Lower Cooper Park opens into a natural amphitheatre, giving your dog a huge, grassy bowl to play in, right in the heart of Woollahra. This guide focuses on the 24/7 off-leash area at the western end of the park, a beautiful and well-serviced spot located in the Woollahra council area.
Cooper Park (Suttie Road): At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A stunning, natural grassy bowl surrounded by lush bushland, creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere.
- 🐕 Best For: Dogs with good recall who love exploring. A fantastic “run then walk” combo with the adjacent on-leash trails.
- Off-Leash Hours: Simple and reliable. This designated section of the park is 24/7 off-leash.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, opening into the surrounding bushland gully.
- 🅿️ Parking: Excellent. A dedicated, free on-site car park is conveniently located at the Bunna Place entrance.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Heads Up: Unfenced Park. The off-leash area is a large, open bowl but it is not fenced off from the surrounding bushland trails where dogs must be on-leash.
- Designated 24/7 Zone: The large grassed area at the Suttie Road / Bunna Place entrance is off-leash at all times. The adjoining gully trails are strictly on-leash.
- Water Station: A dog-accessible water fountain is available to keep your dog hydrated.
- Bring Your Own Poo Bags: While bins are provided, there are no bag dispensers, so you must bring your own.
For the Humans
- Excellent Facilities: The broader park has great amenities including public toilets, a kiosk/cafe, picnic tables, and a playground.
- Beautiful Bushland Trails: The off-leash area connects directly to the beautiful, shaded (and on-leash) walking trails that run through the Cooper Park gully.
Insider Tip: Don’t confuse this area with the sports fields at the other end of the park. This is the 24/7 off-leash zone. The best way to use the park is to have a big off-leash run and socialise in the grassy bowl, then clip the leash on and enjoy a beautiful, cool, on-leash walk through the gully trails.
The Final Verdict
The Suttie Road entrance to Cooper Park is a true gem. It offers a rare combination of 24/7 off-leash freedom in a large, beautiful setting, backed by fantastic amenities like a car park and toilets. While the unfenced nature requires a well-behaved dog, the ability to combine a frantic off-leash run with a serene on-leash bushwalk makes this one of the best and most versatile dog-friendly destinations in the Eastern Suburbs.
For more official information on park rules, visit the Woollahra Municipal Council website.
Cooper Park (Suttie Road): FAQ
Q: Is the Suttie Road part of Cooper Park fenced?
A: No, this off-leash area is a completely unfenced grassy bowl that opens into the surrounding on-leash bushland trails. It requires good recall.
Q: What are the off-leash hours here? Is it the same as Lough Playing Fields?
A: No. The Suttie Road area is 24/7 off-leash. This is different from Lough Playing Fields (at the other end of Cooper Park), which has timed hours of 4:30 pm – 8:30 am.
Q: Is there parking and are there toilets?
A: Yes, there is an excellent free car park at the Bunna Place entrance right next to the off-leash area, and public toilets are a short walk away within the park.
