Carina Bay Reserve in Como is a waterside off-leash spot managed by Sutherland Shire Council. It’s unfenced and open 24 Hours, 7 Days, with a grassy lawn, a bushland trail, and river access for a swim.
Carina Bay Reserve: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A quiet riverside park with a bushland trail alongside it, good for a relaxed run and a swim.
- 🐕 Best For: Water-loving dogs with reliable recall, especially ones keen on a splash and some bushland sniffing.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, with a sloping lawn that leads down toward the Georges River foreshore.
- 🅿️ Parking: A small, free on-site car park is available and can fill up at busy times.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Unfenced Park & River Access. The park is unfenced with direct, open access to the river, so it only suits dogs with reliable recall that are confident around water.
- Sandy Beach & River Swimming: The main attraction is a small sandy beach where dogs can swim and play in the calm river water.
- Bushland Trail & Creek Pool: A rocky bush trail runs along the reserve, crossing a footbridge over a mangrove creek to a natural rock pool where dogs can also cool off.
- Sloping Grassy Lawn: A large, open lawn gives plenty of room for a run and a game of fetch.
- Drinking Water: A tap is available, but bring a portable bowl.
- Heads Up: Cleanliness. Visitors frequently report owners not cleaning up after their dogs, so watch your step.
For the Humans
- No Public Toilets: No public toilets at this park.
- Seating with a View: Benches are positioned to take in the river views.
- No Lighting: There’s no lighting, so it’s a daytime-only spot.
Insider Tip: The beach area is tidal, so check tide times and aim for low tide for the most sand and easiest paddling. If the tide’s not playing along, the bushland trail’s creek pool is a good backup swimming spot. Bring your own poo bags and carry them out, since bins can be limited.
The Final Verdict
Carina Bay Reserve combines a spacious running area with calm swimming and a bushland trail alongside it. It’s let down by a lack of toilets and by some owners not cleaning up after their dogs, but the setting stands out locally. It’s completely unfenced, so it only suits a dog with reliable recall, but for the right dog, this is one of the more peaceful, scenic spots in the Sutherland Shire.
For more official information, visit the Sutherland Shire Council website.
Carina Bay Reserve: FAQ
Q: Can dogs swim at Carina Bay Reserve?
A: Yes. There’s a small sandy beach with direct access to the calm waters of the Georges River, and a bushland trail leading to a creek pool as an alternative swimming spot.
Q: Is Carina Bay Reserve a fenced dog park?
A: No, the park is completely unfenced with open access to the river, so it only suits dogs with reliable recall.
Q: Are there public toilets at Carina Bay Reserve?
A: No, there are no public toilets at the park.
