Pawsome Playgrounds: Adelaide’s Top Dog-Friendly Parks
- North of Adelaide CBD
- Antsley Hill Recreation Park
- Cobbler Creek Recreational Park
- Para Wirra Conservation Park
- Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve
- South of Adelaide
- Glenthorne National Park — Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
- Onkaparinga River Recreational Park
- Sturt Gorge Recreational Park
- Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
- O’Halloran Hill Recreation Reserve
- East of Adelaide
- Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
- Mount George Conservation Park
- Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
- Greenhill Recreation Park
- Belair National Park
Attention, fur parents of Adelaide! Are you looking for a dog-friendly park where your four-legged pals can have a pawsome day filled with sniffs, wags, and a lot of playing?
Well, prepare to be bow-wowed with our team’s list of Adelaide’s top dog-friendly parks.
From the meadows of Antsley Hill Recreational Park to Belair National Park’s woodlands, our article below is your key to a fun-filled day with your doggos!
North of Adelaide CBD
Antsley Hill Recreation Park
Address: Perseverance Rd, Tea Tree Gully SA 5091
Contact Details: (08) 8523 7700
Operating Hours: Daily – 6:30 am to 7 pm
Website
You can never go wrong with bringing your furry friend to Anstley Hill Recreation Park.
This Eucalyptus-covered green space offers 362 hectares of pure pet playground: grasslands for running, uphill terrain for pet cardio, and even ruins that can act as obstacle courses!
If you’re looking for a secure and worry-free zone to unleash your pet and let them explore to their heart’s content, we suggest opting for the park’s flatlands.
This area is also a favorite among dog owners, so there’s a huge chance your pooch can make a new buddy here (or a love interest?)!
Pawsome Pointers:
- Pack a stick or toy and play fetch in the park!
- Explore the scenic walking trails that wind through the park’s enchanting woodlands.
These dog-friendly paths offer breathtaking views and an opportunity for your furry friend to encounter fascinating wildlife and discover new scents at every turn.
Cobbler Creek Recreational Park
Address: Salisbury East SA 5109
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Website
Does your doggo love uphill adventures, chasing imaginary squirrels, and pretending to be a mountain goat? My cheeky woofa Max absolutely does, and he had a blast ascending Cobbler Creek’s terrain!
But fear not if your pup prefers a stroll. Cobbler Creek Recreational Park has plenty of flat and well-maintained trails where you can take a leisurely walk, allowing your dog (and you) to explore at a comfortable pace.
Pawsome Pointer: If your pup has a sea lion’s love for the sand and can’t resist the urge to dig and frolic, Cobbler Creek Recreational Park’s sandy play zone can be their ultimate playground! Just be prepared for a sandy doggo ready for a shake-off as soon as the dust settles!
Para Wirra Conservation Park
Address: 443 Humbug Scrub Rd, Yattalunga SA 5114
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Website
One notable spot at Para Wirra is the tranquil Lake Apra Wirra, where you and your pup can indulge in lakeside bliss—just keep in mind that swimming isn’t allowed here.
Looking to extend your wilderness retreat? Well, if you have $99 to spare, our team’s fur parents strongly suggest camping with your pet at the expansive Helipad Camping Area!
During your overnight stay, take advantage of the park’s extended hiking trails. Explore the rugged terrain and witness the park’s gorgeous landscapes transform as the sun sets and rises.
Pawsome Pointer: If your dog loves grilled delights, head to the park’s BBQ area. Just make sure to grill up canine-friendly treats.
Our suggestions? Unseasoned grilled chicken or steamed zucchini for a meatless alternative!
Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve
Address: Estcourt Rd, Tennyson SA 5022
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Contact Details: (08) 8336 0901
Website
Coastal charm prompted me to bring Max to the stunning and breezy Wara Wayingga-Tennyson Dunes Conservation Reserve.
The peaceful shoreline here is a terrific relaxation spot and playground for both laid-back puppers and livewires like my energetic Jack Rusell Terrier.
You can also engage in a game of frisbee or fetch along the sandy beaches, allowing your pup to revel in the thrill of chasing after their favorite toy amid the coastal breeze.
We also think a picnic blanket would do wonders for chill dogs!
Pawsome Pointer: We encourage planning a visit during sunrise or sunset to witness nature’s most breathtaking performances with your pet. Try to find a vantage point along the coast, perhaps atop a dune or near the water’s edge.
South of Adelaide
Glenthorne National Park — Ityamaiitpinna Yarta
We were proud to see the recent proclamation of Glenthorne National Park – Ityamaiitpinna Yarta – as South Australia’s newest metropolitan national park. We have been leading the masterplan which will transform 1500Ha of open space into a 21st century destination. @SAEnvirWater pic.twitter.com/cOZ1WKQeWn
— ASPECT Studios (@ASPECTLandscape) July 14, 2020
Address: Majors Rd, O’Halloran Hill SA 5158
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 7 pm
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Website
What makes Glenthorne National Park a dog-friendly paradise, you ask? It’s a combination of its vast open spaces, still trails, and a welcoming atmosphere any dog (yes, even grumpy ones) would enjoy.
Explore the sprawling grasslands, where your furry friend can play to their heart’s delight. These seemingly endless meadows provide the pawfect opportunity for them to run and bounce with joy.
Pawsome Pointer: Don’t forget the golden rule here: always keep your furry buddy leashed.
It’s a park regulation to keep dogs securely leashed at all times. This rule ensures the safety of your beloved pet and the diverse wildlife that calls this place home.
Onkaparinga River Recreational Park
Address: Sauerbiers Rd, Seaford Meadows SA 5169
Operating Horus: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Website
The Onkaparinga River takes center stage here. From its serene riverside trails to its expansive open fields, there’s something for every dog’s wagging tail in this park.
My pet and I love to kick off our adventure here by meandering along the river’s path, immersing ourselves in the unspoiled beauty of the riverbanks. I bet your furry friend will adore it here, especially if they’re fond of dipping their toes in refreshing waters!
Pawsome Pointer: Strolling all day can be tiring, so remember to take a break from exploring and settle down for a breather by the river or somewhere near the rock formations.
Sit back and relax on a blanket, savor some delicious treats, and enjoy the company of your loyal companion in this idyllic setting.
Sturt Gorge Recreational Park
Address: Flagstaff Hill SA 5159
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Website
Strut Gorge offers jaw-dropping lookout points of Flagstaff Hill’s verdant plains. This park is suitable for dog owners seeking a more thrilling outing.
Our fave spot here has to be the aptly named Walk the Dog Trail, a family-friendly path enveloped by hills and valleys.
If your pet loves to mingle with other animals, head to the park’s Magpie Creek, where birds like fairy wrens, lorikeets, and magpies are abundant.
Pawsome Pointer: There’s also the Wattle Trail, an area within the park packed with majestic mares. Maybe your buddy will love staring (or barking) at them!
Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
Address: Ayliffes Rd, St Marys SA 5042
Contact Details: (08) 8406 8222
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 8 pm
Website
What sets Shepherds Hill Recreation Park apart as a dog-friendly haven are its vibrant and well-maintained gardens, which offer a delightful sensory experience for you and your fur baby.
Visit the River Red Gum Loop, as its plant life is in bloom all year long. Plus, we think your pet will love resting under the sun-dappled canopies here after a day of sniffing wildflowers and trying to track elusive echidnas.
The ultimate draw of this spot is it leads to the Waitaparinga Reserve, a woodland surrounded by rock formations and covered by grey box trees.
Pawsome Pointer: For an unforgettable adventure with your pet, set your sights on the Seaview Loop. This slightly challenging trail promises a walk of approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
From its highest vantage points, you’ll be treated to vistas of the sea and the park.
O’Halloran Hill Recreation Reserve
Address: 13 Gulfview Rd, Seaview Downs SA 5049
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 8 pm
Website
One of O’Halloran Hill’s offerings that will make your adventurous pups jump for joy is the extensive network of fire tracks here.
These fire tracks circle the remote areas of the reserve, offering a fantastic opportunity for uninterrupted hikes where you won’t need eyes on the back of your head to dodge pedestrians every two seconds.
Pawsome Pointer: If your furry companion needs a break from walking, they can unwind and relax at the park’s shady picnic areas beneath the stately river red gums. These trees offer shady retreats for a peaceful and rejuvenating time together.
East of Adelaide
Blackwood Forest Recreation Park
Address: Hawthorndene SA 5051
Website
Blackwood Forest is underrated but still worthy of a visit from you and your furry friend. This historic park that was once an apple orchard still holds remnants of its rich past, with the Old Manager’s Office as a prime example.
Pawsome Pointer: And here’s the exciting part—there are no official trails to confine you! Instead, you can boldly accept the call of adventure and forge your path through the woods’ terrain.
Mount George Conservation Park
Address: Heysen Trail, Mount George SA 5155
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Website
No need to stick to boring old trails when you have the whole zone at your paws! The recreation zone between Mount George Park’s road and Cox Street is 100 percent dog-friendly, with diverse terrain and sniff-worthy vegetation.
The wonders don’t end here, though. My adorable Max can’t get enough of this place, and it’s easy to see why.
The magnificent rock formations and breathtaking cliffs gracing Mount George’s evergreen and undulating hills provide an ideal challenge for explorative canines!
Pawsome Pointer: You and your furry friend should wear thick clothing to keep yourselves cozy. The elevation can bring a nip to the air.
Brownhill Creek Recreation Park
Address: Brown Hill Creek Rd, Mitcham SA 5062
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Contact Details: (08) 8130 9050
Website
Brownhill Creek is close to the CBD yet blissfully free from the city’s exhausting chaos.
It’s a dog’s dream come true, with its meandering creek, gentle babbling waters, and shady groves offering the ultimate backdrop for a relaxed walk, adrenaline-pumping run, or a refreshing dip.
Pawsome Pointer: Keep your dogs leashed to prevent them from chasing birds. The birds (and the park’s caretakers) might not appreciate having a furry admirer hot on their tail.
Greenhill Recreation Park
Address: Greenhill SA 5140
Operating Hours: Daily – Open 24 Hrs
Contact Details: (08) 8204 1910
Greenhill Park may be small, but it packs a punch with its breathtaking views and proximity to Chambers Gully and Cleland National Park. Furthermore, mesmerizing vistas of the Adelaide plains steal the show here.
We suggest walking your dog starting here, then proceeding to the quiet streets of Greenhill to see a mix of modernity’s chicness and nature’s splendor.
Pawsome Pointer: If you and your pup are up for a bit of a challenge, hit the Waterfall Gully Trail!
Belair National Park
Address: Upper Sturt Rd, Belair SA 5052
Operating Hours: Daily – 8 am to 7 pm
Contact Details: (08) 8278 5477
Website
Last but not least, we have Belair National Park.
This park is located just 9.7 km from Adelaide and is a bushland and forest wonderland spanning a whopping 835 hectares of radiant greenery, calm waters, and stately trees.
The Old Government House is also found here, so why don’t you take a selfie with your pup in front of this historical wonder and show your unbreakable bond to the world?
Pawsome Pointer: Belair National Park is not only a top-tier destination for outdoor adventures, but it’s also renowned as a top-notch picnic spot.
