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Dog walking

Centennial Parklands is one of the most dog-friendly parks in Sydney – around 43 per cent (or 154 hectares) of the Parklands' open space is designated as off-leash!

Dogs are welcome in the Parklands, however we ask dog owners and professional walkers to be considerate of other visitors and make sure that their dogs are under control at all times.

Enjoy quality time with your pooch in the largest dog-friendly park in Sydney!

Centennial Parklands provides dog owners with both on- and off-leash dog walking areas. Sandstone Ridge and Federation Valley are both popular locations for off-leash dog walking.

We request that dog owners and walkers pick up after their dogs while they're enjoying the Parklands and recommend that you bring some dog tidy bags with you.

Download our Dogs in Centennial Parklands brochure (1.4 mb)

Rules and Regulations

There are regulations for dogs in the Parklands to make sure dogs do not compromise safety in areas where there are horses, cars, cyclists, children or sporting activities. These regulations also help us to protect the Parklands' animals, plants, ponds and heritage items.

The rules are legally enforceable. You can be fined on the spot for breaking them.

In short, the Regulations state or imply the following:

  • Dogs must be on a lead inside and on the Grand Drive circuit, and within 10 metres of Federation Pavilion.
  • You may exercise your dog off-leash outside Grand Drive, but you must keep it under control at all times.
  • Dogs are not allowed on the horse or cycle tracks, roads, equestrian grounds, children’s playgrounds, Learner’s Cycleway, in ponds or on sporting fields when in use.
  • Dogs must be kept 10 metres away from BBQs and children’s playgrounds.
  • Dogs must not be led by cyclists, rollerbladers, horse riders or from vehicles.
  • Dog owners must clean up their dog’s droppings and dispose in proper bins.
  • A single person can lead a maximum of four dogs.  
  • Restricted breeds such as pit bull terriers and Argentinian fighting dogs must be on a leash, muzzled and under the control of a person over 18 years at all times.

Centennial Parklands has a dog brochure that you can pick up from our office on Banksia Way or various brochure racks across the Parklands, or download here (PDF, 1.4 MB).

Centennial Parklands' dog policy is supported by the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998. 

The Trust's Dogs in the Parklands brochure (PDF, 1.4 mb) outlines your responsibilities as a dog owner and has a map of the Parklands showing on-leash, off-leash and prohibited areas.

Please note: cats must be on a leash at all times within the Parklands.

The Companion Animals Act (1998) introduced new standards of care for dogs and cats, as well as regulations aimed at promoting public health and safety.

To meet the requirements of the Act and to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for park users, the Trust revised its dog policy and regulations.

Under the Act, a dog that is in a public place must be under effective control by means of an adequate chain, cord or leash. It must also wear a collar with its name and the name and contact details of its owner.

The Act prohibits dogs from a range of areas for public health and safety reasons.

The Trust, as a local authority under the Act, is able to declare additional areas off-leash, on-leash or prohibited.

Lost or injured animals

If you lose your dog in Centennial Parklands, we would encourage you to contact the Parklands Rangers on 0412 718 611 or report it at the Parklands Office.

The Trust often has lost dogs brought in to the Office by other park visitors, or alternately the Rangers may be able to do a visual search, or keep an eye out, for your dog if available.

Alternatively, if you have lost your dog (or would like to adopt one), the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home is the place to start.

Any lost dogs found in Centennial Parklands will often be transferred to the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. The organisation provides a wonderful service and you are invited to consider supporting them.

Centennial Parklands has a number of key requests for park visitors if they come across injured dogs or other wildlife.

Please do not handle, or attempt to handle an injured animal that you are unfamiliar with. The animal may not react kindly if it is in pain and feels you are a threat.

We recommend that you contact the Parklands Rangers on 0412 718 611 or report the injured animal to the Parklands Office.

Alternately, two not-for-profit organisations are available to contact regarding injured animals:

Centennial Parklands regularly works with these organisations, they do a great job and invite you to consider supporting them.

Information and services for dogs & their owners

Dog training clubs are helpful for training puppies as well as re-training older dogs and socialising dogs.

The Eastern Suburbs Dog Training Club runs dog training and obedience classes most Sundays from 8.15 am at Musgrave Avenue in Centennial Park.

Sessions cater to all levels and abilities.

For further information on dog training clubs, call 0412 645 154.