Thomas H Halton Park in Eleebana is a popular spot in Lake Macquarie that offers two different off-leash areas for your dog. This guide explains the rules for both the 24/7 fenced park and the separate time-shared foreshore area, helping you understand how to use this massive reserve.
Thomas H Halton Park Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A massive, bustling, and modern foreshore park with something for everyone.
- 🐕 Best For: A full family day out, offering both a secure fenced run and a scenic, time-restricted foreshore walk.
- Off-Leash Hours: Two zones. The fenced park is 24/7. The unfenced foreshore is time-restricted (see details below).
- Fencing: Features both a fully fenced park and a large unfenced foreshore area.
- 🅿️ Parking: Excellent. Large, dedicated on-site car parks are available at both ends of the reserve.

Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Two Off-Leash Choices: Choose between the 24/7 fully fenced Croudace Bay Fenced Dog Park with agility gear, or the massive unfenced foreshore for a scenic run.
- Lake Access: The unfenced foreshore area provides opportunities for dogs to have a splash in the lake.
- Water Stations: The entire precinct is well-serviced with multiple water stations and bubblers.
For the Humans
- Complex Foreshore Hours: The unfenced area is off-leash from sunrise-10am daily, PLUS 4:30pm-sunset on weekdays. It is on-leash only on public holidays.
- Premier Park Facilities: This is a major destination with public toilets, picnic shelters, BBQs, and the incredible, all-abilities pirate ship playground.
- Poo Bag Dispensers: Bags and bins are provided throughout the reserve.
- Wheelchair Accessible: The entire park complex is designed to be highly accessible.
Insider Tip: Know Your Paths. Following the recent upgrades, some key pathways are now on-leash only to keep pedestrians safe, especially the main path right next to the new playground. Look for the new colour-coded signs.
The Final Verdict
Thomas H Halton Park is a world-class recreational hub that brilliantly caters to everyone. The option to choose between a secure fenced park and a scenic foreshore walk makes it one of the most versatile dog-friendly destinations in Lake Macquarie. It’s the perfect spot for a full family day out, but requires owners to be mindful of the different rules in different zones.
For more official information, visit the Lake Macquarie City Council website.
Thomas H Halton Park: FAQ
Q: What is the difference between the two dog parks here?
A: Croudace Bay Dog Park is a fully fenced enclosure with 24/7 off-leash access. The main foreshore area of Thomas H Halton Park is a much larger, unfenced space with strict, time-restricted off-leash hours.
Q: Can I visit the park on a public holiday?
A: Yes, but the unfenced foreshore area is on-leash only on public holidays. You can still use the 24/7 fenced Croudace Bay Dog Park for off-leash play.













