Blues Point Reserve on Blues Point Road in McMahons Point is an unfenced, 24/7 off-leash reserve right on Sydney Harbour. You get a big sloping lawn, direct access to the water’s edge, picture-postcard views of the Harbour Bridge and Opera House, plus drinking water, public toilets and picnic tables.
Blues Point Reserve at a Glance
- 🐾 The vibe: Iconic, scenic and social. One of Sydney’s most recognisable off-leash spots, popular with locals, visitors, and anyone who wants to walk their dog in front of one of the world’s great harbour views.
- 🐕 Best for: Well-trained dogs with solid recall that are happy around crowds, harbour edges and open water. Not the place for a dog that drifts toward traffic or won’t come back reliably near the water.
- Off-leash hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Dogs must stay at least 10 metres from the children’s playground at all times.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, with open access to the harbour edge and Blues Point Road close by. Reliable recall isn’t optional here.
- Water access: Direct access to Sydney Harbour for dogs that like a swim, though the edge is open and unsupervised.
- ♿ Accessibility: The reserve is wheelchair accessible.
- 🅿️ Parking: Limited timed on-street parking on Blues Point Road and nearby streets, and it fills fast on weekends. The ferry to McMahons Point Wharf is the easier and far nicer way to get here.
Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Large sloping lawn: A broad, sloping field gives dogs plenty of room to run flat out against the harbour backdrop. The slope and uneven ground make for a more physical run than a flat oval, but it’s open on every side.
- Harbour swimming: Dogs can get to the water’s edge for a swim. The harbour is usually calm at this point, but the edge is open and unguarded, so keep a close watch on any dog with a strong swim drive.
- Playground buffer: Dogs have to stay at least 10 metres from the children’s playground at all times. Bear that in mind when you let your dog roam near that end of the reserve.
- Drinking water: A public water bubbler is on-site near the facilities for a drink after a run.
- Poop bags: No bag dispensers on-site. Bring your own every visit. Bins are provided for disposal.
For the Humans
- Public toilets: Toilets are available on-site, which makes longer visits comfortable.
- Picnic tables: Tables and plenty of seating sit throughout the reserve with views across the harbour, so it’s a genuinely pleasant place to sit while your dog runs.
- Playground: There’s a children’s playground in the wider reserve. Keep dogs at least 10 metres away at all times.
- Ferry access: McMahons Point Wharf is a short walk away and is easily the best way to arrive. Street parking is very limited and fills quickly, especially on weekends and at busy times.
- No night lighting: The main grassy areas are unlit, so daytime is the practical choice despite the 24/7 access.
Insider tip: Take the ferry. Parking is notoriously hard on weekends, and the walk from McMahons Point Wharf to the reserve is under five minutes along the waterfront, which is a lovely way to arrive with a dog. Sunrise and sunset are the quietest and most photogenic times, with the light landing straight on the Bridge and Opera House from this angle. Bring your own bags without fail, since nothing is provided, and watch your dog near the harbour edge if they’re a keen swimmer.
The Verdict
Blues Point Reserve is one of the more memorable off-leash spots in McMahons Point: 24/7 access, a big grassy run, harbour swimming, water, toilets and picnic tables, with views few parks anywhere in Sydney can match. The three things to plan around are the unfenced layout with open water access, the near-impossible parking, and the lack of bag dispensers. For the right dog under a watchful eye it’s a real treat, but it’s not a park for a dog whose recall is still a work in progress.
For official details, see the North Sydney Council website.
Blues Point Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is the whole park off-leash at Blues Point Reserve?
A: Yes, the main grassy areas are off-leash 24/7. Dogs must be kept at least 10 metres from the children’s playground at all times.
Q: Is parking easy at Blues Point Reserve?
A: No, parking is very limited and fills quickly on weekends. Taking the ferry to McMahons Point Wharf and walking is a much easier option, only a few minutes from the wharf to the reserve.
Q: Are there poop bags at Blues Point Reserve?
A: No, there are no bag dispensers on-site. Bring your own bags every visit. Bins are available for disposal.
