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8 Best Dog Parks in Sydney's Inner West

Alice Nguyen | 28 September, 2023


          
            8 Best Dog Parks in Sydney's Inner West

Living in an enclosed space without much light, fresh air, and friends to socialise with is lonely and suffocating. We know this too well. After all, the pandemic took away our privilege to go out without worrying about our health.

We’ve only been living this way for over two years, but most dogs living in urbanised areas have been kept in their yards or apartments for most of their lives. The least we could do for our fur babies is to take them somewhere they could, at least, temporarily feel free—dog parks.

Dog parks are an excellent avenue for owners and dogs to exercise their joints and meet new friends. But, with 43 off-leash areas in Inner West Sydney, which one could give you and your furry best friend the best experience?

Explore these three top-rated dog parks in Sydney’s Inner West with us, and you might just find the dog park for Buddy! 

1. Hawthorne Canal Reserve

Built around the Hawthorne canal, this dog park forms an attractive border between Leichhardt and Haberfield.  

Apart from the beautiful view, this dog park offers plenty of space to satisfy your dog’s playful nature. Since they have dog classes on Sunday mornings, the area could also be used to work on your dog’s behavioural issues.

Specifically, the designated areas for leash-free dog activities include the light rail line and pathway, the canal bridge, and Canal Road’s parking area. Your pup must be on a leash outside this space.

Time out? Located on-site is Puppaccino’s home and every dog’s favourite cafe, Cafe Bones! It offers yummy treats and a dog-friendly set-up.

Hawthorne Canal Reserve - Dog Park

Hawthorne Canal Reserve - Dog Park

Image: Inner West Council

2. Enmore Park

Rated 4.4/5 by over 915 Google users, Enmore Park is definitely a place to visit in Marrickville.

This park is popular among Australians and tourists alike because of its enormous space (yes, we have two rockets here) and plenty of offerings. It has the Annette Kellerman Aquatic Centre, playgrounds, picnic facilities, shaded areas, and bbq spots. Plus, it’s also surrounded by cafes and shopping centres, like Marrickville Metro.

But, the best part about Enmore Park is its designated off-leash area for dogs. Unlike other parks, this area is available anytime for leash-free dog activities.

What are you waiting for? Grab that frisbee and take your dog to Enmore Park!

Enmore Dog Park Map

Enmore Dog Park     

Image: Inner West Council

3. Elkington Park

Elkington Park in Balmain is known for its breathtaking views—sunset across Sydney Harbour, the glorious shade of huge old trees, and the image of pure bliss painted on our dogs’ faces!

Elkington Park is even more unique because the entire area is available for leash-free exercises during some parts of the day (Non-daylight saving time: 4 pm-10 am; Daylight saving time, weekends, and public holidays: 5 pm - 10 am). 

Suppose you wish to visit before these scheduled times. In that case, your dog could still enjoy leash-free activities in a designated area at the north-western section between Tilba Avenue and White Horse Point anytime.

Flaunt your dog’s fashionable accessories and visit Elkington Park!

Elkington Park - Dog Park Map

Elkington Park - Dog Park

Image: Inner West Council

4. Petersham Park

Has your dog outgrown his dog-friendly backyard? Tired of Sydney beaches?

Maybe it’s time for some Petersham fun! The park is famous for its Fanny Durack Aquatic Centre, spacious cricket oval, and playgrounds surrounded by Camphor Laurel and Brush Box trees. It’s simply the perfect place to get active while relishing nature’s beauty.

 In 2017, the park became even more popular as it decided to have off-leash areas around the sports field at specific times of the day.  

It’s a real bummer that it’s not always available for off-leash activities. But limiting off-leash times is actually for a good reason—to protect the endangered population of long-nosed bandicoots that dogs, cats, and foxes often attack.

Thus, when you visit the park, be mindful of your dog’s activities, off-leash etiquette, and the other animals trying to have fun in Petersham! 

Petersham Park

Petersham Park

5. Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

You may have known Camperdown Park as a solemn memorial for Australia’s Aboriginal People. But over the years, the park has also become a place where you and your dog can forge good memories and spend meaningful time.

With ample room for play and its convenient location around Federation Road and Church Street, it has become the top choice for local dog owners seeking a welcoming and enjoyable space for their fur babies.

Your dog can roam off-leash all day on weekdays in designated zones. But if you prefer the weekends, park off-leash areas also open early morning or late evening—at least you don’t have to worry about hot pavements

Don’t keep your fur baby waiting. Grab your MAMA dog bag, and enjoy Newtown goodness through Camperdown!

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park

6. Mort Bay Park

Looking for dog parks in Inner West Sydney with 24-hour off-leash areas?

Then, don’t look further away than Mort Bay! Sitting along the picturesque shoreline of Balmain, boasting thoughtfully designed dog-friendly amenities, it’s the perfect setting for dogs and their owners alike.

Unlike most Sydney pet-friendly parks, Mort Bay off-leash areas are always open for fur babies and parents unless there are ongoing local events. With this, you can schedule your dog’s walk in the park anytime!

Apart from spacious off-leash areas, Mort Bay also offers picnic spots with majestic views of Sydney Harbour and a good vantage point for New Year’s Eve and local festivals’ fireworks displays.

So, if you think your dog’s having a bad day, lift his mood by taking him to Mort Bay!

Mort Bay Park

Mort Bay Park

7. Bridgewater Park

Seeking a place in Rozelle to flaunt your fashionable furry pal?

Bridgewater Park is the place for you! With the park’s unique view of the Paramatta River and a wide sporting ground, you’re sure to take awesome photos of your dog donning matching setshair bows, and bandanas or simply playing around.

Bridgewater’s area between the sporting ground and the bay is always open for off-leash activities. But if your dog wants to play on the actual sporting ground, you can still release his leash in this area as long as there are no ongoing sporting activities.   

So, start packing up your MAMA dog bag don’t forget to bring dog poop bags to keep Bridgewater Park as clean as you came!

Bridgewater Park

Bridgewater Park

8. Glebe Foreshore Parks

Why settle for one when you can have four adjacent dog parks in Inner West Sydney?

You read it right. Bicentennial Park, Blackwattle Bay Park, Federal Park, and Jubilee Park comprise the Glebe Foreshore Parks. Although Jubilee Park is strictly on-leash, Blackwattle Bay, Federal, and Bicentennial Parks have off-leash areas for you and your dog to enjoy. 

Here are the three parks’ off-leash area schedules:

  • Bicentennial Park:  All times (Only west side of the canal)

  • Blackwattle Bay Park: All times

  • Federal Park: All times (except during games)

Apart from the vast green and off-leash spaces, Glebe Foreshore also faces the picturesque views of Rozelle Bay, Blackwattle Bay, and ANZAC Bridge—perfect for serene walks and photoshoots with your fur baby!

Glebe Foreshore Parks

Glebe Foreshore Parks

Final Thoughts

A dog park is a magical place for dogs where they can run without worrying about delicate vases and damaging your couch. In other words, it’s a place where they can be themselves—free, fun, and crazy. 

Just don’t forget to bring a MAMA dog bag containing all your pet essentials and first aid kits, as dog parks often bring out dogs’ goofiest side that might get them in trouble!

Still uncertain where to go? Find more hidden gems through Inner West Council’s website page for dog parks near you. Make sure to take note of their rules and regulations to know where you might need to put your furbaby on a walking dog leash.

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