Sancrox Reserve

Sancrox Reserve is a quiet community park on Colvin Street in Sancrox, west of Port Macquarie, with open grass, shade trees and a picnic shelter. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and it is far calmer than the busy coastal parks.

Lead rules

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council manages the reserve, and dogs must stay on a lead. There is a playground on site, so give it a wide berth with the dog.

What's there

This is open grassy field with short, informal earth paths rather than a sealed footpath, so think relaxed lap rather than long walk. Native trees grow toward the banks of the Hastings River.

Large trees and an undercover shelter give some shade, and there are picnic tables, barbecues, a multi-use court, public toilets and bins. Parking is on site, including accessible spaces. Bring a bottle and bowl for the dog.

Pair it with

For a longer on-lead nature walk the same day, Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park in Port Macquarie has tracks and boardwalks. Social Grounds Cafe is a good coffee stop in town.

When to go

It works best for dogs that find crowded parks a bit much, and the shelters make it an easy picnic stop on a drive.