From riverside lawns to forest reserves, Brisbane has over 160 parks where dogs can run free.
Based on Brisbane City Council open data, 101 official off-leash areas. Addresses are for reference; please check current opening status before visiting.
Check entrance signs: green = off-lead zone, yellow = dogs must be on-lead, red = no dogs allowed. When in doubt, put the lead on. Brisbane City Council website lists rules for every park.
Carry waste bags at all times and clean up immediately. Brisbane City Council fines for not picking up pet waste go up to $262. Free bag dispensers and bins are usually at park entrances.
Ensure your dog's core C5 vaccination is up to date, including Kennel Cough. Keep heartworm prevention current year-round. Puppies under 16 weeks should avoid dog-heavy areas until fully vaccinated.
Off-lead doesn't mean out of sight. Keep your dog within view and reliably recallable. Put the lead on around children, the elderly and unfamiliar dogs — don't let your dog approach people or dogs who don't want to interact.
Bitches in season are not permitted in off-lead areas (Brisbane City Council rule). During season, use quiet on-lead trails instead of dog parks.
You may walk no more than 2 dogs at a time (Brisbane City Council rule). Additional dogs require a special permit. Make sure you can physically control every dog you're walking.
Brisbane regularly exceeds 30°C. Avoid midday walks. Bitumen can burn paw pads — press the back of your hand to the ground for 5 seconds; if it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog. Carry water at all times.
Brisbane paralysis ticks can be fatal. After every walk through grass or bush, do a full-body check — especially inside ears, between toes, under the chin and along the belly. If you find a tick, remove it with a proper tool and monitor closely.
Do not feed birds, ducks or other wildlife in the park. It disrupts local ecosystems and makes animals dependent on humans. Fines apply under Queensland wildlife regulations.
Never leave your dog unattended in the park, on a tie-out, or in a car. Even "just 5 minutes" can heat a car to lethal temperatures in 10 minutes. There is no safe amount of time to leave a dog in a car in summer.