Best Dog Parks in Sydney

Posted by Jackie Ly on

a man walking his dog along the Maribyrnong riverbank pathway in Melbourne, Australia

Table of Contents

1. Bicentennial Park, Glebe

2. Centennial Parklands

3. Alexandria Park

4. Harry Noble Reserve

5. Barangaroo Reserve

6. Rowland Reserve

7. Manns Point, Greenwich

8. Joynton Park

9. Tunks Park, Cammeray

10. Hawthorne Canal Dog Park, Leichhardt

11. Blackman Park Off-Leash Dog Park, Lane Cove West

12. Shale Hills Dog Park, West Hoxton

13. Cooper Park in Bellevue Hills

14. Sir Joseph Banks Park Off-Leash Dog Area, Botany

15. St Thomas’s Rest Park, Crows Nest


Sydney's dog-friendly society thrives in its many parks and open areas meant to be enjoyed by everyone, including your doggie pals. From the sandy shores of its famous beaches to the lush greenery of its huge parks, Sydney welcomes dogs as members of the society, providing them with specific areas to socialise, exercise, and simply be themselves.

As Sydney's reputation for being a dog-friendly city grows, dog owners have to acknowledge the importance of maintaining a harmonious environment inside these parks. Knowing and adhering to dog park etiquette protects the safety and happiness of all visitors.

When you’ve done your research, trained your dog, and have already taken note of the etiquette observed in dog parks, it’s time to find a place to go to. Here are 15 best dog parks in Sydney that your dog will love!

15 Best Dog Parks in Sydney

1. Bicentennial Park, Glebe

Bicentennial Park in Glebe is a lush green paradise with a breathtaking view of Rozelle Bay and the Anzac Bridge. This park is popular with both residents and visitors – a peaceful escape from the noise and bustle of city life.

The park is wide and well-kept, with lots of room for your pet to run and play. Various walking paths surround the place, perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog! 

Bicentennial Park is not only an ideal park for canines, it also provides amenities for people. There are picnic sites, barbeque facilities, and even a café where you can get a bite to eat or a cup of coffee.

2. Centennial Parklands

Centennial Parklands is Sydney's largest and most dog-friendly park.  It covers an amazing 150 hectares of open space. It's only a short walk from the Sydney CBD, a convenient choice for city people.

The park is a dog's dream, with large grassy areas to run around and play to their hearts' content! On a hot day, dogs can cool themselves in one of several ponds.

Centennial Parklands has a variety of amenities for people, such as picnic sites, barbeque facilities, and a café. There are also various walking and cycling lanes, making it ideal for outdoor activity.

3. Alexandria Park

Alexandria Park is a simple area of parkland in the heart of Alexandria, where dogs can roam freely outside of the oval, courts, and playgrounds. 

Aside from plenty of green space for your dog to run around, Alexandria Park also includes a cricket and football pitch, two tennis courts, and a multifunctional outdoor court. You can bring your friends or your family, and some of them can play together, while others play with the doggos!

4. Harry Noble Reserve

Tucked away in Erskineville, the Harry Noble Reserve is a tiny green park where your pups can let loose and have a blast! But don't let its size fool you—this place is packed with enclosed playground for the kiddos, shady BBQ spots perfect for a lazy afternoon, and plenty of grassy patches where your dog can mingle and make new pals. It's a place that calls for good times for both humans and dogs!

5. Barangaroo Reserve

Barangaroo Reserve is a breathtaking waterfront park situated in the heart of Sydney. While dogs must be kept on a leash in the reserve, the shared 'Wulugul Walking Path' offers uninterrupted harbour views.

The park has a variety of walking trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll with your dog. There are also a variety of native plants and trees, providing an inviting and peaceful setting. 

6. Rowland Reserve

Rowland Reserve is a unique off-leash dog park that includes a beach and swimming area. This park in Bayview allows you to go swimming with your dog in the clear waters!

The park is spacious and clean, with lots of room for you and your pet to run around and play with other dogs. You and your dog can also go for a walk along the many walking trails surrounding the park.

7. Manns Point, Greenwich

Manns Point in Greenwich is a small reserve and lookout point with stunning views of Sydney's skyline and the west side of the harbour. This park offers a unique and relaxing place for your dogs to run, play, and socialise! 

This dog-friendly park offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour's pristine waters, perfect for leisurely walks and spontaneous games of fetch. Manns Point's spacious grassy areas and covered benches invite you and your dog to make the most out of your visit - playing around and enjoying the view.

8. Joynton Park

Joynton Park in Zetland is a favourite hangout for local dogs. It has a big grassy area in the middle, along with a water fountain, picnic spots, and a nice community garden. Plus, there's a shopping centre nearby where you can grab tasty treats and goodies for your furry friends at the pet shop!

9. Tunks Park, Cammeray

Located in the heart of Cammeray, this park is a haven for both you and your dogs. Tunks Park, with its wide green spaces, winding pathways, and gorgeous waterfront views, provides lots of opportunity for your pet to explore and stretch their legs! 

Allow them to roam freely in the designated off-leash areas as you relax in nature or take a leisurely stroll along the walking paths. When it's time to recharge, visit the neighbouring cafes and pet-friendly establishments for a delicious treat.

10. Hawthorne Canal Dog Park, Leichhardt

The Hawthorne Canal Dog Park is another famous dog park in Sydney's Inner West, located a few suburbs west. This park is located on the west side of Leichhardt, between the light rail line and the Hawthorne Canal.

The park is home to Cafe Bones, a dog-friendly cafe that boasts to have been the first to sell a cafe-style dog beverage: the Pupaccino. The kiosk-style cafe also offers a selection of beverages and food for humans, with outdoor tables and chairs sprinkled throughout. A perfect location for you and your dog’s playdate!

11. Blackman Park Off-Leash Dog Park, Lane Cove West

Blackman Park in Lane Cove West is another great off-leash dog park in Sydney, located next to a dog-friendly cafe. Continue along Lloyd Rees Drive past the playing fields to reach Puppy Tail Cafe, a fenced dog park, and plenty of parking and restrooms!

This fully fenced dog park has two separate zones. The larger main area has a great agility course, and a shade cloth for sunny days. The second smaller area is often used by smaller dogs, though there are no rules posted on the fence. Both fenced spaces are double-gated and have water fountains.

12. Shale Hills Dog Park, West Hoxton

Shale Hills Dog Park is one of the nicest dog parks in Sydney, especially for those who live in the city's south-west. The park is located in a section of the Western Sydney Parklands at West Hoxton.


For a fully fenced dog park, it is surprisingly spacious - there's plenty of area for plenty of dogs to run around while still keeping their own spot! There is also a smaller gated area just for smaller dogs to enjoy.

13. Cooper Park in Bellevue Hills

Cooper Park in Bellevue Hills is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience to both dogs and their owners. The park features rainforest walks, a gully, picnic areas, and grass sports fields. 

Visitors can also enjoy off-leash sessions at the sports ground opposite Suttie Road between 4:30 pm and 8:30 am, an added level of freedom and excitement to your furry friend's trip to this lovely park.

14. Sir Joseph Banks Park Off-Leash Dog Area, Botany

Sir Joseph Banks Park in Botany is an alternative fenced dog park located close to Sydney's inner city areas. The fenced area is located towards the end of Hayden Place, on the north side of this huge park.

Sir Joseph Banks Park has two double gate entrances, a water fountain, and biodegradable poop bags that can be thrown in the worm farm recycling bins being tested. There's also plenty of shelter and seats, as well as natural areas to explore and a sandpit for digging.

15. St Thomas’s Rest Park, Crows Nest

St Thomas' Rest Park in Crows Nest is a historic cemetery that has been converted into a leash-free dog park. This park offers a unique and relaxing place for dogs to roam and play!

The park is well-kept and has a variety of walking trails, perfect for a leisurely walk with your dog. There are also many trees that provide plenty of shade, making it a great place to visit even on hot summer days. 

Closing Thoughts

Finding a dog-friendly park is an easy task in Sydney, as the city welcomes dogs and people alike, with the same amenities and service provided! Each of these places provides a unique experience your dog will love, from the sweeping greenery of Bicentennial Park to the quiet waterfront views of Barangaroo Reserve. 

So grab your leash, pack some treats, and set off on a tail-wagging adventure across Sydney's best dog parks. There's nothing quite like witnessing your doggo enjoy being themselves while surrounded by nature and socialising with others.


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