James Oates Reserve
James Oates Reserve is a dog-friendly park in Minnamurra. Just 300m away, Minnamurra Beach is a great nearby beach to visit with your dog.
Dog rules
Dogs must be kept on-leash and are only permitted on perimeter footpaths of public parks within the Kiama Municipal Council area. Dogs are not permitted in park interiors. Dogs are not permitted on beaches unless within a designated off-leash beach area, in Minnamurra River water areas, or in Crooked River. Dogs are not permitted within 10 metres of children's playgrounds or food preparation/consumption areas, or on active sports fields during organised sport. Dog faeces must be immediately removed and properly disposed of. Source: Kiama Municipal Council – Dog off-leash areas (kiama.nsw.gov.au/Services/Animals/Dog-off-leash-areas)
At a glance
Before you go
- 💧No confirmed drinking water — bring your own to be safe.
- 🌳No shade confirmed — take it easy on warmer days.
- 🗑Poo bags not confirmed — best to bring your own.
What people say
Such a lovely hidden gem! My husband and I had a peaceful little picnic here and absolutely loved it. The reserve is tucked away from the crowd, making it the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature. There’s a little playground for kids to play, making it a family-friendly place too. You can also enjoy plenty of water activities like paddle-boarding, kayaking, or fishing. The area is well-equipped with a BBQ space and public toilets just a short walk from the picnic area. Would highly recommend visiting if you are looking for a calm and cozy picnic spot.
A great place for family as the water is calm and not too deep. There is facility of shower and toilet. Along with BBQ and playground. There is a boat ramp and if you want to go to the beach to swim, you can with a 10mins walk. There is even a hiking trail.
Beautiful beach, but if u want to just walk in the beach to swim its better to wear beach shoes.
Large pristine area for sightseeing. Area is very windy, making it suitable to just chill or carry out activities as what others have suggested too.
You will find beautiful scenery during the coastal walk from Kiama to Minnamurra. The sky, river, sea, and trees all come together, allowing you to capture wonderful photos for sure. If you can bring a boat or kayak, you can probably hop into the sea or river and have an enjoyable time.
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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.