Mel Buttle’s ultimate guide to Brisbane dog parks

Dog parks are a suburban hotbed of subtle politics. I’m here to shed some light on the inner workings of the Brisbane dog park scene, writes Mel Buttle. HAVE YOUR SAY

Dog parks are a suburban hotbed of subtle politics, there’s social manoeuvring to do when you front up to a new park, have you been going long enough to earn a spot in the rotunda? Will you be part of the morning or afternoon crew?

I’m here to shed some light on the inner workings of the Brisbane dog park scene.

I’ve floated around a few notable Brisbane dog parks in my time, each has its strengths and weaknesses, Sunset Dog Park at Ashgrove is the big daddy of Brisbane dog parks, lots of space, and many seating options in both the small and big dog park. The regulars here are welcoming.

Mel Buttle with Buddy, Charlie and Cliff. Picture: Ian Currie

There’s Fred who owns Muss, the golden retriever; he’s an afternoon regular, but can also pop up on a weekend morning too. Fred is the natural captain of this park, you just feel it when you walk in. He asks a few questions about your pooch and as long as you and your pooch aren’t totally unsociable, you’re in, welcome.

This park has the benefit of scale, it’s huge, so you can find your clique within the park, instead of the tough job of breaking into the one main group; looking at you Tarragindi dog park.

There are the cavoodle group, the retriever clan and then if you’re like me with a mixed breed, there’s plenty of fellow rescue dog owners to bond with over why both your dogs have a fear of the blender.

This park has one major issue, and I hate to talk toilets, but there’s nowhere for humans to excrete.

Despite having to hold onto a wee possibly all the way back home, I adore this park, it’s got long-term locals who are rusted onto the seats in the small dog park, but they’re still warm and welcoming, yes even though it’s in a posh suburb.

New Farm dog park. Picture: AAP Image/Steve Pohlner

The New Farm dog park can be a little intimidating unless you have a frenchie, sausage dog, something with poodle in it, or vats of self esteem to burn.

Eyes widen when I open the gate for my 35kg mixed breed angel. Expect to be asked “is she friendly?” if you’re got anything larger than a beagle.

So you don’t arrive underdressed, don your very best activewear, or something linen, maybe drape a piece of knitwear over your shoulders. Think to yourself, would I wear this to drinks at Sixes and Sevens?

First time visitors I urge you to get the vibe of the place at an off-peak time, before subjecting yourself to the self-appointed who’s who of Brisbane and their pooches during the afternoon rush.

Ferny Grove gets too busy and muddy when it rains. Goodna’s near trains that rile up the kelpies, but is a great size.

Oxley is backyard-sized and right under a major electrical transformer. Nudgee brings back memories of when we could be off leash on the beach, so it’s bittersweet. Tarragindi, although offering excellent toilet facilities, is a bit of a closed shop to newbies.

Mel Buttle with dog Ruby. Picture: Lachie Millard

You really have to do your time here, multiple afternoons a week, is a good start. I’d recommend making inroads with the morning group first, before going for the more prestigious afternoon gang. I mean we all want to be in the Tarragindi afternoon gang, me too.

I’ll have to settle for assistant to the captain of the large dog park in Goodna for now, hopefully a few months in this role and I’ll be able to move up to an internship with Fred and Muss at Sunset Dog Park, Ashgrove.

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