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  1. Home
  2. /Parks
  3. /Mid North Coast
  4. /Port Macquarie
  5. /John Downes Park

John Downes Park

Dogs welcome — rules apply•Dog rules

Updated 24 May 2026

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John Downes Park is a dog-friendly park in Port Macquarie with plenty of shade.

Dog rules

Dogs are welcome on-leash. Under the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Dogs in Public Open Spaces Policy, dogs must be kept on-leash and under effective control in public parks and reserves, except in designated off-leash areas. Dogs must be kept at least 10 metres away from children's playgrounds.

At a glance

Fenced areaVenue website
Shade availableVenue website
On-leash onlyAdmin team verified
Cafe nearbyVenue website
BBQsVenue website
78 Pacific Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
Get directionsVisit website

Before you go

  • 💧No confirmed drinking water — bring your own to be safe.
  • 🗑Poo bags not confirmed — best to bring your own.

What people say

DMDuncan M.
Google Maps
★★★★★2 years ago

This small park has a few great activities for the kids, including a slide, flying fox, swings, and more. There is loads of parking, public bathrooms, and some incredible views from the various viewpoints dotted around the park

GHGeri H.
Google Maps
★★★★★4 years ago

There is a children’s playground, toilets and free gas BBQs. Lovely place for a picnic. No fishing pier here that is mentioned in the description.

Ccaptain
Google Maps
★★☆☆☆4 months ago

Pretty small fair bit of rubbish around not very well kept

PSPeter S.
Google Maps
★★★★★4 years ago

A nice park with views in all directions - plus some crazy people today walking a tight rope between the lookout and the knob to the east. They're 'just doing it for fun'! I think I'll stick to mountain biking!

SCScott C.
Google Maps
★★★★★5 years ago

Beautiful park with gorgeous lookout over the head over the ocean. The colors of the trees with the ocean so soothing. Excellent park with a flying fox, jungle gym with slide and swings fabulous park for the whole family.

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78 Pacific Dr, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
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DirectionsSite

How we know this

We check council regulations, official sources, and community reviews to verify dog access at every venue. Access may change — always check on-site signage. Something wrong or missing? Submit feedback. How it works.