Hawthorne Park

Hawthorne Park on Riding Road gives Hawthorne dog owners both options: a flat, shady walking circuit on lead, and fenced off-lead dog areas. Big fig trees and sports fields frame the whole thing.

Leads and the off-lead area

Across the general park grounds and the walking circuit, dogs stay on lead. Signed, fenced sections operate as off-lead dog zones, with a separate area for small dogs under 10 kilograms and agility equipment in the larger zones.

The walk

The circuit is about a kilometre of smooth, paved path, mostly shaded by mature figs. It is flat and easy, good for older dogs or a quick loop before work.

Water and shade

Dog-height drinking fountains are on site, waste bags are usually supplied, and bins are spread through the park. Toilets are nearby in the wider park.

Pepsi: A lap under the figs, a drink at the dog fountain, then a run in the fenced area. That is a proper morning.

Getting there

Street parking runs along Riding Road and Hawthorne Road. It gets tight during weekend sport.

Make a day of it

For a bushier walk, try the Seven Hills Circuit. Keralgerie Park Fenced Dog Park in Morningside is another fenced option.

Weekday mornings are calmest, before the sports crowds arrive.