Dog-friendly parks in Inner West

Glebe Foreshore Parks are one of the standout waterfront walks in NSW, offering a long, continuous stretch of paths with open views across the harbour. The walk can be as short or as long as you like, with multiple entry points and connecting sections along the foreshore.

Bridgewater Park is a well-maintained off-leash park with a large grassed area that gives dogs plenty of room to run. The open layout makes it easy to settle in or move around depending on how active your dog is.

Hawthorne Canal Reserve has a relaxed, community feel with a partially fenced off-leash area and a steady local presence. It's a simple, well-used space that works well for everyday visits, with the surrounding area adding to the overall experience.

King George Park is a simple, open grassed park with space for dogs to run off-leash. The layout is straightforward, with enough room for movement without feeling crowded.

Odea Reserve is a well-maintained, mostly grassed park with a fenced off-leash area and additional open space surrounding it. The enclosed section has a double-gated entry and a mix of sand and grass, along with water fountains although shade can be limitted.

War Memorial Park has a large, old tree right in the centre that anchors the whole space and provides serious shade. The southern area is off-leash at all times, while the northern section and anywhere within 10 metres of the playground is on-leash. The park has distinct sections — quieter corners for dogs that want space, and more open areas for chasing and socialising. BBQs, toilets, and parking are all nearby.

Camperdown Memorial Rest Park is a large, grassed park in Newtown that's especially popular on weekends. The open layout and tree coverage provide a mix of sun and shade, with plenty of space for dogs to move or settle.

Enmore Fenced Dog Park is a fully enclosed space designed for easy, secure off-leash time. A double-gated entry makes getting in and out straightforward, especially with more excitable dogs.

HJ Mahoney Memorial Park sits alongside the Cooks River with mature trees providing serious shade coverage. The off-leash area covers the sports ground when it's not being used for organised training or matches — at those times, dogs need to be on-leash. The park has been upgraded in recent years and the grounds are well-kept. BBQs, toilets, and shaded areas make it suitable for longer stays.

Bede Spillane Reserve is a fenced off-leash area where dogs can safely go off-lead. The enclosure has shade, drinking water, and a community of regulars who describe the park as a safe and welcoming space. Toilets are available nearby. It's a solid local park that does the essentials well without any frills.

McNeilly Park is a medium-sized park tucked away within walking distance of Marrickville station. The designated off-leash area gives dogs room to run on lush grass, and the park sits well back from major roads, making it feel more sheltered than many inner-city options. There are walking paths, shade, drinking water, BBQ facilities, and toilets. It's a good balance of space and accessibility for an everyday visit.

Weekley Park is off-leash in the open grassed area between Percival Road and the central path during evening and early morning hours (5pm–9am, or 4pm–9am outside daylight saving). It's unfenced with roads nearby, so reliable recall is important. The park has good shade, a playground, and seating, and it's a short walk from Stanmore station. On-leash at all other times.

36th Battalion Park is off-leash in the open grassed area when there are no organised sporting activities. The park is notably shady and stays cooler than most in summer, thanks to good tree coverage. There's a basketball court, BBQ facilities, and seating. The space is big enough for a good run but small enough to keep an eye on things. Dogs must stay 10 metres from the playground.

The dog park at Federal Park in Annandale is a well-used space with BBQs, shade from mature trees, and toilets nearby. The grassed area can get quite muddy after heavy rain — something to be aware of if your dog is a mud magnet. It has a solid local community, and the foreshore location adds to the appeal. This is the on-leash section of the broader Federal Park precinct.

Pioneers Memorial Park has its off-leash section in the eastern area, with the western side and anywhere within 10 metres of the playground staying on-leash. The park has good shade, toilets, and parking surrounding it. It's a local favourite with a steady dog-walking crowd. The split between off-leash and on-leash zones works well — there's enough room in the eastern section for dogs to properly move.

Sydenham Green has a fenced off-leash area that sits directly under the flight path — so expect some noise overhead. The park isn't the most exciting, but as one of the fewer fully fenced options in inner Sydney, it serves a purpose. It's often quiet, even on weekends, which makes it a good option for dogs that do better without crowds. BBQ facilities, a covered shelter, and toilets are available.