Apex Park Off-Leash Dog Park (Sarina)

Sarina's off-leash dog park sits inside Apex Park on Sichter Street, a fully fenced, double-gated run in the middle of town. It is small to medium in size with a shared open grassed area, which makes it a handy stretch-the-legs stop rather than a destination in its own right, especially if you are breaking up a Bruce Highway drive.

The dog setup

The enclosure has a double-gated entry, a shaded shelter with a table, shade trees, and a water tap with a bowl, and bins are provided for waste. Reviews occasionally flag gaps under sections of the perimeter fence and gates, so give the fence line a quick check with a small dog or an escape artist. The wider Apex Park around it has a children's playground, public toilets, sheltered picnic tables and electric BBQs, so it works as a family stop too.

Max: it is a small enclosure, so read the room before you let your dog off. If another dog inside looks unsettled, wait at the gate for a minute rather than crowding straight in.

Worth knowing

Mackay Regional Council rules apply: dogs run off-leash inside the fence under effective voice or hand control, must be registered and microchipped, and you carry a leash at all times. Pick up after your dog, keep aggressive or excessively barking dogs out, and only bring as many dogs as you can manage alone. Vaccinations should be current before you visit.

Getting there and parking

The park is on Sichter Street, just off the Bruce Highway at the southern end of the Sarina township, with easy street parking along Sichter Street and room to pull up with a caravan nearby. The park is open around the clock, though it is busiest on weekend mornings, late afternoons and weekday mornings; mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday is the quietest window.

While you're out there

Roots Collective Cafe and the Tandara Hotel are both a short hop away on Broad Street and welcome dogs in their outdoor areas. For sand rather than grass, the Sarina Beach off-leash dog area is a short drive east.

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