Dog-friendly parks in The Hills

Crestwood Parks has a designated fenced off-leash area within a larger reserve that also includes playgrounds, BBQ facilities, and undercover picnic areas. The off-leash enclosure is well-maintained and gives dogs room to move, while the surrounding park has enough going on to make it a good option for families juggling kids and dogs. Shade is decent, parking is straightforward, and there are toilets on site.

Coolong Reserve has a fenced off-leash area with shade, BBQ facilities, toilets, and a nearby playground. Dogs must be supervised by someone over 16 and under voice control.

Coolong Reserve Fenced Dog Park is a fully enclosed off-leash area in Castle Hill with double lock-in, lock-out gates, so dogs can run securely without slipping out. It suits dogs of all sizes, with shade, drinking water and toilets on hand. It has a friendly local crowd, making it an easy place for a relaxed off-leash play. A secure, well-set-up dog park for a good run.

Balcombe Heights Estate is a large, well-kept parkland with a fenced off-leash dog area set among huge open fields and heritage buildings. The dog park gives dogs a clear, secure place to run, while the wider grounds offer BBQs, a cafe and plenty of space for a longer visit. Dogs are off-leash inside the fenced area under supervision, with a limit of four dogs per handler. A spacious, friendly spot that is easy to spend time in.

Cumberland State Forest is a dog-friendly on-leash walking area with well-maintained trails through established forest. There are BBQ areas, toilets, and a garden centre on site. The shade and tree coverage make it pleasant even on warm days. It's one of the more accessible state forests near Sydney for an on-leash bushland walk.

Balcombe Estate has a fenced off-leash dog area set within a larger park of sports fields, gardens and heritage Masonic buildings. The dog park gives dogs a clear place to run, while the wider grounds offer BBQs, a cafe, toilets and open space for a longer visit. Dogs are off-leash inside the fenced area under supervision, with a limit of four dogs per handler.

Caddies Creek Reserve is a green Beaumont Hills park with grassy bushland and a fresh, open feel. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and it is a popular local morning walking spot, especially on weekends. It is well maintained, with a playground nearby, and makes for an easy walk close to home. A pleasant on-leash park with a bit of bushland character.

Bidjigal Reserve's Platypus Track is a pretty bush trail in Castle Hill, a green escape close to the suburbs. Dogs are welcome on-leash, kept clear of playgrounds and sports fields, and the clean, shaded path makes for a relaxing walk. It is a lovely spot to get a bit of nature without going far. A calm on-leash bushwalk for a dog that enjoys a trail.

Glanmire Road Park is a tidy local park in Castle Hill with grass, shade and bush walkways. Dogs are welcome on-leash, kept clear of playgrounds and sports fields, and the paths are kept impeccably clean. It is a pleasant, well-maintained spot for an easy walk close to home. A calm on-leash park for an everyday stroll.

Castle Glen Reserve combines a large open oval with shaded bush tracks beside the neighbouring school. Dogs are welcome on-leash, so it works well for a steady walk that mixes open space with a wander through the trees. With a cafe on site and shops next door, it is an easy place to add a coffee stop to a local walk.

Castlewood Park is a large park in the Castlewood estate at Castle Hill, with a cricket pitch and plenty of open grass. It has a designated off-leash area, and there is room for a good walk among the sports and open space. With BBQ facilities and shade on hand, it is comfortable for a longer visit. A spacious local spot with off-leash room.

Field 6 at Fred Caterson Reserve is part of a large sporting and recreation reserve in Castle Hill with courts, ovals and good facilities. Dogs are welcome on-leash in the designated sections, kept clear of active sports areas, with parking, shade and a playground on hand. It is a spacious spot for an easy walk between activities. A handy on-leash area in a big reserve.

Mackillop Drive Reserve is a local park in Castle Hill with a playground, shade and a quiet, residential feel. Dogs are welcome on-leash, kept clear of playgrounds and sports fields, with toilets on hand. It is an easy, low-key spot for a short walk close to home. A simple on-leash neighbourhood park.

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

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

Harry Carr Reserve is a local park in Castle Hill with a playground, open grass and shade. Dogs are welcome on-leash, kept clear of playgrounds and sports fields during organised sport, with parking on hand. It is an easy, comfortable spot for a relaxed walk close to home. A pleasant on-leash park.