Central Gardens Nature Reserve
Central Gardens Nature Reserve is a dog-friendly park in Merrylands West.
Dog rules
Dogs are permitted on-leash under the NSW Companion Animals Act. Cumberland City Council's Companion Animals Policy states dogs must be under effective control and on a leash in all public places except designated off-leash parks. Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of playgrounds, food preparation areas, sports fields, school grounds, and wildlife protection areas. This venue is not a designated off-leash park. (Source: Cumberland City Council — Companion Animals Policy, cumberland.nsw.gov.au.)
At a glance
Before you go
- 💧No confirmed drinking water — bring your own to be safe.
- 🌳No shade confirmed — take it easy on warmer days.
- 🗑Poo bags not confirmed — best to bring your own.
What people say
Great place to spend time with family, has got mini zoo and a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall operate from 10 am till 2 pm and the mini zoo operate from 9 am till 4 pm. We went there late around 6 pm so couldn’t see those places. Suggest to go there earlier. It has got parking spaces and playground for children. It has got picnic area too. It’s free entry there.
We had a lovely time exploring this garden, which offers plenty of parking and a great playground for the kids to enjoy. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and connect with nature in a serene environment. The abundance of birds around was a delight for the children, making it a fun and educational experience. However, we weren’t too keen on the smell near the nests, as the bird droppings on the ground were noticeable. The waterfalls, on the other hand, were absolutely stunning—a true highlight! Be sure to capture some beautiful photos to remember the visit. We also enjoyed seeing the black cockatoo and colorful parrots in their cages, which added a charming touch to the experience. Recommended for everyone looking for a peaceful outdoor escape with plenty to see and do!
This park is truly remarkable. It’s a peaceful place for a short walk, with beautiful waterfall scenery that makes it very relaxing. There’s also a lovely picnic area and a great playground for kids.
A beautiful place to spend a fun time, with children's games, a mini zoo, artificial waterfalls and a swan lake.
It was trully a hidden gem. Free entrance. Simple garden and mini zoo. Have a chance to see kangaroos, emu etc. They even have a building for marsupial animals. A must visit.
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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.