PetHealth

Lake Ginninderra Dog Park, Canberra The nation’s capital is incredibly dog-friendly with many of the surrounding mountain bush tracks accessible to those on a leash. A heart-pumping walk up Mount Ainslie and a relaxed stroll around Lake Burley Griffin are highlights. But for off-leash time, it’s hard to go past Lake Ginninderra Dog Park. It has a vibrant, welcoming vibe with separate sections for big and small dogs on the waterfront. Head down from 4 to 6 pm for peak socialisation and an evening dip in the lake.

The best park for: A swim in the bush capital. Must-dos: Bring some snags and make a day of it with barbeque and picnic facilities on the shore. Amenities: Barbeques and bathrooms, fences, drinking fountains, bowls and bins. Watch out for: Blue-green algae that makes the lake unsuitable for swimming. Hidden gem: The 2.5-kilometre track tracing the edge of the peninsula, where your dog can explore eucalyptus scents.

CANBERRA

MELBOURNE

Brighton Dog Beach (Sandown Street Beach), Melbourne

There’s plenty of dog parks to choose from across Melbourne, with Altona Dog Beach and Albert Park among the most popular walking spots. Brighton Dog Beach isn’t just an off-leash area at a regular beach, it’s a stretch of sand with city views, specifically designed for dogs. The dog beach is accessed via a gated fence that runs along the perimeter. Once you’re inside, dogs can run free through the long stretches of bay, across the dunes.

The best park for: Challenging your pet to a running race. Must-dos: Stroll down the

beach, enjoy city views and chat to the locals. Amenities: Taps, bins and bags.

Watch out for: Peak and off-peak periods. Dogs are allowed off-leash at any time in the down season (1 April to 31 October) and before 10 am or after 7.30 pm in the warmer months (1 November to 31 March). Hidden gem: The calm, shallow water that’s perfect for dog romping.