Celebrate International Dog Day 2026 at Norman Lindsay Gallery's Dogs Day Out
A Paw-sitively Perfect Day in the Blue Mountains: Dogs Day Out 2026
On Saturday, August 29th, 2026, the historic Norman Lindsay Gallery in Faulconbridge, NSW, will host its highly anticipated Dogs Day Out, continuing the National Trust (NSW) International Dog Day celebrations.
Set in the lush surrounds of the Blue Mountains, this special event invites you and your four-legged companion to enjoy a relaxed, dog-friendly day filled with creativity, education, entertainment, and tail-wagging fun.
The festivities will take place from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM within the spectacular, heritage-listed grounds of the home-turned-gallery of iconic Australian artist Norman Lindsay.
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| Norman Lindsay with his dogs at his Blue Mountains property c.1919. Photo by Harold Cazneaux. |
Norman Lindsay was famous for his deep affection for his dogs, often featuring them in his personal life and artistic surroundings. This vintage photograph by Harold Cazneaux (c. 1919) captures Lindsay at his home surrounded by his beloved dogs, reflecting the long tradition of pet appreciation at the Faulconbridge estate.
Tail-Wagging Event Highlights
Here's the lineup to keep both two- and four-legged visitors entertained throughout the day:
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✔ Koala Detection Dog Demonstration: Meet Groot, the incredible koala detection dog from Science for Wildlife. Watch Groot in action as he uses his nose to locate koala scat, helping researchers protect wild koala populations.
- ✔ The Doggy Pod with Dr. Rob Zammit: Enjoy special talks and live appearances by one of Australia’s leading veterinary surgeons, sharing expert health advice, training insights, and frontline vet stories.
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✔ Dog Paw Painting & Artist Photo Booth: Let your pooch channel their inner artist to create a custom paw-print masterpiece, then strike a pose for a family and pet portrait keepsake captured by Heartstory.
- ✔ Dogs Day Out Talent Competition: Enter your pup into friendly competitions featuring categories like Best Dressed / Fancy Dress, Dog & Owner Lookalikes, and Best Hairdo (Grooming).
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✔ Springwood Dog Training Club: Watch impressive dog training displays showing off agility, obedience, and canine skills.
- ✔ Meet Rescue Greyhounds: Greyhounds As Pets returns to the event with gorgeous greyhounds looking for loving forever homes.
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✔ Nepean Therapy Dogs: Meet these gentle community hero dogs and learn how therapy animals support local wellbeing.
- ✔ Stick & Ball Library: Let your pooch pick their favourite play stick or ball while exploring the expansive grassed grounds.
- ✔ Stalls & Refreshments: Pack a picnic for the gardens or treat yourself to delicious snacks from onsite food stalls. Plus, grab special discounted ceramic dog and cat bowls featuring printed drawings by Norman Lindsay (from $35).
Guidelines for Dog Owners
To ensure a safe, fun, and comfortable atmosphere for all families and pets, visitors are asked to observe the following entry conditions:
- Leash Requirement: Dogs must remain on a lead at all times on the grounds. (Note: Retractable leads are strictly prohibited).
- Effective Control: Owners are responsible for their dog's behaviour. Aggressive, excessively barking, or behaviourally challenged animals will not be permitted.
- Health & Vaccinations: Dogs must be fully vaccinated, socialised, and free of any contagious illness or parasites.
- Wildlife & Bush Safety: The grounds border native bushland—please keep dogs strictly on grassed areas to protect local wildlife and avoid tick hazards.
- Pet Etiquette: Always ask permission from owners before approaching or petting another dog, and clean up after your pet using the provided waste bags and bins.
- Child Supervision: Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult and supervised near animals at all times.
Ticketing & Location Details
Event Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Norman Lindsay Gallery, 14 Norman Lindsay Crescent, Faulconbridge NSW 2776
Admission Costs:
- Grounds / Event Admission: Gold coin donation gratefully accepted
- Gallery Entry (Optional): $10 per person
Parking is available on-site, along with picnic areas, a gift shop, and guided gallery tours.
For more information and booking updates, visit www.nationaltrust.org.au.
Photo credit: All images supplied by National Trust (NSW).
