Griffith Park is a fantastic spot for Collaroy locals and their dogs, especially those who love both a run and a swim. This guide has all the details for this huge, unfenced time-share park in the Northern Beaches, which offers direct access to Dee Why Lagoon.
Griffith Park: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A huge, bustling sports park that’s a go-to for a “surf and turf” experience, combining a big run with a lagoon swim.
- 🐕 Best For: Water-loving dogs with rock-solid recall who need a huge amount of space to run.
- Off-Leash Hours: Strictly conditional. The oval is off-leash at all times unless organised sport is being played.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, with open access to Dee Why Lagoon and surrounding roads.
- 🅿️ Parking: A large, free on-site car park is available, but it gets extremely busy on weekends with junior sport.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: Unfenced Park. The off-leash area is a huge, open space with no fences, bordering a lagoon and roads. It is only suitable for dogs with perfect recall.
- Lagoon Swimming: The park offers direct access to the calm waters of Dee Why Lagoon, a natural swimming hole for dogs.
- Time-Share Access: You must always check if a game or training is in progress. If the field is booked for organised sport, it is strictly on-leash only.
- Bring Your Own Water & Bags: It is essential that you bring your own water, a portable bowl, and poo bags as there are no dedicated dog amenities.
For the Humans
- Large On-Site Car Park: A dedicated car park is available, but it gets very busy with junior sport on weekends.
- Daytime Destination: This is a daytime-only spot as there is no lighting for the fields at night.
- No Public Toilets: There are no public toilet facilities located within the immediate park area.
Insider Tip: The water quality in the lagoon can vary a lot, especially after rain. Before letting your dog jump in, it’s always a good idea to check the latest water quality reports on the council’s website or look for any warning signs posted near the lagoon’s edge.
The Final Verdict
Griffith Park is a fantastic destination for water-loving dogs, offering a rare and wonderful combination of a massive running field and a natural swimming spot. Its value is entirely dependent on sports schedules, and the unfenced nature requires a well-trained dog. It’s a “bring your own” park for all dog supplies, but for a planned-out run and swim with a reliable pup, it’s one of the Northern Beaches’ best.
For more official information and to check sportsground status, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.
Griffith Park: FAQ
Q: Can my dog swim at Griffith Park?
A: Yes, the park offers direct, unfenced access to the calm waters of Dee Why Lagoon, which is a very popular spot for dogs to swim.
Q: Is Griffith Park a fenced dog park?
A: No, the off-leash area is a large, completely unfenced sports oval with open access to the lagoon. It is only suitable for dogs with 100% reliable recall.
