Morton Park Dog Off-Leash Area covers the eastern half of Morton Park in Lewisham, between New Canterbury Road and Gould Avenue. Dogs can run off-leash there at any hour and it’s lit at night, so it’s one of the few Inner West parks you can properly use after dark in winter. The rest of the park, including the playground side along Morton Avenue, is on-lead, and the perimeter gates are kept open, so you’ll need a dog that comes back when called.
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Morton Park Dog Off-Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A sociable local park with a sandstone pergola, big shady trees and a regular evening crowd.
- Best For: Dogs with reliable recall who like a social run, especially after work when other parks are too dark to use.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days in the eastern half of the park, along Gould Avenue and New Canterbury Road.
- Fencing: Unfenced in practice. There’s a perimeter fence, but the gates are permanently locked open at the community’s request, so it won’t keep a dog in.
- Night Lighting: Nine overhead lights cover the off-leash area, so evening visits work year-round.
- Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible.
- Parking: Free street parking along Gould Avenue. There’s no car park.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Eastern Off-Leash Zone: A path splits the park down the middle, from New Canterbury Road to the Gould Avenue end. The eastern side, along Gould Avenue, is off-leash. The western side, including the playground, is on-lead, and dogs aren’t allowed within 10 metres of the play equipment.
- Open Gates: Locals campaigned to have the perimeter gates locked open, so the fence doesn’t keep anything in. Treat it as an unfenced park.
- Bandicoot Warning at Dusk and Dawn: Endangered long-nosed bandicoots live in the scrub around Morton Park and come out around dusk and dawn. Most dogs will want to chase them, so keep yours close at those times.
- Drinking Water: There are two water bubblers with dog bowls in the off-leash area.
- Poo Bags: Dispensers are on-site, but carry a spare in case they’re empty.
For the Humans
- Night Lighting: The nine lights are the main reason locals come here in winter, when most other Inner West parks are too dark by the time you finish work.
- BBQs and Benches: Electric barbecues and 14 park benches are spread around the reserve, so it works for a weekend catch-up as well as a quick evening run.
- Sandstone Pergola: Chunky sandstone columns topped with white timber beams form a pergola on the lawn. You’ll spot it straight away, and it makes a good backdrop for a dog photo.
- Public Toilets: There’s a public toilet block in the reserve.
- Playground: The playground is on the on-lead side near Morton Avenue. Keep dogs on the lead there and at least 10 metres from the play equipment.
Insider Tip: Keep your dog close at dusk and dawn, when the bandicoots are out. If your dog’s recall is still a work in progress, hold off on this park until it’s solid, as the open gates lead straight out to the surrounding streets.
The Final Verdict
Morton Park Dog Off-Leash Area is one of the best-lit spots in Lewisham for an evening run, with water and toilets close by. The catch is that it’s unfenced in practice and only half the park is off-leash, so it suits dogs that come back when they’re called.
For more official information, visit the Inner West Council website.
Morton Park Dog Off-Leash Area: FAQ
Q: Is Morton Park Dog Off-Leash Area fully fenced?
A: No. There’s a perimeter fence, but the gates are permanently locked open, so treat it as unfenced and only visit with a dog that has reliable recall.
Q: Is the whole of Morton Park off-leash?
A: No. Only the eastern half, along Gould Avenue and New Canterbury Road, is off-leash. The western half is on-lead, and dogs must stay 10 metres away from the playground.
Q: Are there toilets and water at Morton Park Dog Off-Leash Area?
A: Yes. There’s a public toilet block, and the off-leash area has two water bubblers with dog bowls.
