Blackwattle Bay Park on Leichhardt Street in Glebe is an open waterfront reserve on Sydney Harbour. The off-leash foreshore area stays open 24 Hours, 7 Days and includes a small sandy beach where dogs can paddle. Sloping grass lawns, mature gum trees and direct views of the Anzac Bridge make it one of the busiest dog-walking spots in the Inner West.
Blackwattle Bay Park: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A lively harbourfront park. Local apartment dogs, morning joggers and picnickers share the lawns all day.
- Best For: Dogs that love swimming and have reliable recall around shared walking paths and open water.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days in the designated foreshore zone.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced. The grass borders a concrete seawall, rocky shoreline and the busy Glebe Foreshore Walk.
- Parking: Very limited. A small car park sits off Leichhardt Street alongside tight residential street parking that fills quickly on weekends.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Water Access: A small sandy beach pocket lets dogs wade and swim in the bay. Much of the remaining foreshore is a vertical concrete seawall or sharp oyster-covered rocks, so guide your dog to the sand for safe entry.
- Open Grass Lawns: Sloping turf areas run up from the water, giving dogs room to sprint and fetch off-leash.
- Drinking Water: Council water bubblers with low ground-level bowls are installed along the main walking paths.
For the Humans
- Toilets and Barbecues: Public toilets, electric barbecues and sheltered picnic tables sit within the reserve for day visits.
- Poo Bags: Council rubbish bins are placed throughout the reserve. There are no bag dispensers on-site, so bring your own.
- Paved Shared Paths: Wide concrete paths run the length of the park. They connect straight into the wider Glebe Foreshore Walk towards Jubilee Park.
- Playground Rules: Dogs must remain on a leash and stay at least 10 metres clear of the fenced children’s playground.
Insider Tip: The shared path carries steady commuter cyclist and runner traffic. The drop from the concrete seawall down to the water is steep in several sections and oysters coat the rocks at low tide. If your dog gets excited by passing bikes or jumps into water without looking, keep them on a leash along the paved edge and head straight down to the sandy cove.
The Final Verdict
Blackwattle Bay Park is one of the few inner-city Sydney spots where dogs can swim off-leash 24 Hours, 7 Days. The park is completely unfenced, borders deep water and has very tight street parking, so it suits dogs with reliable recall and owners comfortable walking in from nearby Glebe streets. The combination of open grass, harbour views and a safe beach entry makes it a top daily exercise destination.
For more official information, visit the City of Sydney website.
Blackwattle Bay Park: FAQ
Q: Is Blackwattle Bay Park fenced?
A: No. The park is completely unfenced and opens directly onto the harbour water and the shared walking path. Dogs need reliable recall.
Q: Can dogs swim at Blackwattle Bay Park?
A: Yes. Dogs can swim off-leash at the small sandy beach area along the foreshore.
Q: Is parking easy to find at Blackwattle Bay Park?
A: No. The small Leichhardt Street car park has few spaces and surrounding street parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
