Dog-friendly parks in Upper North Shore

Hunt Reserve has been recently rejuvenated by Hornsby Shire Council, with a fully fenced off-leash area featuring a double-gate entrance for secure entry and exit. Water and waste bags are provided inside the enclosure. The broader reserve includes a playground, BBQ facilities, and a new toilet block. It's a practical, well-equipped park that works well for families with both kids and dogs.

Pidding Park is a fenced oval that functions as an off-leash area when not being used for organised sport. The fencing makes it a secure option for dogs that need containment, and there's shade around the edges. Waste bags, bins, toilets, and parking are all available. It's a straightforward space — nothing fancy, but the fencing and size make it more useful than many unfenced alternatives.

St Ives Showground offers multiple fenced off-leash areas, allowing dogs to move between spaces depending on crowd levels or comfort. The surrounding bushland adds variety to the environment, making it easy to extend the visit beyond the fenced areas. It works well for both active play and longer, more exploratory outings.

Asquith Park has a fenced off-leash area with double gates and a unique touch — a communal tennis ball depository so there's always something to throw. The surface is mostly compacted dirt rather than grass. Waste bags, bins, BBQ facilities, and parking right at the gate make it practical.

Lofberg is a fenced off-leash park in West Pymble with double-gated entry, waste bags, and water available. The space is relatively small, which works well for calmer dogs or quieter times. A cafe is nearby. Bicentennial Park is just next door if you want a longer walk.

Fagan Park is a large, popular park in Galston with a fully fenced off-leash dog area featuring double-gate entry, drinking water, and waste bags. The broader park is extensive, with themed gardens, BBQ facilities, playgrounds, and two car parks. The scale of the park means there's always room, even on busy weekends. It's a good option for combining a dog run with a longer family outing.

Friars Field is an off-leash area in Pymble available at all times when dogs are accompanied. The space is large but unfenced, so recall is important. There's drinking water and toilets. It's adjacent to bushland, which adds variety to the walk.

Bicentennial Park in West Pymble has a fenced off-leash dog area alongside a playground, sandpit, BBQ facilities, toilets, and parking. The Copper Pan cafe is nearby. It's a good family spot where kids and dogs can both be kept busy.

Berowra Dog Park is a fully fenced off-leash area with a double-gate entry, drinking water, bags and bins. It is a practical, secure place to let a dog run, with parking and BBQ facilities nearby. The Berowra Village Tavern is close as well, making it easy to turn a dog park stop into a longer afternoon.

Brush Farm Park is a green Eastwood park with a large oval and short bush trails through gently hilly ground. It's home to a dog training club, so there are often dogs working and playing across the grounds. Dogs are off-leash when the oval is not being used for organised sport, with on-leash walking through other areas as required. Parking, toilets and the bushy setting make it a useful choice when you want more variety than a flat field.

Karuah Park is a Turramurra park with a designated off-leash area where dogs can run at all times under effective control, with a limit of four dogs per person. There is a cafe on site, tennis courts, walking space and picnic areas, and a fresh-produce market runs on Wednesday mornings. Dogs need to be on-leash when leaving the off-leash area and kept clear of the playground and food areas. A handy, well-equipped local spot.

Ruddock Park is a large, well-equipped park in Westleigh with a fully fenced off-leash dog area. Dogs can run securely within the enclosure, with drinking water, bag stations and shade close by. The wider park has a playground, sports fields, picnic areas, BBQs and toilets, so a dog visit easily turns into a longer outing. A secure, family-friendly spot with plenty to do around the dog park.

Santa Rosa Park is a well-maintained North Ryde park with a designated off-leash area where dogs can run at all times within the marked boundaries. The grass is kept in good condition, and there is drinking water, a playground and toilets nearby. A small habitat-network reserve sits alongside it, adding a bit of natural interest. A friendly, easygoing spot for a regular off-leash walk.

Darvall Park is a spacious Denistone park with room for dogs to run off-leash when the area is not in use for organised sport. There is a playground, BBQ area, drinking water and a weather shelter, making it comfortable for a longer visit. The off-leash area is open rather than fenced, so it suits dogs that stay close. A good local spot for an off-leash walk with decent facilities.

Meadowbank Park is a large riverside park with playing fields, exercise equipment and a small dog beach by the water. Dogs are off-leash when the fields are not in use for organised sport, and on-leash otherwise. There is parking, a playground, BBQ facilities and drinking water, making it good for a run or a weekend visit. A spacious, well-equipped park with river access for a dip.

Asquith Park is a pleasant local park in Asquith with shade, a playground and a relaxed neighbourhood feel. Dogs are welcome on-leash, and it is an easy spot for a gentle walk, with toilets and drinking water on hand. The sports field is well used by the local soccer club, and the surrounding gardens are lovely in spring. A comfortable on-leash park close to home.