Dog Friendly Parks And Cafes On Sydney’s North Shore
It’s tough finding good spots to relax with your furry mate, especially if many parks and cafés turn up their noses at dogs. North Sydney takes the cake for being the most dog-friendly council, full of pet-friendly parks and cafes on Sydney’s North Shore.
In this post, you’ll get a guide to harbour views, yummy dog treats, and places that welcome wagging tails. Stick around for simple tips on how to make every outing pawsome!
Key Takeaways
- Sydney’s North Shore has many dog-friendly parks like Sirius Cove, Bradfield Park, Clifton Gardens Reserve, and Berry Island Reserve. Some allow off-leash play all day or during set hours (for example: Sirius Cove is off-leash all weekdays and 4pm–9am weekends).
- There are scenic walks such as Greenwich Point Walk (on leash), Cremorne Point Walk (3 km), and Flat Rock Creek Walk. These trails have harbour views and are popular with locals.
- Cafes like The Greens North Sydney, Rusty Rabbit in St Leonards, and Plonk Cafe at Fergusons Marina Mosman welcome dogs at outdoor tables. They offer water bowls and some even serve dog treats or puppuccinos.
- Most parks require dogs on a lead except in marked off-leash zones. Rangers check rules often — especially at busy places like Clifton Gardens.
- Many spots are close to public transport or local shops for takeaway coffee. This makes it easy to visit with your pup any day of the week.
Dog-Friendly Parks on Sydney’s North Shore
Sydney’s North Shore is a playground for pups with tails that wag at every fresh breeze. Grab your lead, sniff out green corners like Sirius Cove or Berry Island Reserve, and let your dog make new mates among the gum trees and harbour views.
Sirius Cove
Grassy lawns roll down to calm, shallow waters at Sirius Cove in Mosman. Dogs get the royal treatment here, with off-leash playtime all day during weekdays and from 4pm to 9am on weekends.
The Foreshore Track hugs the edge of Sydney Harbour, offering top views while your pup explores new smells.
Water-loving dogs can plunge into gentle waves, chase sticks or wallow at low tide. "Nothing beats a tail wagging beside sparkling water," one local said while tossing a ball near Trenerry Reserve.
Benches sit under big trees for shade; picnic tables fill up fast after sunrise walks. This spot turns an ordinary outing into doggy heaven by the shore.
Bradfield Park
Bradfield Park sits at Milsons Point, right under the Harbour Bridge. City views here make you stop and stare. Dogs can run off-lead 24 hours a day in this spot, no matter if it’s early morning or late night.
Big trees give plenty of shade while your pup chases a ball or sniffs along the walking path. It’s common to see locals grabbing takeaway coffee from nearby restaurants or cafes, then sitting by the grass with their dogs watching boats cruise past Circular Quay.
You’ll find Bradfield Park easy to reach by public transport since Milsons Point railway station is next door. Bring your dog’s favourite toy and enjoy water views as trains rumble overhead.
Picnics are popular on weekends — many people pack smashed avo toast from local casual dining spots along Sydney's North Shore before heading over for breakfast with their four-legged mate.
Clifton Gardens Reserve
Find Clifton Gardens Reserve at 15 Morella Road, Mosman. This spot feels like a secret gem for dog owners on Sydney’s North Shore. Dogs can run off-leash weekdays from 4pm to 9am, and during daylight savings that window shifts to 6pm–9am.
The park hugs the water near the Parramatta River and offers big grassy fields where tails wag loose.
A kiosk sits nearby for snacks or even a cold drink after your stroll, plus there’s often an ice-cream van — perfect if you’ve got kids in tow or want a sweet treat after fetch sessions by the harbour.
Local legend says even pups drool for those cool treats in summer. Bring your leash outside those hours as rangers check regularly, but these rules help keep everyone happy. With room to roam, shady spots under tall trees and picnic benches scattered about, it’s easy to see why locals pick this patch over crowded parks closer to Moore Park or St Leonards Park.
Berry Island Reserve
Berry Island Reserve sits at 2-10 Shirley Road, Wollstonecraft. Dogs can run off-lead all day, every day. Sturdy paths loop around the reserve, so it’s easy for you and your mate to stretch your legs.
Bushland areas do need leads though — keep one in your pocket just in case.
Locals love this spot for a picnic or an afternoon break along Sydney’s North Shore. The views across the water are hard to beat, and there’s always a fresh breeze blowing through the gums.
Even on busy weekends, there’s room for dogs to have a sniff and play with new friends close by the Nepean River or eastern suburbs if you’re up for a longer drive. Next up are some scenic dog-friendly walks like Greenwich Point Walk waiting right nearby.
Travel Tip for Dog Parents: Planning to explore a few of these spots in one go? Keep your car clean and your pup safe between adventures with a waterproof hard base dog car seat cover, designed for comfort, easy cleaning, and active families. If you’re travelling with a smaller pup, a dog booster car seat helps them ride securely and enjoy the view.
Dog-Friendly Walks on Sydney’s North Shore
Grab your lead, lace up your shoes, and sniff out the best bush tracks in Sydney’s North Shore — these dog-friendly strolls will have tails wagging, so stick around to fetch more details!
Greenwich Point Walk
Greenwich Point Walk follows Greenwich Street, ducks down Manns Avenue, and sneaks along Gother Avenue. This path is calm and shady. Most of the track hugs the shore, offering wide harbour views that locals love.
You might spot a ferry gliding by or see pelicans skimming across the water.
Dogs on leash are welcome here, so your furry mate can join you for fresh air and sniffing adventures. Benches dot the route for quick rests or morning coffees from local dog-friendly cafes nearby.
The walk suits both short strolls and longer wanders with friends or kids in tow—easy on little legs too! Carry treats for your pup; those winding footpaths spark hungry tummies fast in Coogee Bay weather.
Cremorne Point Walk
Switching gears from the Greenwich Point Walk, picture your pup trotting beside you on Cremorne Point. This track measures 3 km, so it offers just enough adventure before anyone gets bored or hungry.
Dogs must use a lead along this trail, so keep that lead handy.
Take in views of Sydney Harbour as ferries glide past and local cockatoos chatter overhead. City folk and Inner West visitors love popping over here for some fresh air without driving all the way to Penrith.
Sea breezes cool things down fast — no need to break a sweat! Fancy grabbing a modern Australian meal after? Plenty of friendly café stops nearby welcome pups with water bowls and shady spots.
Flat Rock Creek Walk
Flat Rock Creek Walk starts at Tunks Park, right near Cammeray. The trail slides by sports fields where locals play cricket or toss a frisbee with their dogs. You’ll spot the tall arches of Cammeray Bridge above you and hear birds calling from the trees.
Dogs need leads here, but they’ll still have a good sniff.
The path can get muddy after rain, so pack old shoes and bring water for your pup. People often chat as they pass each other—like meeting an old mate down the street. On weekends, kids chase footballs while older folks pace along with coffees in hand.
This route mixes bushland peace with city life, making it easy to forget you’re such a short drive from Sydney’s buzz.
Dog-Friendly Cafes on Sydney’s North Shore
Dogs get thirsty too, and some cafés serve treats that make tails wag. Bring your best mate for puppuccinos, water bowls, and sunny spots under café umbrellas — sniff out your next favourite brunch spot together.
The Greens North Sydney
Tables shaded by tall trees, a bar nearby, and the wide bowling green stretching out — The Greens North Sydney is more than your basic café. Pups are welcome at outdoor tables, so you can sip coffee while your furry mate lounges beside you.
Big glass windows let in natural light and give views over the harbour that’ll make anyone want to stay for one more round. The menu has easy bites like toasties for quick stops or bigger meals if you’re hungry after a game of bowls.
Bring your four-legged friend and enjoy harbour views with every sip.
Staff happily bring water bowls for thirsty pups. Open space on the grass means it’s never too crowded, even during busy weekends. This spot puts fun first but still keeps things relaxed—your dog can stick close as you watch bowlers play or chat with friends under blue skies.
Next up is Rusty Rabbit, another North Shore gem that welcomes paws and people alike.
Rusty Rabbit
Rusty Rabbit sits at 488 Pacific Highway, St Leonards. You will spot colourful chairs outside, where humans and dogs gather. Staff serve water bowls and dog treats with a smile — a little service that makes tails waggle fast.
Some pups get so excited they drag their people straight to the cafe door after walks nearby.
People from all over Sydney’s North Shore visit for strong coffee and tasty snacks, never leaving their furry mates behind. Outdoor seating means no one gets left out of the fun on a sunny day.
If you’re keen on more paw-friendly cafes, Plonk Cafe offers another great option up next.
Plonk Cafe
Set by the water at Fergusons Marina, Mosman, Plonk Cafe brings a coastal breeze and relaxed charm right next to Spit Bridge. Here, hungry pups get their own treats while owners enjoy fresh fish or prawn tacos with that salty air tickling your face.
Most tables sit outside on a sunny deck. Dogs are welcome there with bowls of cool water ready — so no thirsty tongues.
The menu features seafood — think grilled barramundi and crispy squid rings — and mornings buzz with dog walkers stopping in for coffee after strolls along Middle Harbour. The sound of boats and cheerful chatter set the mood, while tails thump under tables hoping for dropped chips or bits of sausage roll.
Even fussy eaters will find something tasty on the plate — or under it if they’re quick enough!
Conclusion
Sydney’s North Shore spoils dogs and humans alike. There are leafy parks, inviting walks, and spots for coffee or lunch with your furry mate. Some places even have treats just for pups — talk about rolling out the red carpet! Grab a leash, choose a park or café from this list, and see those tails wag.
You might find yourself grinning too — because sharing good times is what life’s about.
FAQs
1. Which parks on Sydney’s North Shore welcome dogs?
You’ll find plenty, but St Leonards Park and Tunks Park top the list. Both offer open spaces where pups can stretch their legs, sniff out adventure, and maybe chase a stray tennis ball or two.
2. Can I bring my dog inside cafes in this area?
Most dog-friendly cafes keep pooches outside, usually with water bowls and shady spots. Some even hand out treats behind the counter if you ask nicely — just don’t expect your pup to get a coffee of their own.
3. Are there leash rules at these parks?
Yes, most parks require leads unless you’re in marked off-lead zones. Check signs before unclipping that lead—no one wants a runaway fur missile chasing ducks into the pond.
4. Is parking easy near popular dog-friendly spots?
It depends on the day and spot—weekends fill up fast near favourite haunts like Primrose Park or The Boathouse café strip. Arrive early for smoother sailing or risk circling like a seagull after chips.