Dog-friendly parks in Northern Rivers

Missingham Park is a well-shaded on-leash park with BBQ facilities, toilets, and parking, sitting close to the beach at Ballina. It's a relaxed spot to walk your dog on a lead, with waste bags provided. The nearby beach adds to the appeal, and it works well as part of a longer outing combining the park and foreshore.

Tallow Beach Dog Exercise Area is a long stretch of white sand near Byron Bay where dogs can run off-leash at any time. Off-leash access applies to the intertidal zone only, with dogs kept off the dunes, and the section south of Jarman Street is dog-prohibited. The gentle waves and open sand suit a proper run and a swim, with shore fishing spots along the way. A spacious, easygoing beach for dogs that enjoy room to roam.

The Dog Exercise Area at Brunswick Heads Main Beach is a designated off-leash zone in the intertidal area, stretching 400 metres south from the surf club. Dogs of all sizes use the space, and the breakwall provides some shelter. Dogs must stay in the intertidal zone — off the dunes and rehabilitation areas. Toilets and parking are nearby.

Corcoran Park is a fenced off-leash dog park in Grafton — the Clarence Valley's first — with separate areas for large and small dogs, water bubblers, shaded seating and agility equipment. Set by the river, it gives dogs a secure place to run with a bit of variety, and there are toilets and BBQs on the riverfront. A well-set-up, purpose-built spot for an off-leash visit with the water close by.

Missingham Beach is a well-loved dog beach in Ballina where dogs can run on the sand and enjoy a swim. It is a relaxed spot with drinking water, BBQ facilities, a playground and parking nearby, though there are no toilets right at the beach. The open sand and water make it a fun outing for a run and a paddle. A friendly beach for a dog that loves the water.

Mullumbimby Dog Park is a large fenced off-leash dog park with separate enclosures for small and large dogs. Dogs are allowed off-leash within the fenced areas under effective control, with high fences, water, a dog bowl and shaded seating on hand. It is a secure, well-set-up place for a run. A great fenced off-leash park for dogs of all sizes.

Dog-friendly park in Ballina where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park in Ballina where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park in Suffolk Park where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park in Ballina where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park in Byron Bay where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park in Ballina where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park in Ballina where dogs are welcome on lead.

Dog-friendly park where dogs can enjoy off-leash play.

Dog-friendly park with space for your dog to run around off lead.

Dog-friendly park in Ballina with an off-leash area where dogs can roam freely.