dog park fun in the southern highands for humans and hounds

My beautiful Groodle Bonnie at Seymour Dog Park in Moss Vale

It struck me recently just how lucky we are to live in the Southern Highlands – it is just so dog friendly!

As well as the wonderful cafes that happily welcome our hounds (I’m looking at you, Raw & Wild and Harry’s on Green Lane), there are some truly beautiful off-leash dog parks for both humans and their furry best friends to enjoy.

Mittagong Dog Park

Firstly, in Mittagong, there’s an off-leash dog park located on Edward Street. It’s not far from the stunning Alexandra Reserve. Best for smaller to medium sized dogs with calmer natures, this well fenced area is a great meeting place for dogs and owners who are less inclined to work up a sweat while walking. It’s very pretty, but on the smaller side, so it’s more for socialising and sniffing!

Oodles of oodles living it up at Bowral Dog Park!

Bowral Dog Park

Next, there’s Centennial Road Dog Park in Bowral. It’s quite a bit larger and suits dogs of most sizes and exuberance. Though, it tends to be a meeting place for smaller to mid-side breeds. There’s a friendly vibe and lots of locals who love to catch up while they watch their fur kids play.

Border Collie Mickey loving the freedom of Seymour Park in Moss Vale

Moss Vale Dog Park

If your dog loves to run and tackle, I’d suggest Moss Vale Park. Also known as Seymour Park, it’s like Luna Park for dogs! It’s enormous, and your dog can run to its heart’s content as it socialises with all manner of pooch. While all dogs are welcome and made to feel that way, if your dog is very little or timid, it might be best to test the water carefully. Rather a lot of working dogs and larger breeds go there, so your smaller furry friends could become overwhelmed

On Leash Fun

There are also some great on-leash designated walks too. One of my favourites is the beautiful Cherry Tree Walk in Bowral, which comes alive with beautiful blossoms in spring. There are a couple of dedicated dog poop bins on this walk, but no bags provided, so be sure to bring your own.

It begins near Bowral Swimming Pool and takes you right through to East Bowral and to Mansfield Reserve, if you have a spare couple of hours to walk there and back. At almost any opportunity on the first third of the walk, you can quickly duck off and head into Bowral and grab a coffee or a snack.

Chief and Bonnie walking around Mansfield Reserve

Mansfield Reserve is another favourite. I think it is one of the most beautiful places to trek in the Highlands. The views and energy change daily, depending on the weather and of course the time of day. On early winter mornings, it is frosty and white – like walking through Narnia! If there’s a mist around, you could well imagine you’re in Scotland. Rug up and wear shoes with grip, as it can be icy, too.

Just be mindful that it is strictly on-leash here. The reserve is filled with beautiful wildlife, including breeding koalas! These beautiful animals are protected and might experience trauma if they encounter an off-leash, excited puppy. Heavy fines do apply if the rangers catch you breaking the rules.

There are a lot of wombat holes around the reserve too. The last thing you want is your dog to disappear down one. That’s no good for either the wombat or your dog. Also remember that snakes are prevalent there in the warmer weather, so be mindful you might encounter one and move quietly with caution if you do, ensuring your dog remains on a close leash.

Mansfield Reserve doesn’t offer a bins or bag service, so it’s important to bring your own and take your dog’s poop away with you to dispose of it accordingly.