Hollis Park Dog Off Leash Area on Wilson Street in Newtown is a small, well-used village green for the local community. City of Sydney’s official listing has it off-leash at all times, though the hours aren’t as settled as that sounds (more on that below) and the lack of fencing near busy roads means it’s really only suited to dogs with reliable recall.
Hollis Park: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Community living room, with a formal brick plaza, sandstone steps and heritage lamp posts at one end that give it more character than a flat oval. It’s where the neighbours meet, chat and relax.
- Best For: Families juggling a dog walk and a playground visit.
- Off-Leash Hours: Officially off-leash at all times per City of Sydney, though see the Insider Tip below, it’s not universally treated that way.
- Fencing: Unfenced. Open to Wilson Street and surrounding roads.
- Parking: Limited street parking on Wilson Street (often timed/metered).
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Off-Leash Status: City of Sydney’s own listing designates this park as off-leash at all times, though not everyone locally agrees that’s how it actually works in practice.
- Traffic Risk: The park is unfenced and bordered by streets. It is not suitable for dogs that like to chase cars or wander off.
- No Water: There is no dedicated dog water tap. Bring a bottle and a bowl.
For the Humans
- Enclosed Playground: A fenced playground with shade sails and a multi-play climbing structure lets kids play safely while dogs run on the grass outside.
- Shade: Mature trees provide good shade, making it more bearable in summer.
- No Toilets: There are no public toilets onsite.
Insider Tip: Be prepared for some confusion. While the City of Sydney website lists this as “Off-leash at all times,” some third-party apps and locals believe otherwise, restricted evening and morning windows turn up in a few independent listings too. If challenged, politely refer to the council’s official listing, but be ready for a debate.
The Final Verdict
Hollis Park is a simple, dog-friendly park in Newtown. It works well for a quick social outing where the kids can play and the dog can sniff. The lack of water and toilets, plus the genuine uncertainty over its off-leash hours, mean it’s strictly a “short stay” destination rather than somewhere to plan a long visit around.
For official off-leash maps, visit the City of Sydney website.
Hollis Park: FAQ
Q: Is the park fenced?
A: No, the dog area is unfenced. Only the playground is fenced.
Q: Is there water for dogs?
A: No, there are no taps. You must bring your own.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: No, there are no public toilets.
