Gillespie Park

Gillespie Park is the starting point for a short heritage walk through Oaks Estate, heading from the corner of River and Railway streets down to where the Queanbeyan and Molonglo rivers meet. The park is on lead, but the river track has a designated off-leash stretch.

Leads and the off-lead stretch

Keep dogs on lead in Gillespie Park and on the paved paths, in line with ACT rules for urban areas. Once you reach the bush and river track, a designated stretch lets dogs off lead under effective control.

Dogs also need to stay 10 metres clear of the playground equipment in the park.

The walk

Paved park paths give way to a natural dirt track across the river flats. Along the way, old trees, rural river views and colonial-era signs tell the story of the estate.

Bring water for the dog, as taps along the river track are not something to count on.

Make a day of it

The Nursery Cafe is right in Oaks Estate, handy before or after the walk.

Who it suits

Dogs that love a sniff along the river get the most from it, and their owners get plenty of local history to read. It makes a good short outing for a dog learning to walk off lead in a quieter setting.