Off-Leash Paradise:
5 of the Best Dog Parks on
Sydney’s Lower North Shore
For Sydney’s dog owners, finding the perfect space for your four-legged friend to run, play, and socialise can transform regular exercise into a truly stellar experience. The Lower North Shore offers some of the most picturesque and well-appointed dog-friendly areas in the city, each with its own unique character and charm.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful harbourside retreat, a bustling social hub where your pup can make new friends, or a beach paradise for water-loving canines, the Lower North Shore delivers exceptional options for dogs of all temperaments and energy levels. After years of exploring every patch of grass and stretch of sand with our pack in tow, we’ve compiled our definitive ranking of the area’s top five dog parks.
These aren’t just places to let your dog off-leash – they’re carefully evaluated sanctuaries where both you and your furry companion can enjoy Sydney’s natural beauty while creating lasting memories together. We’ve assessed each location based on space, amenities, swimming options, shade coverage, traffic safety, and those special qualities that elevate a good park to a truly great one.
So grab your lead, some treats, and perhaps a ball or two – it’s time to discover the very best dog-friendly destinations that Sydney’s Lower North Shore has to offer!
Contents
Berry Island Reserve
The first park on our list is something we could only describe as a hidden gem that we’re lucky enough to be able to call a dog-friendly space.
Tucked away in the back streets of Wollstonecraft, Berry Island Reserve is a picturesque harbourside park with direct views across to HMAS Waterhen and the Coal Loader’s Centre for Sustainability in Waverton, framed by the stunning City of Sydney skyline.
Berry Island is one of the few dog-friendly parks that offer a combined fenced children’s playground within close proximity. This is an amazing feature for dog owners with wee ones as it allows you to balance exercising your furry friend while ensuring children have a safe and enjoyable playtime.
Situated at the end of the Shirley Rd cul-de-sac, Berry Island offers little in the way of motor vehicle traffic. This is always a huge draw card for us, and I’m sure many other dog owners also, as in the worst-case-scenario of things going awry the risk of any kind of traffic-related incident is reduced immensely. Unfortunately this also means the on-street only parking here is quite limited, so in the busier times you may struggle to find a proximal park and end up having to walk a distance.
Berry Island boasts a well-manicured, open grassed area nestled between a beach on one side and a bush track on the other, with ample shady spots all around. Unfortunately the main beach is off-limits to dogs entirely, save for a small slither adjoining the southern side of the park via a small set of steps. Albeit slim, the foreshore access is a welcome addition, especially on those hot summer days where a quick dip can make all the difference. The bush track section is for on-leash dogs only as is typical.
Despite its relatively compact size compared to other parks on the North Shore, Berry Island offers ample amenities essential for dog owners and families. These include restrooms, a drinking fountain, dog waste disposal stations, bins, BBQ facilities, and picnic tables. Everything you’ll need for a picnic, leisurely lunch, or an extended excursion.
This brings us to one of the downsides of Berry Island Reserve, that it is an excellent and spot for picnics. The relatively small size of the park when compared to others on this list adds to this complication in that it can make a situation extremely difficult for off-leash owners with all but the most disciplined of dogs. In the busiest of times, the park can very quickly feel cramped, leaving owners with few good options but to place their dog back on the lead.
There is also annual 1080 baiting scheduled in Berry Island reserve. Australia is still in the minority here with the controversial baiting method and for good reason. 1080 baiting is an untargeted approach that can very easily kill unintended species including pet dogs. Even intended targets will suffer horrendously before eventually succumbing to the poison. In our opinion this makes Berry Island unfortunately unusable for several months out of the year.
What We Like
It’s generally quiet, relatively small and fairly self-contained. Its simple layout means that you’ll almost always have your dog within line of sight and know what they’re getting up to. It’s also fairly easy to spot any hazards. The amenities are excellent for a park of this size, and the view is delish.
- Quiet
- Self-contained
- Simple layout
- Plenty of green
- Shady
- Children’s playground
- Minimal traffic risk
- Amenities
- Harbour access
- Bush
- Vista
What We Don't Like
The beach access restrictions have us a little sour, as the only allowable access takes you very close to a gauntlet of oysters. We’d also recommend avoiding this park on the most excellent of picnic days as the combination of crowds, food, BBQ, and children’s playground can turn a pleasant park stroll into a cramped and stressful one.
- 1080 Baiting
- Limited parking
- Limited harbour access
- Relatively small size
- BBQs & picnics
Kurraba Reserve
The next park on our list is another also considered a little obscure. Kurraba Reserve is hidden at the very end of Kurraba Road on Kurraba Point. Unless you’ve stumbled upon it by chance, this park might have escaped your notice, but its breathtaking views of Sydney Harbour make it a destination worth discovering.
A good mix of open spaces, shaded areas, and a touch of bush land, Kurraba Reserve is a fairly quiet, crescent-shaped park with plenty of space to move around such that unlike Berry Island it will rarely feel over-crowded. However, it is important to note that amenities are limited with no available restrooms within the park, so be forewarned.
The boomerang shape provides two ways to experience the park, one from the Northern end, and one from the Southern. While dog waste bags and bins are provided at these entrances, they are not available within the park itself. Not a major problem if visitors plan accordingly, but it can be a real hassle having to trudge all the way back if you’re accidentally caught poop-bagless.
Entering via the path at the northern end will take you directly past the quaint Kurraba Point Community Garden. This path leads directly down into the park via several flights of stairs. Be mindful of the garden compost on your way through though, as it can offer an opportunity too tempting to resist for curious dogs. Notably, this is also the only place in the entire park where you and your dog may find a tap to drink from, inconveniently located directly adjacent to the poop bin.
For those preferring easier access, the second entrance to the park at the southern end offers a much more accessibility-friendly ramp. Getting to this entrance though can prove quite the mission, especially for less mobile visitors, at is at the very end of the point.
The southern end is where you’ll find your best chance of nabbing one of the few on-street parking spots should you be driving. Parking can be scant due to several sizeable apartment blocks in the area, especially when the weather is primed for picnics.
Following the path down into the park opens up to one of the most amazing panoramic views of the harbour you’ll find anywhere in Sydney. This section of the park also seems to be quite popular with the fishing crowd so it always pays to be vigilant to avoid potential issues with discarded bait, hooks, and fishing line. It also tends to be more exposed to the elements so you really feel the wind when it kicks up.
Similar to Berry Island, being situated at the end of the peninsula means that through-traffic is virtually non-existent. Combined with the somewhat self-contained, sunken physical layout of the park, gives this park an excellent rating regarding overall traffic risk.
With direct foreshore access, Kurraba Reserve allows water-loving dogs to enjoy a leisurely paddle. Unfortunately the only water access is via a single boat ramp which can be completely unusable during low tide or rough weather. The curved shape of the park can also make things a little tricky if your dog if a bit of a wanderer, they can easily evade your line of sight if they extend a little too far.
What We Like
A nice, quiet park even at the busiest of times. It has sufficient open space without being too much, with plenty of gorgeous trees providing shade. The stunning panoramic view across Sydney harbour is unforgettable.
- Quiet
- Nice size
- Open space
- Plenty of green
- Shady
- Minimal traffic risk
- Vista
What We Don't Like
Aside from the lack of restrooms, the parking here can be atrocious. Between the limited spots available, apartment blocks, and construction sites, if you see one available consider yourself blessed. Poor waterfront access (no actual sand beach) dictated by the tides. The shape of the park can make it difficult to manage dogs who like to wander.
- Limited harbour access
- Limited parking
- Lack of amenities
- Park shape (boomerang)
- Fishing-related hazards
- Wind exposure
Tunks Park
Third on our list is the absolute classic, Tunks Park in Cammeray. Even if you’re not a dog owner you’ve likely heard of it. With its expansive, immaculately manicured fields, and select swimming spots, it is easily one of the most popular dog parks for Sydney’s North Shore locals. Many of you may have even expected Tunks Park to appear higher on our list, but we’ll get into the reasons why not shortly.
Offering an excellent mix of wide open spaces, token bush for exploration, water features, and amenities, it’s hard to imagine a better place to take your pooch for playtime. There’s plenty of room to move, run, chase, and play for all types of dogs and owners too. Even if you’re just looking for a peaceful stroll with your bouncing bestie, Tunks Park has you covered. The amenities especially are a welcome addition and are near impossible to beat anywhere else.
Entering via Brothers Avenue, the park’s facade obscures a long succession of playing fields that snake seamlessly out of sight into flat rock gully. The further in to the park you go, the more space opens up and the more secrets are revealed to you. A staircase here, a small waterfall there, until turning a corner and you’re presented with an astonishing view of the Long Gully bridge connecting Cammeray with Northbridge.
Near to the entrance of the park you have your standard restrooms and drink stations, bins, and dog waste bags provided throughout the park. There are also BBQ facilities, a fenced children’s playground, and a popular coffee cart seemingly fixed permanently adjacent the car park. Unfortunately though the children’s playground is quite removed from the off-leash dog area, making things a little trickier for parents wishing to juggle both kids and dog.
Continuing along to the very end of Tunks Park places you directly underneath the bridge and near the start of the Flat Rock Gully walking track. This gorgeous bushwalk is an on-leash only, dog friendly trek through the bush leading through to Naremburn and Willoughby Leisure Center.
The popularity of Tunks Park is unfortunately one of the main downsides as it can become extremely busy during certain times of the day or week, and it is especially popular with local dog walkers. Often during the early mornings you can encounter runners, cyclists, or exercise groups. Through the middle of the day school sports regularly take over many, if not all of the field space, and afternoons bring the families post school pickup.
On-site parking is quite limited, with spaces virtually impossible to find during peak times. The parking lot can also present a hazard as dogs frequently let roam off-leash by their owners weave amongst the parked cars on their way to and from the dog park.
Other hazards include the occasional lawn mower, the seemingly ever-present mud puddles, and a number of brush turkeys that like to roost in the scrub on the hills all along the parks periphery. When taken together, these hazards represent some potentially difficult situations that can be challenging for a range of doggies, and stressful for their owners.
There is notably little in terms of shade throughout the entire park, especially across the midday hours, save for sticking close to the perimeter. The water quality in the Flat Rock creek can also vary in quality depending upon the conditions, typically being at its worst in the days following heavy rain.
As for our recommendations – if you have a friendly, social, active dog that’s looking to burn some energy, before or after school times likely represent the best value for you. Conversely if your dog is a little shy, anxious, or on the trickier side regarding management, midday/ lunchtime tends to be the quieter period and should make your life that much easier.
What We Like
Easily the biggest dog-friendly open space on the North Shore. Plenty of space to move around with lots of things for your dog to do and explore including decent swimming options for the hotter days. Excellent amenities.
- Huge open space
- Typically many other dogs to engage with
- Swimming spots
- Amenities
What We Don't Like
The popularity of the park can make it tricky to navigate during busy times, especially for dogs with special needs. Roosting brush turkeys in the hills can also add to this difficulty. Lack of shade can really be felt on hot days. Creek water quality also can vary dramatically.
- Busy-ness
- Lack of shade
- Variable water quality
- Brush turkeys
Sawmillers Reserve
Sitting firmly at number two on our list is Sawmillers Reserve. For many this park will be a complete dark horse, but for those in the know, well.. you know. Sawmillers reserve is probably THE definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away just off the back of Blues Point Road in McMahons Point, it is often overshadowed by the draw of the spectacular Harbour Bridge views offered by Blues Point Reserve, or the popular and more accessible Balls Head Reserve just opposite Berry’s Bay.
It’s location makes Sawmillers Reserve a very quiet park, with few visitors even during the busiest of times. It has a magnificent blend of sizeable open spaces, plenty of bush for sniffing and exploration, foreshore harbour access for swimming, all the while providing excellent shade coverage throughout and an amazing panoramic waterfront view of Sydney to boot.
Entrance to the the park, either via Munro St to the north or West Crescent St to the south, an abundance of natives will great you with a leafy, almost mountainous feel, as accessibility-friendly ramps invite you down into the park to explore further. It is a little bit of a trek though, and the ramps only go so far, transitioning to gravel and then grass about half-way into the park.
From here, Sawmillers Reserve opens up to gorgeous harbour views and a sizeable grassed area proceeding up and down the shoreline. Wandering along only a short while you’ll be hard pressed to miss the scuttled remains of an old boat beached on a small sand bank. This is the only sand beach in the park and is easily the best place for our puppy pals to take a quick paddle, provided the conditions are favourable. Another unmissable park feature is a large wooden staircase leading up to a viewing platform near the top of the park which overlooks the wrecked ship.
It’s easy to see why Sawmillers Reserve is a favourite lunch spot for many local workers willing to make the short trek down from Blues Point Road looking to soak in the serenity. For dog owners though this introduces the difficulty of keeping our charges from sneakily scoring a free lunch. It is also a popular spot with local fishing enthusiasts, making abandoned bait, tackle, and stray lines a potential hazard to always be on the lookout for.
Brush turkeys can be an issue for dogs so inclined, seemingly popping up at random and having nests scattered throughout the parks thicker scrub. Also being adjacent to several apartment blocks can mean that any wandering dogs can potentially get themselves easily lost if not monitored closely. Fortunately the traffic risk is minimal as the closest busy road is quite a fair way away.
Amenities are unfortunately somewhat limited which is the main reason this park isn’t our top pick. Dog waste bags are provided at each of the two entrances to the park, along with bins and a drinking station for both people and dogs. There are however no restrooms available, and the limited on-street parking can be tricky to find at best, impossible at worst.
What We Like
Quiet, self-contained, leafy, great views, plenty of space without feeling too big, cozy without feeling too small. Very rarely overcrowded, with large groups of dogs uncommon.
- Quiet, secluded area
- Leafy with lots of shady areas
- Good variety of interesting spaces to explore
- Waterfront access for swimming
- Dog waste bags and bins provided
What We Don't Like
The parking situation leaves much to be desired. Amenities are somewhat of an afterthought, with no restrooms. Sheer drop into the water can be concerning, especially for the more haphazard dogs. Access can also be tricky for mobility impaired.
- Extremely limited parking
- No restrooms
- Occasional picnic and fishing hazards
- Brush turkeys
Sirius Cove Reserve
Finally we come to the number one, hands down best off-leash dog park in all of the Lower North Shore, and possibly all of Sydney, Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman. Sirius Cove is (unfortunately) unique in this list in that even though the other parks we’ve discussed so far all have some kind of swimming or water access available, Sirius Cove is the only one specifically designated as a dog beach. It’s actually a bit of a 3-in-1 dog beach but we’ll come to the specifics shortly.
This dog beach offers just about everything you could ever want from an open, dog-friendly area. First and foremost the beach itself is excellent, being decently sized with enough space to move about freely on all but the busiest of days. The sand is also regularly swept by Mosman Council meaning that rubbish and other nasty jetsam washed up that could potentially cause issues with dogs is kept to a minimum.
The water is deep enough to allow doggies a leisurely paddle, without being too deep to cause concern for owners with dogs that can’t quite swim properly. The water depth is actually shallow enough that the water generally remains very calm with minimal waves, making it a great place for introducing first-timers to the beach. The beauty of this place, however, really comes alive at low tide when the usable area of the beach easily quadruples, extending almost all the way out to the boats anchored in the cove. This gives park visitors plenty of additional space for activities such as throwing balls, playing chase or digging.
Being sunken lower than the surrounding area by way of a stone seawall also gives the beach a somewhat self-contained feel. Set back immediately behind the beach is a gorgeous open grassed area flanked by bush land, providing plenty of shade for park visitors and completing the trifecta of grass, beach and bush. There is also a fenced children’s playground centrally located, making it easy for parents to keep track of both children and dogs simultaneously.
In terms of amenities, Sirius Cove has just about everything you could need. Bins and dog waste bags are provided throughout the park, along with drinking stations for both people and dogs, picnic tables and newly installed public BBQs. Restrooms (including change rooms) are located at the park’s entrance directly adjacent to a small number of dedicated parking bays.
Additionally there are a decent number of on-street parking spots immediately adjoining the park such that parking will rarely be a chore unless extremely busy. It’s location at the end of a cul-de-sac means that through-traffic is virtually non-existent, save for visitors or the few residents at the end of the street. This means the risk of traffic-related incidents is greatly reduced compared to more centrally located parks.
This brings us to one of the few downsides of Sirius Cove Reserve, and this one mostly concerns wanderers. The proximity of the park to bush land and subsequently neighbouring backyards, can present too tempting an offer for more adventurous dogs. Coupled with a few nesting brush turkeys and you have a potential recipe for spending quite a bit more time at the park than you might have initially intended.
If this sounds like your dog though don’t worry, Sirius Cove has you covered! As a handy little bonus, Sirius Cove forms part of a larger coastal walking track stretching from Mosman Bay through to Bradley’s Head and beyond. Of particular interest to us though is the stretch of track starting from Sirius Cove, taking us close to Taronga Zoo and ending at the spectacularly secluded Whiting Beach. Pop your adventure-seeker on the leash and set off sniffing! If you do plan on taking the trail though do be mindful that there are no drinks or rest-stops along the way so be sure to bring your own water and collapsible water bowl, and don’t forget to use the restrooms at Sirius Cove before heading out.
What We Like
Sirius Cove delivers the complete package with its perfect blend of sand, sea, grass, and bush, all in one stunning location. The thoughtfully designed space caters to every dog’s preference, whether they’re beach lovers, grass rollers, or bush explorers. It’s refreshing to find a park that’s actually specifically designated as a dog beach rather than just offering token water access.
- Excellent mix of sand, sea, grass, and bush
- Specifically designated as a dog beach
- Great amenities (restrooms, change rooms, BBQs)
- Easy parking situation (mostly)
- Optional on-leash bush walk
- Self-contained, sunken design for safety
- Perfect water depth for dogs of all swimming abilities
- Fenced children’s playground for families
- Plenty of shade options
- Minimal traffic risk
What We Don't Like
Despite its many charms, Sirius Cove isn’t without a few downsides. The water quality can significantly deteriorate after heavy rainfall, making swimming inadvisable for days afterward. The popularity of the area for picnics can also create conflicts, especially as some visitors seem oblivious to the fact they’re in a designated dog area.
- Variable water quality after rainfall
- Popular picnic spot can create conflicts
- Can become extremely crowded on weekends and holidays
- Brush turkey nests in surrounding bush
- Limited parking during peak times
- Steep access points may be challenging for older dogs
- Tidal timing affects usable beach space
Finding Your Dog's Perfect Playground
Each of these remarkable parks offers something special for dogs and their humans, from the bustling social atmosphere of Tunks Park to the serene harbourside charm of Sirius Cove. The beauty of Sydney’s Lower North Shore lies not just in the stunning views but in the variety of spaces available for our four-legged friends to explore, exercise, and simply be dogs.
When choosing the perfect park for your pup, consider their individual personality, exercise needs, and social preferences. A high-energy retriever might thrive in the expansive fields of Tunks Park, while a more reserved companion might appreciate the quieter atmosphere of Sawmillers Reserve. Water-loving breeds will naturally gravitate toward the beach access at Sirius Cove, while those who enjoy a good sniff and explore will love the varied terrain of Berry Island.
Of course, not every dog owner has the luxury of exploring these parks during weekday business hours. Between work commitments, family responsibilities, and life’s daily demands, finding time to give your dog the off-leash adventure they deserve can be challenging.
This is where the Stellar Paws team comes in. Our professional dog walkers are not only familiar with all these amazing locations, but we’re experts at matching each dog’s personality to the perfect park experience. We provide supervised, character-matched group walks where your dog can socialise, explore, and enjoy these spectacular spaces with their compatible canine friends.
While we’ve shared our top five favourites, we’re always exploring new locations and secret spots across the Lower North Shore. Ready to give your dog the gift of professional, enriching off-leash adventures? Contact us today for a free meet-and-greet session, and let us show your pup the very best that Sydney’s dog-friendly spaces have to offer!