Ballina Shire Council Dog Parks: The 2026 Off-Leash Guide

The Ballina region offers a fantastic variety of dog exercise spots: from the professional canine agility course in Alstonville to the massive off-leash dog beach at Lennox Head. This guide covers the best spots across Ballina, East Ballina, Skennars Head, and Lennox Head. You can even search by suburb in our directory below. Curated by the Sydney Dog Parks Team: we check the fences so you don’t have to.

Ballina Region Dog Park Map

Use our interactive map to plan your next outing. Blue pins represent a leash-free reserve that is fully or partially fenced: perfect for training: while Orange pins mark open beaches and river spits where reliable recall is essential. Click any pin for the address and our full review.

Safe and Secure: Fenced and Training Parks

If you are working on recall or have a dog that loves obstacles, these parks offer the best infrastructure in the Shire. These sites provide a fenced puppy play area vibe that is rare in regional coastal towns.

Alstonville Dog Park (Alstonville)

📍 Address: 486 Gap Rd, Alstonville NSW 2477, Australia

Alstonville is the absolute gem of the hinterland. It features a professional canine agility course in a secure front section: making it the best fenced puppy play area in the region. If your dog needs to hit top speed: the back of the park opens into a massive grassy field. The paths are flat and accessible: but remember: the sports complex vehicle gates lock at 3:30 pm daily. If you are staying late: park on the street and walk in.

Insider Tip: The agility section is fully fenced: but the rear field is open. If your dog doesn’t listen yet: stay in the front yard. Also: toilets are available at the sports complex next door.

Full Review: Alstonville Dog Park →

Compton Dog Park (East Ballina)

📍 Address: Compton Dr, East Ballina NSW 2478, Australia

Compton is a fantastic leash-free reserve for dogs that like variety. It has agility ramps for physical play and dirt trails that wind into the bush for a proper “sniffari.” It is partially fenced (enclosed on three sides): but opens into the bush at the back. It offers a cool: shaded alternative to the beach on hot days. It is very popular with locals: so expect a social atmosphere.

Insider Tip: Watch your pup near the back of the park. Because it’s open to the bushland: dogs with a high prey drive might get distracted by local wildlife. Bring your own bowl: as the water station is shared.

Full Review: Compton Dog Park →

Open Space: Beaches and River Adventures

For dogs that crave a dog-friendly walking trail along the coast: Ballina Shire offers incredible freedom. These spots are unfenced and require complete control over your dog.

7 Mile Dog Exercise Beach (Lennox Head)

📍 Address: Lennox Head NSW 2478, Australia

This is arguably the most famous off-leash dog beach in the region. It is a vast: open stretch of sand north of the Surf Club. There are no time restrictions: so you can enjoy a sunrise swim or a sunset run. It is a true leash-free reserve: but the soft sand is a heavy workout. Make sure you bring fresh water: as there are no taps down on the sand corridor.

Insider Tip: Only the area north of the Surf Club is off-leash. Stay away from the dunes to protect nesting birds: as Rangers do patrol the area. Parking is easiest near the club entrance.

Full Review: 7 Mile Beach →

For official council regulations and up-to-date maintenance alerts, we recommend visiting the official Ballina Shire Council website.

🐶 Browse All Ballina Shire Off-Leash Areas Below ↓