Canberra is filled with nature. It borders our town and dots the suburbs, reaching out to call to us and our dogs as the weather heats up.

Treat your dog to a social day out at the park… but make sure they play well with others!

Belconnen has a nice lush area to take man or woman’s best friend on Diddams Close (near Lake Ginninderra). The dog park is green underfoot and, overhead, native eucalypts provide shade during days which are quickly heating up. Not only is there space for both large dogs and a separate area for little dogs, but there is a dog beach! Your pooch can cool off just beyond the park on a nice day out for you both.

If your canine hasn’t been out much this recent winter and they’ve built up a little excess weight during all that cold weather, take them to the park in Forde. Exercise your puppy and get a workout yourself taking them through the dog friendly agility equipment. They’ll love stretching their legs out on the tunnels and jumps and grassy areas. The park is just off Pooley Street.

Southside is well represented for parks and for lakes. Yarralumla’s scenic dog park is shady and spacious. The park is on Banks Street, beside the Westbourne Woods that dapple the ground with shade and sunlight. It’s a peaceful little world just for you and your dog.

Tuggeranong also designate areas for dogs both small and large. Providing them with a space they can run aimless and untethered and socialise with many other dogs. The Tuggeranong Park on Mortimer Lewis Drive has shady spots and it is lakeside with plenty to explore and to smell!

Canberra’s newest pooch park in O’Connor has a mix of grassy areas and wood chipped areas. Benches are spread across the area for when your dog is feeling more active than you are. Your pet will thank you for getting them out of their yard and into an entirely new one on Fairfax Street.

No matter where you and your dog live, there is a park nearby. If it’s a relaxing place with a lake view or an intensive exercise session your looking for, these parks surpass the daily walk in almost every way.