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For dog owners looking for the ultimate outdoor summer outing, grab a picnic blanket and your dog’s favourite treats—Moonlight Cinema is officially back for its 2026/27 season, and our four-legged best friends are welcome to join the fun under the stars.

Running across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, Moonlight Cinema continues its 30-year summer tradition in picturesque open-air parklands. Best of all for our community, well-behaved dogs on leashes are warmly welcomed across all four featured East Coast and South Australian venues (note: Perth remains the only non-dog-friendly location).

Why It’s the Perfect Dog-Friendly Night Out

A night at Moonlight Cinema is tailor-made for pups who love lounging outdoors in the cool evening breeze:

✔ Room to Stretch and Sniff: Gates open 90 minutes before screening times, giving you plenty of daylight to stroll the grounds, explore the parkland, and let your dog settle into the grass before the opening credits roll.

✔ Dog-Safe Picnics Encouraged: You are welcome to pack your own picnic hampers filled with treats for you and your pup. BYO alcohol is permitted at Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide (Roma Street Parkland in Brisbane is fully licensed, so BYO alcohol is not permitted there).

✔ Order Direct via QR Code: Every venue offers an on-site bar and kitchen, allowing you to easily order hot food, snacks, and drinks directly from your phone until 15 minutes before the pre-show begins.

✔ Dog-Friendly Upgrades: Four-legged guests aren't just limited to picnic blankets on the lawn—they are welcome across upgraded seating categories alongside their owners, too.

Locations & Season Dates

Moonlight Cinema’s dog-friendly venues run right through the summer and autumn months:

  • Sydney: Belvedere Amphitheatre, Centennial Parklands
    Dates: Wednesday 25 November 2026 – Sunday 28 March 2027
  • Melbourne: Central Lawn, Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
    Dates: Wednesday 2 December 2026 – Sunday 11 April 2027
  • Adelaide: Botanic Park Adelaide
    Dates: Thursday 26 November 2026 – Sunday 14 February 2027
  • Brisbane: The Amphitheatre, Roma Street Parkland
    Dates: Friday 4 December 2026 – Sunday 14 February 2027 (Note: Brisbane is fully licensed; no BYO alcohol).

What’s on the Big Screen: November & December Highlights

Crowd settling into bean beds on the grass in front of the giant Moonlight Cinema screen at dusk
Arrive early at golden hour to claim your spot on the grass, unpack your dog’s picnic blanket,
and watch the sun go down before the movie begins.

The 2026/27 program kicks off with major Hollywood titles, festive Christmas favourites, and exclusive previews:

  • Season Opener: The hotly anticipated blockbuster The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping opens the season across all cities between late November and early December.
  • Festive Films (11–23 December): Holiday traditions under the stars include Home Alone, Home Alone 2, The Holiday, Love Actually, The Polar Express, Elf, Arthur Christmas, and Johnny Depp's new London ghost story Ebenezer.
  • New Releases & Hollywood Hits: Screenings include thriller Verity (starring Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett), Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (screenplay by Australian author Diana Reid), Practical Magic 2, The Social Reckoning, Klara and the Sun, Wicker, Primetime, Wild Horse 9, and Focker in Law.
  • Previews & Family Titles: Sneak peeks of A Talent for Murder (starring Helen Mirren) on 6 December, Disney’s Hexed on Boxing Day, and Cat in the Hat on 30 December.
  • Open Caption Screenings: Select accessible dates include Practical Magic 2 (Sydney, 26 Nov), The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping (all cities, 9 Dec), and Love Actually (all cities, 17 Dec).

Seating Tiers & Dog Etiquette

Guests arriving and settling into bean beds at Moonlight Cinema before the screening
Editor’s Choice: Upgrade your evening under the stars with reserved bean beds
and seamless QR-code delivery right to your patch of grass.

Guests can choose from multiple comfort levels:

  • General Admission: Bring your own picnic rugs, cushions, and dog beds to claim your patch of grass.
  • Connoisseur Lounge: Includes a reserved bean bed in a dedicated lounge area, plus a complimentary Connoisseur Gourmet Ice Cream.
  • GWM Gold Grass: Premium bean beds in prime viewing spots with express entry and pre-show QR-code waiter service straight to your bed.
  • Platinum Experience (Sydney & Melbourne only): A deluxe double bean bed for two in the best viewing area, complete with express entry, drinks on arrival, two blankets, a snack box, and seat service.
Two friends laughing and sharing takeout tacos and chips on bean beds in front of the Moonlight Cinema screen
Editor's Note: Big fans of the fish tacos here! Order ahead via the QR code so you can settle in with your pup and let dinner come to you.

Paws & Etiquette Tip: While dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome, they must remain on a lead and under owner supervision at all times. Bring a portable water bowl, a cosy dog blanket for cooler evening breezes, waste bags, and a chew toy or lick mat to keep them happy and calm throughout the film.

Essential Details

  • Tickets: On sale now at moonlight.com.au (Cinebuzz members receive exclusive discounts; joining online is free).
  • Gates Open: 90 minutes before scheduled screening times.
  • Socials: Follow @moonlightcinema on Instagram and TikTok for weather updates and session announcements.

Beat the Heat: Science-Backed Additions for Your Dog’s Food Bowl

By Ellie Gronkowski, DoGood Pet Nutrition

Today is National Food Day—the perfect reminder that the journey to vibrant health begins with what goes into the bowl. When the blistering Australian summer arrives, keeping our canine companions safe, comfortable, and energetic becomes our top daily priority. As loving dog parents, we naturally adjust our routines: we wake up earlier to beat the morning sun, map out walks through shaded park trails, test scorching pavements with our bare hands, and keep water bowls filled to the brim.

Yet, true summer wellness goes beyond shade and external cooling—it starts from the inside out. What we put into our dogs' daily food bowls can fundamentally change how comfortably they navigate high temperatures. Fresh, species-appropriate whole foods enriched with biological moisture not only turn standard meals into an exciting sensory retreat, but also actively support internal thermoregulation, kidney function, and metabolic cellular health.

The Biology of Canine Hydration: Why Summer Bowls Need Moisture

To understand why moisture-rich foods matter so much, we must look at how dogs process heat. Unlike humans, who possess millions of sweat glands spread across their skin to cool down via evaporation, dogs possess sweat glands primarily in their paw pads. Their main mechanism for releasing excess body heat is panting.

A golden retriever panting with an extended tongue in a sunny field of yellow flowers, demonstrating how dogs regulate body heat through evaporative cooling.
When a dog pants, rapid air movement over the moist surfaces of their tongue, mouth, and upper respiratory tract causes water to evaporate, effectively drawing heat away from the body. However, this vital cooling process comes at a physical cost: significant fluid loss. As panting increases during warm weather, respiratory moisture evaporates rapidly, accelerating the risk of mild to moderate dehydration.

While clean drinking water must always be freely available, relying solely on drinking water isn't always enough—especially for dogs fed exclusively dry kibble, which typically contains less than 10% moisture. Introducing fresh, water-dense, nutrient-rich toppers turns daily mealtime into an effective, highly digestible hydration strategy.

Here are ten science-backed, fresh food additions to keep your dog hydrated, nourished, and thriving all summer long.

1. Watermelon: Nature’s Hydrating Summer Refreshment

Few foods capture the essence of summer quite like crisp, juicy watermelon. Composed of over 90% natural water, this iconic fruit serves as an exceptionally hydrating topper for hot afternoons. Beyond pure moisture, watermelon delivers a valuable matrix of beneficial plant compounds, including immune-supporting vitamin C, muscle-supporting potassium, and lycopene—a potent carotenoid antioxidant celebrated for supporting cellular health.

  • How to Serve: Always remove the outer rind and every seed entirely, as both can cause painful intestinal blockages or severe digestive distress. Cut the sweet pink flesh into small, bite-sized cubes. Serve them chilled straight from the fridge, or freeze them into icy, crunchable summer treats.
  • Nutritional Note: Watermelon naturally contains fruit sugars. Portion sizes should remain modest, and dogs managing weight, diabetes, or metabolic conditions should have fruit additions individually evaluated.

2. Cucumber: Low-Calorie, High-Crunch Moisture

When simplicity meets high biological functionality, cucumber takes centre stage. Made up of approximately 95% structured water, cucumber is one of the most efficient whole foods available for increasing fluid intake without introducing extra calories or sugars. It is particularly beneficial for overweight dogs or seniors on strict caloric restrictions who still crave a satisfying mealtime crunch.

  • How to Serve: Slice cucumber into paper-thin rounds, finely dice it, or grate it directly over fresh or kibble-based meals. For an interactive cooling snack, offer chilled cucumber spears as a refreshing reward after a walk.

3. Frozen Berries: Antioxidant Powerhouses in Bite-Sized Treats

Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are compact nutritional powerhouses. Blueberries, in particular, owe their deep purple hue to anthocyanins—a specialised class of polyphenolic compounds extensively researched in veterinary and human nutrition for their capacity to combat oxidative stress and neutralise cellular free radicals.

  • How to Serve: Toss a small handful of frozen blueberries directly into your dog's food bowl. The temperature contrast adds mental stimulation while delivering vital dietary fibre and diverse phytonutrients. You can rotate among raspberries and strawberries for varied nutrient profiles.

4. Cranberries: Targeted Support for Cellular and Urinary Health

Fresh or frozen cranberries are exceptional functional additions to a summer feeding routine. They pack a dense polyphenolic profile, most notably rich in A-type proanthocyanidins. These unique natural compounds have earned significant scientific interest due to their ability to impede bacterial adhesion along the mucosal walls of the urinary tract.

  • How to Serve: Always opt for raw, fresh, or plain frozen cranberries. Puree or finely chop a small pinch into fresh food—a little goes a long way.
Warning: Never feed commercial dried cranberries or juices, which are routinely loaded with added sugars or artificial sweeteners.

5. Leafy & Cruciferous Greens: Phytonutrient Boosters

Adding gentle green vegetables to your dog's summer meal provides dietary fibre, essential folate, carotenoids, and natural chlorophyll. Dog-friendly options include broccoli florets, dark leafy lettuces, and steamed greens. These vegetables support healthy digestion, nourish beneficial gut microbiota, and promote natural liver detoxification pathways.

  • Preparation Tip: Canines lack the specific digestive enzymes required to easily break down raw plant cell walls. Lightly steam, blend, or finely chop green vegetables to unlock their nutrients and ensure maximum digestive comfort. Keep greens to under 10% of the overall meal to preserve correct protein and mineral ratios.

6. Raw Chicken or Duck Feet: Chewing Enrichment & Joint Support

While visibly distinct from hydrating fruits, raw chicken and duck feet serve a valuable purpose in a thoughtfully constructed summer fresh-food diet. Packed with natural cartilage, soft connective tissues, glucosamine, chondroitin, and collagen-rich proteins, they nourish joint health while providing rewarding jaw exercise. On hot summer days when high-energy outdoor activities are limited, chewing on a raw foot offers calm, indoor mental enrichment.

  • Crucial Safety Rule: Never feed cooked bones of any kind. Cooking permanently alters bone density, causing bones to splinter dangerously into sharp fragments upon mastication. Feed raw feet only to dogs accustomed to appropriate raw meaty bones, select the proper size for your dog's mouth, and always supervise chewing sessions closely.

7. Celery: Practical Hydration with Essential Minerals

Celery is a humble kitchen staple that delivers remarkable summer benefits. Composed of roughly 95% water, celery infuses the food bowl with biological moisture while remaining naturally low in calories. It also offers dietary fibre along with subtle amounts of potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

  • How to Serve: The long, tough fibres of whole celery stalks can pose a choking hazard or cause digestive inconvenience, especially for small dogs or rapid eaters. Chop celery into small, manageable dice or blend it into a liquid topper before pouring over food.

8. Sardines: Big Omega-3 Benefits in Small Packages

Sardines are widely regarded as one of the most nutrient-dense whole-food additions for dogs. They offer high concentrations of bioavailable long-chain omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). 

DoGood Pet Nutrition canine nutritionist Ellie feeding a fresh sardine to her eager dog in a kitchen.These crucial fatty acids incorporate directly into cell membranes, modulating systemic inflammatory responses, soothing summer skin allergies, supporting cognitive function, and maintaining a glossy coat.

  • Why Sardines? Because sardines are small fish sitting low on the marine food chain, they accumulate drastically lower levels of heavy metals such as mercury compared to larger predatory fish like tuna or salmon.
  • How to Serve: Choose canned sardines packed strictly in plain water with no added salt, seasonings, garlic, or oils. Adjust portion size according to your dog's weight and total dietary fat allowance.

9. Frozen Bone Broth Cubes & Summer Gummies

For dogs who are reluctant water drinkers, frozen bone broth creations are the ultimate summer hydration hack. Bone broth infuses hydration with irresistible savoury flavour, transforming routine fluid intake into a high-value treat.

  • How to Prepare: Simmer a dog-safe broth made purely from meat bones and water, excluding onions, garlic, excess salt, or heavy spices. Pour the cooled broth into silicone ice-cube trays and freeze.
  • Gummy Recipe: Combine warm, unseasoned broth with plain, unflavoured gelatine and a touch of pure pumpkin puree. Pour into moulds and chill in the refrigerator to create hydrating, gut-soothing summer gummies.

10. Coconut Water: Natural Fluid Enrichment (Used Wisely)

Pure, unflavoured coconut water naturally contains key electrolyte minerals, particularly potassium. Offered in small quantities, diluted with fresh water, or frozen into cooling pops, it can provide a tasty, flavour-rich hydration boost on particularly hot afternoons.

  • Use with Discretion: Fresh water must always remain your dog's primary hydration source. Dogs eating a nutritionally balanced diet do not require human-style electrolyte drinks simply because the weather is warm. Because coconut water contains potassium and natural fruit sugars, it is not suitable for dogs with renal, cardiac, or complex metabolic conditions. Always check labels to verify the product is 100% pure coconut water free from added sugars or additives.

The Ultimate Foundation: Never Underestimate Plain Water

Despite all these incredible whole-food toppers, the single most effective hydration strategy remains amazingly simple: add fresh, clean water directly into your dog's food bowl.

Mixing a splash of filtered water into dry kibble or fresh food instantly increases total fluid consumption with zero added calories. It softens dry morsels, enhances aroma, improves digestibility, and ensures your dog absorbs vital moisture alongside their meal.

Heat Safety & Vital Warning Signs

Hydration powers nearly every vital system inside your dog's body—including circulatory health, digestive motility, nutrient transportation, renal filtration, and internal temperature control. While nourishing food toppers support daily fluid balance, no food or frozen treat can protect a dog from environmental heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Important Heat Safety Protocols: During hot Australian summer days, keep your dog safe by adhering to strict heat management protocols:

  • Schedule all outdoor exercise for early morning or late evening when ambient temperatures drop.
  • Provide constant access to deep shade and multiple clean water stations indoors and outdoors.
  • Never leave your dog inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes with windows cracked open.
Know the Emergency Signs: Heavy, frantic panting, excessive thick drooling, bright red or pale gums, unsteadiness, weakness, vomiting, confusion, or collapse indicate acute heat distress requiring immediate, emergency veterinary attention.

Close-up of a tired black Shepherd dog lying down with tongue out showing early signs of canine heat distress.

Keeping the Summer Bowl Simple and Balanced

You do not need to pile all ten ingredients into your dog's bowl at once. In fact, nutritional simplicity and gradual rotation work best. One day might feature a spoonful of grated cucumber and a couple of frozen blueberries; another might introduce a sardine with a splash of chilled bone broth.

True canine wellness isn't found in a single trendy "superfood." It blossoms from a complete, balanced diet built on high-quality proteins, essential fatty acids, wholesome ingredients, and abundant moisture.

Use this summer season—and this National Food Day—to make your dog’s bowl fresher, more engaging, and deeply nourishing. Keep it fresh, keep it balanced, and keep that water bowl full!

General nutritional information only. Every dog is an individual. Dogs with diabetes, kidney or heart disease, pancreatitis, urinary stones, cancer or other medical conditions may require specific dietary modifications. Significant dietary changes should be discussed with your veterinarian or qualified canine nutrition professional.

References & Clinical Background

  • National Research Council. Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats. National Academies Press, 2006.
  • Hand, M.S. et al. Small Animal Clinical Nutrition, 5th ed. Mark Morris Institute.
  • Calder, P.C. Omega-3 fatty acids and inflammatory processes. Nutrients, 2010.
  • Vauzour, D. et al. Polyphenols and human health: prevention of disease and mechanisms of action. Nutrients, 2010.
  • Howell, A.B. Bioactive compounds in cranberries and their role in prevention of urinary tract infections. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 2007.
  • Merck Veterinary Manual. Heatstroke in dogs and principles of fluid and electrolyte balance.
  • National Research Council resources on canine water, electrolyte and macronutrient requirements.

About the Author

Ellie Gronkowski is the founder of DoGood Pet Nutrition (dogoodgc.com.au) and a dual-qualified Veterinary Nurse and Canine Nutritionist. After graduating from the Australian College of Veterinary Nursing, she earned her Canine Nutrition Diploma, specialising in natural nutrition and raw food protocols.

As a proud member of the Complementary Medical Association (CMA), Ellie believes that every dog possesses a unique biological profile with specific nutritional requirements. She provides professional nutritional consultations that move beyond generic advice, offering tailored dietary support designed to enhance long-term health and vitality.

From One Special Kelpie to 10,000 Dog Lovers: The Next Chapter of Sniffspace

When we first introduced Australian Dog Lover readers to Sniffspace back in late 2020, Tracey Horey and her Kelpie cross Rafferty were just launching their vision for safe, private off-lead spaces. Fast forward to 2023, and as the platform grew rapidly, we shared their callout for everyday Australians to host local spaces.

Now, nearly six years after that ball-obsessed Kelpie cross inspired a whole new way to think about dog parks, Sniffspace is preparing to launch its biggest platform upgrade yet.

It all started with Rafferty

Like many great ideas, Sniffspace started with a problem that needed solving—and one very special dog.

Rafferty, a Kelpie cross and the much-loved inspiration behind Sniffspace, is a clever, energetic, and well-trained dog. He loves agility, comes when called (unless there’s a bird involved!), and believes there’s nothing better in life than chasing a ball.

But Rafferty has never quite understood why strangers want to touch him, or why other dogs insist on playing bitey-face when there’s a perfectly good ball waiting to be chased.

For his owner, Sniffspace co-founder Tracey Horey, visits to public off-leash parks had become increasingly frustrating. Unwanted interactions with unfamiliar dogs, inattentive owners, and unpredictable situations made what should have been an enjoyable outing unnecessarily stressful.

Rafferty wasn’t a bad dog. He simply had his own personality, preferences, and boundaries.

And he certainly wasn’t alone.

That realisation became the foundation of Sniffspace: a network of privately owned, locally hosted spaces where dogs could run, sniff, explore, and play without unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs.

Working alongside business partner Jignesh Patel, Tracey set out to create an alternative that would benefit dogs and their owners while giving everyday Australians the opportunity to earn additional income from their backyards, paddocks, and unused land.

Five years, thousands of happy sniffaris

Today, Sniffspace has grown from that original idea into a national community.

With more than 80 privately hosted spaces across Australia, over 10,000 active users, and more than 1,200 bookings each month, the platform is helping dogs of all personalities enjoy off-leash freedom.

While Sniffspace has become particularly valuable for owners of anxious, reactive, and rescue dogs, its appeal extends well beyond them.

Two happy Staffy cross dogs splashing through water at full speed at a private Sniffspace park, photo by Ruthless Photos
Pure off-leash joy: Staffy crosses enjoying secure, stress-free water play at a private Sniffspace location. Photo credit: Ruthless Photos

From energetic dogs who need room to stretch their legs to families wanting a private outing with their pets, Sniffspace offers something increasingly difficult to find: exclusive use of a space where owners know exactly who will be joining them.

And for hosts, it creates an opportunity to turn an underused backyard or acreage property into an income-producing space while doing something positive for their local dog community.

The journey hasn’t been without challenges. Building and growing a self-funded platform, navigating complex insurance requirements, and operating with a limited advertising budget have required persistence.

But the original mission has remained unchanged: Safe. Secure. Sniffari.

Introducing the new Sniffspace

Now, five years after its original launch, Sniffspace is preparing to introduce a completely rebuilt website and refreshed iOS and Android apps.

The new platform has been developed around feedback from the Sniffspace community, with improvements designed to make finding, booking, and hosting private dog spaces easier than ever.

For Dog Owners:

  • ✅ Easier space discovery and booking: Refreshed search, clearer space information, and a simpler journey from selecting a space through to payment and confirmation.
  • ✅ Stronger account security: Password-free email sign-in options, two-step verification, and biometric sign-in on supported devices.
  • ✅ A better mobile experience: Improved navigation, messaging, and booking management across the website and mobile apps.
  • ✅ New eGift Cards: Dog lovers can purchase personalised gift cards for birthdays, Christmas, or just because, with the option to schedule delivery for a special occasion.
  • ✅ Greater booking reliability: Behind-the-scenes improvements to help prevent duplicate bookings, double charges, and repeated notifications.

For Hosts:

Hosts will enjoy a simpler listing setup process, improved photo management, and more control over their spaces. New features include:

  • ✅ Ability to set minimum advance booking notice
  • ✅ Setting buffer times between bookings
  • ✅ Dynamic pricing and capacity management
  • ✅ Clear, space-specific rules for visiting guests

These changes give hosts greater flexibility to share their properties on their own terms, while helping guests understand exactly what to expect when they arrive.

The redevelopment has also included extensive testing, with more than 1,200 issues addressed ahead of launch. Existing Sniffspace members will have their accounts, dogs, spaces, bookings, and reviews carried seamlessly over to the new experience.

Discover some of Australia's special Sniffspaces

From spacious rural paddocks to dedicated agility spaces, every Sniffspace offers something different.

#1. Kimz Private Dog Park — Mandogalup, WA

Set on a peaceful rural property south of Perth, Kimz Private Dog Park offers dogs a wonderful opportunity to run, sniff, and explore in a secure, private environment.

Green shady paddock with secure fencing at Kimz Private Dog Park in Mandogalup Western Australia.

The property features four separate paddocks, providing different spaces for training, playing, and following interesting scents. Shady trees offer relief during warmer months, while a sheltered area makes visits more comfortable when the weather changes. Each paddock has its own water supply, providing a welcome alternative to crowded public dog parks.

For host Kim Taylor, creating Kimz Private Dog Park was about much more than opening a paddock to visiting dogs. Kim had always dreamed of creating somewhere dogs could run freely and explore without unexpected encounters with unfamiliar dogs, while their owners could simply relax. When she discovered Sniffspace approximately three years ago, she turned that dream into reality.

Since then, Kim has watched countless dogs and their families enjoy the freedom and peace of mind her property provides. Kim recalls one owner being brought to tears as she watched her beloved dog running freely around the park—her dog hadn't been able to enjoy off-lead freedom for more than a year. Another pregnant visitor with two Golden Retrievers chose Kimz for a secure, stress-free outing, while one family even returned after losing their dog to scatter its ashes at their pet's favorite place.

Kimz is particularly popular with owners of anxious or reactive dogs who regularly praise the secure fencing, generous shade, and the genuine care Kim puts into making visitors feel welcome.


#2. Karrawe Agility — Bilpin, NSW

Nestled in the beautiful Blue Mountains region, Karrawe Agility offers a different kind of Sniffspace adventure.

Hosted by Conina, this private, fully fenced space is designed for small to medium-sized dogs to enjoy off-leash play, exploration, and agility activities. 

With agility equipment available, Karrawe provides an opportunity for dogs and their owners to enjoy an engaging experience that combines exercise, mental stimulation, and fun. Visitors can enjoy activities including fetch, frisbee, sniffing, and agility, while training sessions can also be arranged. 

The space has earned enthusiastic feedback from guests who appreciate its secure setting, welcoming host, and the opportunity for their dogs to explore somewhere different. One visitor described how much their tiny Chihuahua, Maple, enjoyed her first Sniffspace experience, while another praised the agility equipment and the many interesting scents for their dog to discover.

Karrawe Agility is a lovely example of how Sniffspace isn’t just about finding somewhere to run—it’s also about discovering new experiences that suit each dog's personality and interests.


More than a place to run

For some dogs, a Sniffspace booking is simply a fun adventure. For others, it can make a meaningful difference to their quality of life.

Owners of anxious and reactive dogs often face challenges that other pet owners may never experience. Finding somewhere to exercise their dogs without worrying about unfamiliar dogs or people can be difficult. Private bookings provide an alternative, allowing owners to choose an environment suited to their dog's individual needs—creating a place where dogs can be free, owners can relax, special bonds can grow, and beautiful memories can be made.

A special Christmas offer for new hosts

To celebrate the new platform and encourage more Australians to open their backyards and properties to local dogs, Sniffspace is introducing a special offer for new hosts.

Sign up as a new Sniffspace host before Christmas 2026 and enjoy your first month's hosting income with no Sniffspace host fees deducted.

Whether you have a secure suburban backyard, a large paddock, or a private dog-friendly property, your unused space could provide a welcome adventure for local dogs while generating extra income. Listing a space on Sniffspace is free, and hosts maintain full control over their availability and booking arrangements.

The next chapter begins

For Tracey Horey and Jignesh Patel, the launch of the new Sniffspace platform represents another important step towards their original vision: a network of private, locally hosted off-leash spaces across Australia, with ambitions to expand into New Zealand.

But at its heart, Sniffspace remains the same idea inspired by Rafferty five years ago. Every dog deserves the opportunity to explore, exercise, and enjoy being a dog—even if a traditional dog park isn't right for them.

And somewhere out there, another Rafferty is waiting for a space to call his own.

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