Dog Exercise Areas

The ACT Government provides on-leash and off-leash opportunities to exercise dogs.

Maps of where to exercise your dog are available for viewing at ACT Libraries,  Government Shop-fronts, or you can  VIEW THE MAPS ONLINE

Where can I exercise my dog off-leash in public?

It is important even when off-leash for dogs to be under the control of their owner. 

• Dog Exercise Areas

Dogs can be exercised off-leash in designated Dog Exercise Areas. It is important for dogs to remain under the control of their carers in these open space areas as they are used for other recreational purposes too.  View location of Dog Exercise Areas online

• Fenced Dog Parks

Dogs can be exercised off-leash under the control of their carers in Fenced Dog Parks.

Where can't I take my dog?

• Dog Prohibited Areas 

Dogs Prohibited Areas are identified by signage and dogs are not permitted in these areas except for Assistance Dogs with permits. 

In addition, in public places a dog must not be taken within 10 meters of:

• a designated playspace if children are playing on it; or 
• a fireplace or heating appliance in designated for cooking.

Where can I exercise my dog on-leash?

• Dog On-leash Areas

You can extake your dog to areas not otherwise designated as a Dog Exercise Area or a Dog Prohibited Area, but your dog must remain on the leash.

Where can I take my dog swimming?

Dogs are allowed to swim in most of Canberra's lakes provided they are not within 10 metres of a signposted public swimming area. For information on the location of public swimming areas in Canberra contact Parks, Conservation and Lands on 13 22 81.

On the Murrumbidgee River dogs are allowed to swim in the following areas:

• Uriarra Crossing East;
• Uriarra Crossing West;
• Swamp Creek;
• The western riverbank of Point Hut Crossing recreational area;
• (On the eastern riverbank of Point Hut Crossing dogs must remain on-leash)