an easy walk from the surrounding Redhead streets. Local buses service the Redhead area if you are arriving without a car.

While you're out there

Surge Espresso & Co and Redhead Industrial Takeaway and Cafe both take leashed dogs at outdoor tables. The Redhead dog beach entrance off Cain Street is the sand option, and Belmont Dog Park is a few minutes south if you want a proper fenced session.

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