Centennial Parklands for Dog Owners: A 2026 Guide to Sydney’s Biggest Backyard
Tired of the tiny, fenced-in dog run? Welcome to 154 hectares of off-leash freedom. Here’s everything you need to know.
If you’ve been looking for open space where your dog can properly run, Centennial Parklands is it. It’s not just another park on the map. For dog owners, it’s the single biggest stretch of off-leash freedom in Sydney. There is 154 hectares of off-leash territory spread across three connected parks, room enough for a proper sprint, a long game of fetch and plenty of other dogs to meet along the way.
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The Three Parks: Find your Vibe
The Parklands are three connected spaces, each with its own character. Centennial Park suits a longer outing, Moore Park suits a proper run, and Queens Park suits a quick, local visit.
1. Centennial Park: The Main Event
This is the largest and busiest of the three. Rolling hills give plenty of room for fetch, dogs gather here in numbers most days, and the winding paths are good for a longer sniff around. It’s a proper day out, not just a lap of the block.
The full off-leash map, parking details and nearby cafes are in our Centennial Park Dog Guide.
2. Moore Park: The Athlete’s Arena
Moore Park suits a dog that wants to run flat out. The wide, flat sporting fields give plenty of room for uninterrupted sprinting, without hills or crowds to dodge.
Where to run and the rules for using the fields are covered in our Moore Park Dog Guide.
3. Queens Park: The Neighbourhood Hangout
Queens Park has a smaller, local feel, less like a big estate and more like your neighbourhood oval, just bigger. It suits a relaxed catch-up with other dogs and their owners.
Off-leash times, parking and what to expect are in our Queens Park Dog Guide.
The Unwritten Rules of a Great Park Day
The Parklands stay unfenced because owners keep to a few basic rules. Stick to these and the parks stay safe and enjoyable for everyone, two legs or four.
The Four Golden Rules:
- Recall Comes First: Your dog needs reliable recall in these open spaces, coming back every time you call, not just most of the time.
- Paws Off the Ponds: Keep your dog on a leash within 10 metres of all water. This protects them from algae and gives the local swans and ducks some peace. Swimming isn’t permitted.
- Leave Only Paw Prints: Scoop the poop, every time. It’s basic respect for other park-goers and the grounds.
- Know the No-Go Zones: Playgrounds, horse tracks, and active sports fields are for humans only. Keep a respectful distance so everyone has a good time.
A Heads-Up on Park Hazards
- Snake Sense: In warmer months, watch for snakes in long grass. Stick to open fields and mown paths.
- The Tick Check: Check your dog for ticks after every visit, and keep tick prevention up to date.
Insider Tip: It’s an Ecosystem, Not an Exit Ramp
The visit doesn’t have to end when the leash goes back on. The surrounding suburbs, Paddington, Surry Hills and Randwick, have plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs worth a stop on the way home.
The Post-Zoomies Refuel Stop
After a big run, you’ve both earned a treat. Here are a few spots nearby where your dog is welcome, water bowl included.
Paddington
- Jozo: Right at the Paddington Gates, a good stop after a park visit.
- Jackie’s Cafe: A dog-friendly courtyard, well known in the area.
Surry Hills
- The Carrington: Known for its “Doggo Menu.”
- Forrester’s: Get your pup on the “Dog Wall of Fame.”
Randwick
- The Dog Hotel: The name says it all.
- 169 Cafe: A relaxed spot for coffee after the park.
Centennial Parklands: FAQ
Q: Are the off-leash areas at Centennial Parklands fenced?
A: No, none of the off-leash areas in Centennial Parklands (Centennial, Moore, or Queens Park) are fenced. They are open spaces, so they’re only suitable for dogs with reliable recall.
Q: Can dogs swim in the ponds at Centennial Park?
A: No, dogs are not permitted to swim in any of the ponds or water bodies. They must be kept on a leash within 10 metres of all waterways to protect both the dogs and the local wildlife.
Q: What are the general off-leash hours for Centennial Parklands?
A: 43% of the parklands (154 hectares) is designated off-leash, 24 Hours, 7 Days. Some areas, including Queens Park, have timed access instead, so check the specific rules for each park before you visit.