Dog-friendly parks in Sutherland Shire

Burnum Burnum Sanctuary is an on-leash park on the Woronora River with a mix of open grassed areas and bushland walking tracks. It's a popular meetup spot — the Hobbit Hounds rescued greyhound group walks here every Sunday, and the atmosphere is consistently friendly. There's fishing access, BBQ facilities, a playground, and clean toilet facilities. The scenery along the river is genuinely pleasant, making it a good option for a longer on-leash walk rather than just a quick visit.

Carina Bay Reserve is an off-leash area with no time restrictions, set among bush and waterside tracks near Como. The surrounding bushland and water views give it a more scenic feel than a typical suburban park. From here you can walk over the bridge to the Como Pleasure Grounds and nearby cafes, extending the outing if you want. Dogs must be on-leash when entering and leaving the off-leash area.

Helena Street Park has separate fenced areas for large and small dogs, with auto-refill water bowls and good shade from established trees. The park operates between 4:30am and 10:30pm, with gates locked overnight. It's a well-structured park with clear separation between dog sizes.

Darook Park in Cronulla allows dogs on-leash on the constructed paths and grassy areas. Dogs are not permitted on the beach or in the swimming area. There's shade, toilets, parking, and nearby shallow water. It's a pleasant on-leash walk with a sheltered coastal setting.

Greenhills Beach is a long, open stretch of coastline with wide sand and strong ocean conditions. Waves can be rough much of the time, making it better suited to dogs that are comfortable around surf.

Como Pleasure Grounds is a pretty, tucked-away park in Como with lovely water views across the river. Dogs are welcome on-leash, in line with Sutherland Shire's general on-leash rule. There is parking, shade, BBQ facilities and a playground, making it a comfortable place for a picnic or a relaxed walk. A scenic on-leash spot in a quiet corner by the water.

Prince Edward Park is a riverside park in Woronora with a small sandy area by the water and a bush track that connects through from Sutherland. Dogs are welcome on-leash, in line with Sutherland Shire's general on-leash rule. A recently added boardwalk, a playground and BBQ facilities make it comfortable for a visit, and the riverside setting is pleasant for a walk. An easy on-leash spot with a scenic bushwalk option.

Don Lucas Reserve is a spacious Cronulla park with open grass, a playground and BBQ facilities. Dogs are welcome on-leash, in line with Sutherland Shire's general on-leash rule, and there is room for an easy walk with toilets and parking on hand. It is a comfortable, well-used local spot for a relaxed visit. A pleasant on-leash park near the coast.

Cooper Street Reserve is a well-equipped Engadine park with a big playground, a walking track and picnic spots. Dogs are welcome on-leash, in line with Sutherland Shire's general on-leash rule, and the loop track makes for an easy walk. With toilets and BBQ facilities on hand, it is comfortable for a longer visit. A pleasant, family-friendly on-leash park.

Heathcote Oval Dog Off-Leash Park is a fenced council off-leash area at Heathcote with shade, drinking water and parking. Dogs are allowed off-leash at all times within the fenced enclosure, with the gates locked overnight between 10:30pm and 7:15am. The fencing makes it a secure place to let a dog run. A practical, enclosed spot for an off-leash visit.

The Cronulla Beach Walk is a scenic coastal path along the Cronulla peninsula, with regular beach-access points and historical sites along the way. Dogs are welcome on-leash, as it is not on the council's off-leash list, with cafes, toilets, BBQ facilities and parking close by. It is a lovely, breezy route for a walk with sea views. A pleasant on-leash coastal walk.

Dunningham Park is a well-equipped park at Cronulla with a good walking track, a playground, BBQ facilities and a weather shelter. Dogs are welcome on-leash, as it is not a designated off-leash area, with toilets, seating and parking on hand. It is an easy, comfortable spot for a relaxed walk near the coast. A pleasant on-leash park.

Dog-friendly park in Cronulla where dogs are welcome on lead.

Henry Lawson Reserve is a pleasant park at Como with a playground, open grass and seating. Dogs are welcome on-leash, with a nice on-leash dog area at the back of the park, in line with Sutherland's rules. It is a comfortable, family-friendly spot for an easy walk. A pleasant on-leash park close to the river.

Lantana Road Reserve is a comfortable local park in Engadine with a playground, BBQ facilities, drinking water and seating. Dogs are welcome on-leash, as it is not a designated off-leash area, with toilets, shade and parking on hand. It is an easy, well-equipped spot for a relaxed walk close to home. A pleasant on-leash neighbourhood park.

Shelly Park is a large grassed park beside the Esplanade walkway on the Cronulla peninsula, with BBQ facilities, a playground and lovely coastal surrounds. Dogs are welcome on-leash, as it is not a designated off-leash area, with toilets and parking on hand. It is a comfortable, popular spot for a walk by the sea. A pleasant on-leash park near the coast.