Fast five: beaches and parks to visit with your dog

Image: Check the signs to find out the rules for dogs on beaches.

Are you a dog person, a cat person or just a pets-in-general person? Believe it or not, when it comes to preferred pets in the Wollongong Local Government Area, it’s the canines that come out on top, with more than double the number of registered dogs to cats in the city.

According to our records, in the last 15 years there have been 34,000 dogs registered in the city, and more than 14,000 cats. With so many dogs living and loving life here in the City of Wollongong, we thought we’d share our top five places to take your pooch this summer.

We know our beaches are a popular outing for dogs and their owners. That’s why we use the traffic light system to show when dogs are and are not allowed.

• Green-zones = this area is an off-leash dog beach or park.
• Orange-zones = this is a timed, on-leash area.
• Red zones = dogs are not allowed at any time. This can include areas such as near where Lifeguards are patrolling, where red and yellow flags are up, and on rock platforms.

To help you get started, here is our top five dog-friendly beaches and parks to visit this summer. And if that’s not enough, see here for the full list of dog beaches and parks.

Have you forgotten to register your pet, or do you have a new furry family member? Make sure you know the rules about microchipping and registering pets. See here for more information.

1. Coniston Beach

Image: Kobe enjoying some sun and sand.

Coniston Beach is one of our green zoned, off-leash beaches. In green-zoned areas, dogs are allowed off-leash at any time. That said, you are required to keep your dog on a leash when travelling to and from a green zone.

2. King George V Oval, Port Kembla

Did you know that King George V Oval in Port Kembla is an off-leash dog park? It’s one of six off-leash dog parks located around the city.

3. Thirroul Beach

Image: Bowie wearing his favourite collar and lead, ready to explore Thirroul Beach.

Sections of Thirroul Beach are orange-zoned, timed on-leash areas. This means the in summer, dogs are allowed on these beaches before 9am and after 6pm. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

4. Reed Park, Dapto

This is one of the city’s best dog parks! The grassed park is around 2500 square metres and includes two fenced areas - one to cater for large dogs over 15 kilograms and another for small dogs.

The dog-friendly spaces have tunnels for play, seating, dog waste bags and bins, and a water fountain with dog bowl for any parched pooches.

5. Perkins Beach, Primbee

Image: Ava getting sandy at Perkins Beach.

This is another green-zoned, off-leash beach and according to our four-legged expert, Ava, it’s a great one.

No matter which beach or park you visit this summer, please be sure to bring poo bags with you and put your used bags in the bins provided.