Griffith Park
Griffith Park sits at the Stockton ferry terminal, looking across to Newcastle's port — visitors spend afternoons watching ships come in over coffee from the little cafe on site. Council has recently planted Norfolk Pines that will add more shade as they mature. The ferry from Newcastle CBD is a short scenic crossing.
The park is open 24 hours. Dogs can be off-leash in the designated leash-free area; on-leash applies elsewhere. The 10-metre zone around the playground is dog-free at all times. One visitor notes the grass can fill with burrs in some seasons — worth a check before letting a long-haired dog roam.
Dog rules
Dogs must be on a leash at all times in public places unless in a designated leash-free area. Dogs are not permitted on the Memorial Walk or within 10 metres of a playground. Leash-free areas are patrolled and penalties apply for non-compliance. Source: City of Newcastle – Leash Free Areas (newcastle.nsw.gov.au/living/residents/pets-and-animals/leash-free-areas)
At a glance
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
We go there for lunch and walks with our dog, nice breeze near the water. Great watching ships come into port. The council has just planted more Norfolk Pines there so will be more shade in future.
Gorgeous park with a fantastic playground! I've given a more detailed review of the playground in the listing for the playground specifically. Public toilets, ferry terminal, little cafe, smoke parking and heaps of green space.
Always a great cup of coffee , food and other beverages . Sit back under the trees and enjoy your coffee ,Staff are very plesant .
We've been coming here to Stockton Caravan Park for years & like to walk our cavoodle down the park toward the ferry off lead. However this year the park is absolutely full of burrs & he gets covered & it's a nightmare to get them all off him. Usually this park is fantastic & no burrs or bindies. Very disappointed.
I took the ferry to go to Griffith Park, and it was a really nice experience. I enjoyed the ride with my family, and it’s definitely worth trying more than once. The ferry is very affordable, and it’s well managed by Newcastle Transport Ferry.
Happy Dog Guides
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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.