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  1. Home
  2. /Parks
  3. /Sydney City
  4. /Darlington
  5. /Charles Kernan Reserve

Charles Kernan Reserve

Dogs welcome — rules apply•Dog rules
Dog rating

Updated 24 May 2026

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Charles Kernan Reserve is a compact off-leash park in Darlington — small but well-used, with shade, a BBQ, picnic seating, and a community garden. Dogs are excluded from the fenced playground area. It's a neighbourhood park with a friendly, community feel.

Dog rules

Dog off-leash allowed at all times. Dogs prohibited from: Playground. Listed in the City of Sydney dog off-leash areas program.

At a glance

Off-leash areaAdmin team verified
Shade availableFrom reviews
Grassy areaFrom reviews
Loading map…
296 Abercrombie St, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
Get directionsVisit website

Nearby dog-friendly spots

Cafes

Terra Cotta Roasters Darlington
300m
Confirmed
The Grounds Coffee Factory
350m
Confirmed
Wild Flour, Sydney
450m
Confirmed
See all cafes in Darlington

Pubs & Bars

Glengarry Castle Hotel
200m
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BrewDog - South Eveleigh
350m
Confirmed
New Britannia
400m
Confirmed

Dog Washes

Inner West Dog Wash
1.7km
Dog wash
Marrickville Pet Wash
4.1km
Dog wash

Parks

Peace Park
550m
Confirmed
See all parks in Darlington
Explore Darlington

Before you go

  • 💧No confirmed drinking water — bring your own to be safe.
  • 🗑Poo bags not confirmed — best to bring your own.

What people say

STStacey T.
Google Maps
★★★★★1 year ago

A lovely bit of grass in the middle of Darlington. Compact but mighty. 🤸‍♀️ Small kids' playground, fenced in ♨️ One BBQ, one picnic table and benches 🐶 Dogs allowed off-leash in designated areas 💦 Bubbler for water 🌷 Community garden, see that Maps listing for info on applying. Not open to public. 📞 Telstra phone box at corner, all calls within Australia are free Shaded, grass for picnicking. 🚻🚫 No toilets

JJen
Google Maps
★★★★☆8 years ago

Busy little park with a community garden you can join, play equipment, space to run around, plenty of seating and a well-kept BBQ. Great for dog watching; has bags and a puppy bubbler.

CMChippo M.
Google Maps
★★★★★3 months ago

The playground at Charles Kennon Reserve is good, a very high swing, two swings , one for baby and one for larger kids. Can provide good shade depending on your time and season. In summer, can be very hot during the middle of the day

JLJacki L.
Google Maps
★★★★★3 years ago

Small park, nice vibe. BBQ's are clean.

AAAlice A.
Google Maps
★★★★☆9 years ago

A jam packed little city edge park which includes a community garden (Charlie's Garden), fenced playground for kids, BBQ area, kick about/dog area and some tree area. Great little park but it seems too much is being squeezed into one area!

See all reviews on Google

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296 Abercrombie St, Darlington NSW 2008, Australia
Get directionsVisit website
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How we know this

We check council regulations, official sources, and community reviews to verify dog access at every venue. Access may change — always check on-site signage. Something wrong or missing? Submit feedback. How it works.