Ben Wilson Park

Ben Wilson Park, together with part of the drainage reserve beside it, sits on the corner of Anderson Road and Fairview Street in Bayview Heights, Cairns. The reason to come is that Cairns Regional Council lists it as a dog off-leash area.

Leads and the off-lead area

Within the listed park and reserve, your dog can come off the lead. Keep one with you for the streets on the way in.

The walk

Concrete and asphalt paths run through the park, with grassed ground along the drainage reserve. A small creek and lush tropical planting give it a green, sheltered feel.

This is a neighbourhood park rather than a destination, used mostly by the people who live around it.

Make a day of it

For coffee, Koffeez in Westcourt and Blackbird Warehouse in Bungalow are both on our dog-friendly list.

When to go

Go early or late in the day, when the tropical heat eases, and bring water for the dog. The grassy reserve suits dogs that like room to sniff and potter more than a long hike.