Ann Cashman Reserve is a small grassy park on Elliott Street in Balmain, tucked between Elliott, Beattie and Lawson Streets. It’s a time-share park, so dogs can run off-leash in the mornings and evenings but need to be on-leash through the middle of the day. There’s a fenced kids’ playground at one end, and dogs have to stay 10 metres clear of it.
Ann Cashman Reserve: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A quiet, local park, mostly neighbours doing the before-work or after-work loop with their dogs.
- Best For: Balmain locals whose dogs have reliable recall and who can fit a walk into the morning or evening off-leash window.
- Off-Leash Hours: 4:00pm to 10:00am outside daylight saving. During daylight saving, and on weekends and public holidays all year, it’s 5:00pm to 10:00am. Dogs must be on a lead at all other times.
- Fencing: Not Confirmed. The playground is fenced off, but we couldn’t confirm fencing around the off-leash lawn, so keep an eye on the street edges.
- Parking: Free street parking on Elliott, Beattie and Lawson Streets, though spots are tight, as they are anywhere in Balmain.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Time-Shared Off-Leash: The green area is off-leash until 10:00am and again from late afternoon, and on-lead in between. Check the time before you unclip the lead.
- Playground Buffer: Dogs aren’t allowed within 10 metres of the children’s playground, which takes up the corner near Elliott and Lawson Streets.
- Grassy Lawn: The off-leash section is a flat, grassy lawn, fine for a game of fetch and a good sniff around.
- Drinking Water: The council lists a drinking fountain at the reserve. Bring a portable bowl, as there may not be one for dogs.
For the Humans
- Picnic Tables: There are picnic tables if you want to sit down while your dog plays.
- Poo Bags: Not confirmed on-site. Bring your own bags.
- Public Toilets: Not confirmed on-site. Plan ahead if you’re staying a while.
- Night Lighting: Not confirmed. The off-leash hours run into the evening and early morning, so bring a torch or a light-up collar in the darker months.
Insider Tip: If you’re passing in the middle of the day, the lead has to stay on here. For daytime off-leash time, keep going along Elliott Street to Paringa Reserve, which has a 24-hour off-leash zone at the Laggan Avenue end.
The Final Verdict
Ann Cashman Reserve is a small local park in Balmain that works best if you live nearby and can get there in the morning or evening. Keep the off-leash times and the 10-metre playground buffer in mind, and if you want a daytime run, Paringa Reserve is further down Elliott Street.
For more info, visit the Inner West Council website.
Ann Cashman Reserve: FAQ
Q: When can dogs be off-leash at Ann Cashman Reserve?
A: From 4:00pm to 10:00am outside daylight saving, and from 5:00pm to 10:00am during daylight saving and on weekends and public holidays. Dogs must be on a lead at all other times.
Q: Is Ann Cashman Reserve a fully fenced dog park?
A: It isn’t a dedicated fenced dog park. The playground is fenced off, but we couldn’t confirm fencing around the off-leash lawn, so your dog needs reliable recall.
Q: Are there amenities like water and poo bags at Ann Cashman Reserve?
A: The council lists a drinking fountain at the reserve, but bring a portable bowl and your own poo bags to be safe.
Q: Are there public toilets at Ann Cashman Reserve?
A: Not that we could confirm, so plan ahead before a longer visit.
