It's a dog's life: 5 Pet friendly parks and beaches in Newcastle

Just because you’re going on holiday doesn’t mean your four-legged family member has to miss out...Novocastrians love dogs!

In fact, the city has one of the highest rates of dog ownership in NSW. Newcastle offers a choice of dog friendly parks and a dog friendly beach – some offering eye-popping views. 

And there’s a range of pet friendly accommodation, pubs and cafes who roll out the welcome mat for man’s best friend too. 

We’ve sniffed out some of Newcastle’s best for long sandy walks and heavenly runs. BYO ball (and poop bags too).  

Horseshoe Beach Rd, Newcastle East

Tucked beneath Nobby’s Breakwall, Newcastle’s only dog beach allows pooches to run leash free and splash in the calm waters of the harbour while freighters, tug boats and yachts pass by.

This popular dog beach offers a wide stretch of sand and languid waters where both dogs and owners can take a dip. Arrive at sunset to watch the sun slip into the harbour to the west. Parking available nearby. 

*As the city’s only dog beach, this leash free area can get extremely busy. Go mid-week to avoid the crowds.  

It really is a dog’s life at this new enclosed 1.5-hectare grassy park. 

It’s the first enclosed dog park in the Hunter to offer two separate areas for both large and small dogs. Encircled by a 1.5-metre-high chain-mesh fence, the dog park offers accessible pathways, two shelters and tables, dog bubblers and dog dispenser bags.  

Young Street, Carrington

Cross the Cowper St bridge over Newcastle Harbour for the sleepy inner-city suburb of Carrington.

Here you’ll find a leash free area fronting Throsby Creek with sandy walkways and plenty of grass for your pooch to run and play.

This beautiful riverfront park is a serene space for dogs to sniff to their heart’s content, while you have a picnic and watch the coloured sails of dinghies from Newcastle Yacht Club pass by. Afterwards have a pint at one of Carrington’s dog friendly pubs.  

York Dr, The Hill

Located at the top of this historic park with sweeping views of Newcastle’s coastline and the rolling Pacific Ocean, this is the ultimate pooch friendly park. 

Bring a frisbee or ball and throw it down the grass gully to give your dog a great workout. If they refuse to bring the ball back, stand at the bottom and throw it uphill. Gravity will do the rest!

Scan the horizon for frolicking dolphins or migratory whales (in season). There’s plenty of parking too. 

*The Bathers Way skirts the leash free area of King Edward Park. Take your dog for a walk on a lead first along all or part of the trail then let them loose at the dog park. 

2 Park Rd, Tighes Hill

This leash free park borders Throsby Creek and offers plenty of shady trees and a wide grassy expanse where dogs can run free. 

There’s also a small agility area with holes, posts, bars and ramps if they’re into that sort of thing.

After your dog is sufficiently worn out, head for bustling Beaumont Street and enjoy a coffee alfresco with your dog at one of the strip’s many cafes.  

For a full list of all leash free parks areas:

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