Russell Island Dog Park

Russell Island Dog Park is Redland City's fully fenced off-leash option on the Southern Moreton Bay island, and its main selling point is simplicity: the off-leash access runs 24 hours a day with no seasonal hours to track, which matters on an island where the nearby beach off-leash area is governed by a shifting schedule. Airlock double gates, drinking water, picnic tables and bag dispensers make it an easy stop whether you live on the island or have come over on the ferry.

The dog setup

The enclosure is fully fenced with a double-gate airlock entry, so there is no gate-dash risk when arriving or leaving, and both entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible. Drinking water, poo bag dispensers, bins and picnic tables are on site. Council rules apply as across Redland City: dogs outside the fenced zone must be on lead, droppings are collected immediately, dogs stay at least ten metres from playground and fitness equipment, and menacing or declared dangerous dogs are barred from off-leash areas. Do not let dogs chase wildlife, which is a live issue on bay islands.

Pepsi: close both gates behind you, every time. The airlock only works if you use it properly.

The vibe

This is a small local facility rather than a regional dog park, and it is quiet most days, with mornings the calmest stretch. Visitors point to the cleanliness, the bag dispensers being stocked and the safety of the fencing. For a dog that needs a reliable off-lead run regardless of season or tide, it does the job without fuss.

Getting there and parking

Getting to Russell Island starts with the TransLink ferry from Weinam Creek Marina at Redland Bay. On the ferry, small dogs travel in a carrier and larger dogs are muzzled and on lead, so plan accordingly. Once on the island the park is a short drive or taxi ride, with accessible parking at the gate. If you are coming from the mainland for the day, factor the ferry timetable into both ends of the visit.

Close by with the dogs

Jock Kennedy Recreation Reserve is roughly 1.5 kilometres away and rounds out the day with a boat ramp, BBQs and waterfront picnic tables. Cafe Memory Lane near the town centre is the local dog-friendly coffee stop, and Lions Boulevard Camp Ground puts you waterfront overnight, next to the island's seasonal off-leash beach area.

More options are on the Queensland dog parks guide and the Russell Island destination page.