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

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

Why We Love Queens Park

  • Next-door to Centennial, but calmer: At 26 hectares, Queens Park sits in a natural amphitheatre beneath sandstone cliffs—big open fields, leafy edges, and a more relaxed vibe than its famous neighbour.
  • Proper off-leash space (with common sense): Dogs are off-leash in signed areas and on-leash when sports fields are in use. The central lawns are a favourite for fetch, while perimeter paths suit cruisy strolls.
  • Family & fitness hub: A fenced playground, free BBQs (eastern end), outdoor gym areas, and a shared walk/bike path make it easy to bring the whole crew (and the pram).
  • Local café on site: Queens Park Kitchen is a win for coffee/brunch after a lap.
  • Easy access: Street parking ring-fences the park (with mobility bays at Victoria St & Queens Park Rd), plus multiple toilet blocks (Darley Road is the main reference point).

What Could Be Improved

  • Sport days = busy: Weekend fixtures for cricket, rugby, soccer and touch can shrink the usable dog space. Early mornings or weekdays are best for off-leash runs.
  • Shade isn’t everywhere: There’s cover around the edges, but the big fields can feel exposed—bring hats and water in summer.
  • Parking pinch: Kerbside spots go fast during games and after-school rush.
  • Facilities are simpler than Centennial: Fewer toilets and water points overall—come prepared.

Good to Know for Dog Owners

  • Dog rules: Off-leash in designated areas; on-leash whenever sports fields are in use and around playgrounds/BBQs. Obey event signage and rangers.
  • Facilities snapshot:
    • Play equipment: Yes (fenced, family-friendly).
    • Sporting fields: Cricket pitches; soccer/rugby/touch fields; seasonal hire.
    • BBQs: Free at the eastern end (first-come or bookable via Centennial Parklands).
    • Food & drink: Queens Park Kitchen (adjacent to the playground).
    • Toilets: Multiple blocks (notably Darley Road).
  • Parking & access: Street-kerb parking all round; mobility bays at Victoria St and Queens Park Rd. Mostly level paths; some hills and steps around the cliffs.
  • Admin & bookings: The park is managed by Centennial Parklands (not Waverley Council).

Facilities at a Glance

  • Off-leash areas: Yes – signed (on-leash when fields are in play)
  • Fenced dog area: No (open lawns)
  • Water access (swim): No
  • Shade: Some (perimeter trees; fields are exposed)
  • Toilets: Yes (incl. Darley Rd; several across the park)
  • Parking: Street-kerb (busy on sport days)
  • BBQs: Yes (free, eastern end)
  • Playground: Yes (fenced)
  • Café: Queens Park Kitchen (on site)
  • Accessibility: Mobility parking bays (Victoria St, Queens Park Rd); mostly level paths

What Visitors Are Saying (summarised)

  • “Local favourite”: Regulars love the open off-leash fields, the friendly dog crowd, and the easy loop for daily walks.
  • Family-fit: The playground, bike/scooter path, and outdoor gym get lots of shout-outs.
  • Match-day caveat: Parking and space tighten when fields are booked; mornings and weekdays are calmer.
  • Scenic perks: Sunsets from the higher eastern side, plus the sandstone cliff backdrop for a touch of drama.
  • Maintenance: Lawns are generally well kept; bins and shade could be better in places.

Nearby Dog-Friendly Stays

PawTripper’s Take

Best for: locals and visitors who want wide, easy lawns for fetch and a low-stress loop; families mixing playground, coffee and a dog walk.
Good to know: sport days can crowd the fields and kerbs; shade is patchy on the big ovals—pack water.
PawTripper tip: start with off-leash time on Queens Park’s central lawns, grab a flat white at Queens Park Kitchen, then cut across to Centennial Park for a longer tree-shaded wander.

Make it a Double-Park Day Out

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

Walk across the road to Centennial Park for shaded avenues, ponds, cafés and expansive off-lead zones.

Easy connection (walk):

  • Direct stroll (≈5–10 mins): From Queens Park’s northern edge, cross Darley Rd into Centennial Park’s outer lawns.
  • Longer wander (≈30–45 mins): Perimeter path around Queens Park → cross to Centennial → outer loop under the fig trees → café stop → return.

Good to know: Weekends get busy; early mornings mean easier parking and more room for fetch.

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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