36th Battalion Park Dog Off-Leash Area in Leichhardt takes up the southern half of a park built on the old drill hall site of the 36th Battalion, the unit that recruited heavily around Leichhardt and Haberfield before fighting on the Kokoda Track. Dogs run off-leash on the open grass, with the Hawthorne Canal and the light rail line along one side. There is no dog-proof fence and the water sits right on the boundary, so it suits a dog that comes back when called.
36th Battalion Park Dog Off-Leash Area: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A shaded suburban park with a war memorial history, busy at the playground end and quiet down on the grass.
- 🐕 Best For: Dogs with reliable recall, and families who want the playground, the barbecues and the dog walk in one stop.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days on the southern grass, apart from when organised sport is on.
- Fencing: Unfenced. The canal, the light rail corridor and the surrounding streets form the edges.
- 🅿️ Parking: Free street parking along Mackenzie and Hill Streets.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Open Grass Field: The southern half is a big, flat run of natural grass, enough for a long game of fetch.
- Drinking Water: Taps and bowls are on-site, so you do not have to carry a bottle.
- Know the Boundaries: Dogs are off-leash on the southern grass only. They must stay more than 10 metres from the playground, and the grass goes back on-leash whenever organised sport is using it.
For the Humans
- Family Friendly: Barbecues, picnic tables, a basketball half-court, a soccer goal and the playground sit at the northern end, so one trip covers a lot of ground.
- Plenty of Shade: Mature trees ring the grass and give you somewhere to sit while the dog works.
- Poo Bags: Council stocks dispensers at the park entrances, but they are not always full, so carry your own.
Insider Tip: The southern grass is only off-leash while no organised sport is on, so a training session in the middle of it means leads back on. Nothing separates the grass from the canal and the light rail corridor, which is the reason this park suits a dog that turns around when you call. There are no toilets either, which catches people out on longer visits with kids.
The Final Verdict
36th Battalion Park Dog Off-Leash Area gives you a wide, flat run of grass with real shade around the edges, which is not easy to find in the Inner West. The barbecues, seating and play equipment at the northern end give the rest of the family a reason to come along. There is no dog-proof fence, though, and the canal and light rail sit right on the boundary, so it works for a dog that comes back when called rather than one that chases. Check whether a game is on before you let the lead off.
For more official information, visit the Inner West Council park page, or check the rules on the council’s dog exercise areas page.
36th Battalion Park: FAQ
Q: Is the off-leash area fenced?
A: No. The off-leash area is unfenced, with the Hawthorne Canal and the light rail line along one side, so it only suits dogs with reliable recall.
Q: Are dogs allowed in the whole park?
A: No. Dogs are off-leash on the southern grassed area only, must stay more than 10 metres from the children’s playground, and go back on-leash whenever organised sport is using the field.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs?
A: Yes. Taps and bowls are provided on-site, though a portable bowl is still worth packing.
