PetHealth

DARWIN

Marlow Lagoon Dog Park, Darwin

The best park for: Dog cardio. Must-dos: Run your dog through the agility course’s 8 obstacles.

Our pick of Darwin dog parks is Marlow Lagoon, a spot with multiple exercise options for dogs and plenty of shade to escape that Top End heat. The park features a huge common area for doggy play; an agility course; 3 separate fenced areas for dogs of all sizes; sensory gardens with logs, rocks and sand for digging; and, as the name suggests, a lagoon for post-workout swims.

Amenities: Shaded areas, picnic tables, barbeques, water troughs, bins and bags. Watch out for: Keep an ear out for warnings from the locals, as the lagoon is occasionally visited by estuarine crocodiles. Hidden gem: The water trough takes care of hydration and, for small dogs that mistake it for a bath, swimming needs.

Perth’s beaches are a hit with people and pets. Popular spots like Hillarys Dog Beach provide calm, crystal-clear water your dog can splash around in. For a free-range option near the city, head to Attadale Conservation Area on the Swan River foreshore. Join locals on the large riverfront doggy exercise zone to get your pet’s heart rate up while taking in views of Perth’s CBD. Attadale Conservation Area, Perth

The best Park for: Zoomie dogs. Must-dos: Watch Perth’s skyline turn golden just before sunset.

Amenities: Plenty of bins and water stations. Watch out for: Cars along Burke Drive when dogs are off leash. Hidden gem: Head west along the cycle path to discover a small dog beach complete with K9 statues that your pet might mistake for the real thing.

PERTH

28 PET HEALTH