Two dogs on leash by the pond at Centennial Parklands in Sydney, a popular dog friendly park with walking trails.

Centennial Park: Dog-Friendly Park in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs

Why We Love Centennial Park

Space to run, fetch and roam: At almost 200 hectares, Centennial Park is a dog’s dream—there’s room to sprint, sniff, and play without running out of grass.
Dedicated dog zones: Large signed off-leash areas make it one of Sydney’s most popular spots for dog walkers. Recall-friendly pups thrive here.
Active lifestyle hub: Joggers, cyclists, horse riders, and yoga groups all share the park. Families love the playgrounds and BBQs, while owners enjoy the cafés and kiosks dotted around.
Wildlife encounters: Black swans, ducks, turtles, and flying foxes make every walk an adventure. Visitors say the mix of wildlife and open lawns makes it feel like you’ve left the city behind.
Easy access: Just minutes from Paddington and Randwick, it’s one of the most central large green spaces in Sydney.

What Could Be Improved

Crowded on weekends: It’s Sydney’s go-to park, so expect more dogs, joggers, and cyclists on sunny Saturdays and Sundays. Early mornings are best for calmer visits.
Parking challenges: On-site parking is available but fills quickly near cafés and playgrounds. Paid parking applies in some sections.
Event interruptions: From fun runs to festivals, parts of the park may host events, which can add noise or limit off-leash zones. Check the Centennial Parklands website before heading out.
Wildlife temptations: Recall is important—many reviewers mention dogs getting distracted by swans or turtles near the ponds.

Good to Know for Dog Owners

Dog rules: Dogs are welcome off-leash in designated signed areas. On-leash applies near ponds, playgrounds, and high-use paths.
Water & shade: Plenty of shady tree avenues; water bubblers are available but bring extra in summer.
Facilities: BBQs (8 electric units), outdoor fitness equipment, playgrounds, sports fields, equestrian centre, and several cafés/kiosks.
Toilets: Multiple across the park, but not evenly spaced.
Transport: Buses run along Oxford Street and Anzac Parade; limited parking on-site. Cycling is a great way in.
Events & activities: Join an Aboriginal Cultural Tour or try family programs like Bush Buji (kids learn stories, songs, and nature skills).

Facilities at a Glance

Off-leash areas: Yes – large signed zones
Fenced dog areas: No
Water access: No swimming (ponds off-limits)
Shade: Yes – tree avenues and lawns
Toilets: Yes – several across the park
Parking: On-site, fills quickly on weekends
Cafés/kiosks: Yes – multiple
BBQs: Yes – free electric
Playground: Yes – multiple

What Visitors Are Saying

Visitors call it the best park in Sydney for both dogs and people, thanks to its size and variety.
Families praise the playgrounds and wide open lawns for picnics and play.
Dog owners love the off-leash areas, though many note it’s busier on weekends.
Wildlife is a recurring highlight—expect to see swans, ducks, bats, and turtles.
Cyclists and joggers say the outer loop track makes for a scenic workout.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Stays

Crystalbrook Albion – boutique dog-friendly hotel in Surry Hills.
The Hughenden Boutique Hotel – pet-friendly Paddington favourite.
Kimpton Margot Sydney – CBD heritage stay, dog-inclusive.
Ace Hotel Sydney – hip, pet-friendly design stay near Central.
Veriu Broadway – serviced apartments, inner-city convenience.

PawTripper’s Take

Best for: active dogs and owners who need room to run, fetch, or wander for hours. Families will love the mix of playgrounds, BBQs, and cafés.
Good to know: recall is essential near ponds and wildlife, and parking can be tight on sunny weekends.
PawrTripper tip: start your visit on the outer loop for off-leash time, then swing back for coffee at one of the park’s cafés while your pup rests under the trees.

Make it a Double-Park Day Out

Dog walking on the grass at Queens Park Sydney, a large dog friendly park near Centennial Parklands.

Just next door, Queens Park offers big open ovals, a fenced playground and a quieter vibe when Centennial gets busy.

How to link the two (walk):

Quick hop (≈5–10 mins): From the southern Centennial lawns, head towards Darley Rd and cross into Queens Park’s northern fields.
Scenic loop (≈20–30 mins): Outer Centennial paths → Darley Rd crossing → perimeter path around Queens Park → loop back via the sandstone edge.

Top-ups & loos: Toilets in both parks (Darley Rd for Queens Park); Queens Park Kitchen is perfect for a coffee/brunch stop.

About the Author

Michelle Hatch smiling outdoors, founder of the dog-friendly travel website Pawtripper. — Meet Michelle — dog mum, road tripper, and the human behind Pawtripper.

PawTripper co-founder Michelle Hatch calls Sydney home and has built a life around one thing—making every adventure better with dogs. She leads our accommodation reviews and neighbourhood guides, with a focus on practical details (pet fees, room types, parks nearby) and honest, first-hand advice for travelling with dogs.

When she’s not scouting stays, Michelle’s out exploring off-leash parks with Eliza or mapping out the next dog-friendly road trip. Say hi at hello@pawtripper.com.au.

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