Pendlebury Park sits on Grand Parade in Bonnells Bay, on the Morisset Peninsula side of Lake Macquarie. The off-leash area is the northern part of the reserve, a strip about 300 by 70 metres between the road and the water. It’s unfenced and open 24 hours, 7 days. The grass is mown and shaded by tall gums, and dogs can walk straight into the lake from the shoreline. Look across the water and you’ll see moored yachts, the Watagans and the twin power station stacks on the far shore.
Pendlebury Park: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Quiet lakeside reserve in a residential street. Gum trees, mown grass and boats on their moorings, with mostly locals walking dogs and launching tinnies.
- Best For: Dogs who love the water and come back when called. Owners after a slow lap of the foreshore rather than a busy dog park.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days.
- Size: About 300 x 70 metres, running along the shoreline.
- Fencing: Unfenced. A low wire-rope bollard line keeps cars off the grass but won’t stop a dog. Grand Parade runs along the western side, and private waterfront yards start at the northern end.
- Parking: On-site car park, plus street parking along Grand Parade.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Lake Swimming: The off-leash strip runs the full length of the shoreline. A band of trees and scrub lines much of the water’s edge, with gaps where dogs can get down to the shallows. On windy days, seagrass and weed wash up along the edge. Some dogs love rolling in it, so you might want a towel in the car.
- Open Grass: Mown grass covers the strip between the road and the shoreline trees, with the most open ground at the southern end. There’s enough room for a proper game of fetch.
- Shade: Tall gums spread across the grass give patchy shade most of the day, and the trees are thickest along the water. There’s no shade structure.
- Drinking Water: None on-site for dogs. Bring your own water and a bowl. Lake water is salty, so don’t let them drink much of it.
For the Humans
- Off-Leash Access: 24 Hours, 7 Days, so you can come early before work or late in the afternoon when the wind drops.
- Toilets and Playground: Public toilets, picnic tables and a children’s playground are in the reserve just south of the off-leash area. A boat ramp sits close by.
- Poo Bags: Not confirmed on-site. Bring your own. There are bins in the park.
- No Lighting: The park is not lit, so come in daylight.
Insider Tip: The off-leash area stops at the northern part of the reserve. Clip the lead back on before you walk down to the toilets or the playground. NSW law also keeps dogs at least 10 metres from children’s play equipment. At the other end, watch your dog near the northern boundary, where the grass runs straight into private yards and jetties.
The Final Verdict
Pendlebury Park is a quiet spot on Bonnells Bay where your dog can run on the grass and then wade into the lake. At about 300 metres long, the off-leash strip is big enough for a decent walk, and the gums and moored boats make it a pleasant place to spend an hour. There’s no fence, a road runs the length of one side and houses border the north end, so only bring dogs with reliable recall.
For more official information, visit the Lake Macquarie City Council website.
Pendlebury Park: FAQ
Q: Is the off-leash area at Pendlebury Park fenced?
A: No. It’s unfenced, with the lake on one side, Grand Parade on the other and private yards at the northern end. Only bring dogs with reliable recall.
Q: How big is the off-leash area?
A: About 300 x 70 metres. It covers the northern part of the reserve, between Grand Parade and the lake.
Q: Are there water taps for dogs at the park?
A: No. There’s no drinking water for dogs on-site, so bring your own water and a portable bowl.
Q: Can dogs swim at Pendlebury Park?
A: Yes. The off-leash area runs along the shoreline, and dogs can get into Lake Macquarie through gaps in the waterside trees.
