Fagan Park Fenced Dog Park is a newer addition to one of Galston‘s best-known green spaces. It sits inside the 55-hectare Fagan Park estate, with a well-designed enclosure, a community toy basket at the gate and direct access to some of the nicest on-leash walking trails in the area.
Fagan Park Fenced Dog Park: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Spacious, scenic, and welcoming, with a community feel thanks to touches like the shared toy basket.
- Best For: Dogs that need a big, secure area for a proper run, and families planning a full day of picnicking and walking.
- Off-Leash Hours: Follows regular park hours. 7:00 am to 5:30 pm (extended to 6:30 pm during daylight savings). Closed Christmas Day.
- Fencing: Fully Fenced, with timber and wire fencing that keeps dogs secure from the nearby bushland and dam.
- Parking: Enter via Arcadia Road and park in the southern car park (a council parking fee applies).
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Community Toy Basket: A wire basket on the fence holds shared balls, throwing sticks, and rope toys, with a small plaque reading “Play, Keep or Return” if you forget your own gear.
- Large Safe Zone: The new enclosure is big and flat, giving dogs plenty of room to hit top speed.
- Safety Buffer: The fencing stops dogs from wandering into the environmentally sensitive bushland or the nearby dam.
- Drinking Water: A drinking fountain is on-site, with a dedicated dog bowl at the base.
For the Humans
- Seating: The council has installed four seating areas and planted new shade trees, making it comfortable to sit and supervise.
- Easy Navigation: New concrete pathways lead directly from the southern car park (just a 300-metre walk) to the two gated entrances.
- Nearby Facilities: Just outside the off-leash zone, Fagan Park has picnic shelters, BBQs, public toilets, a kiosk cafe (Pani Cafe) and a kids’ playground, all about a 5-minute walk away.
- Nearby Cafes: Sugar Salt Cafe and Poppy Lane, both on Galston Road in the village, are dog friendly with outdoor seating, a short drive from the park.
Insider Tip: Clip the lead back on as soon as you step out of the gated enclosure: Hornsby Shire Council keeps the rest of Fagan Park on-leash only, to protect the Gardens of Many Nations and local wildlife. The $9 daily parking fee applies at the boom gates, so have a card ready.
The Final Verdict
Fagan Park Fenced Dog Park gives local owners a big, secure space to run their dogs, backed by the amenities you’d expect from one of Sydney’s better regional parks. The community toy basket is a nice local touch, and while parking isn’t free, the park is clean, safe, and well maintained. It works well as the centrepiece of a full family day out, on-leash trails and Gardens of Many Nations included.
For more official information, visit the Hornsby Shire Council website.
Fagan Park Fenced Dog Park: FAQ
Q: Is there a separate area for small dogs?
A: No, the new off-leash area is a single, very large enclosure for dogs of all sizes to share.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs inside the fence?
A: Yes, there is a brand-new drinking fountain equipped with a dog bowl.
Q: Do I have to pay to use the dog park?
A: Entry to the park itself is free, but there is a council parking fee applied per vehicle at the boom gates.
