Taplin Park Dog Off Leash Area on Thompson Street in Drummoyne sits on the western edge of Five Dock Bay in the Inner West. The unfenced sports ground operates on timed off-leash hours, opening to dogs before 9:00am and after 5:00pm daily. The wide grass playing field gives dogs room for long ball throws right beside the water.
Taplin Park Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: An active bayside sports ground. Local owners meet for morning and evening fetch sessions between junior sports fixtures.
- Best For: Dogs with reliable recall that need a flat, expansive grass field for full-sprint ball chases.
- Off-Leash Hours: Timed. Dogs can run off-leash before 9:00am and after 5:00pm daily when organised sport is not using the ground.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced. The oval is fully open to the bay foreshore, shared cycleways and surrounding roads.
- Parking: On-site car park accessed via Thompson Street. Weekend junior sport fills the spaces quickly.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Open Sports Turf: Flat, broad grass ovals provide plenty of open running distance for high-drive dogs.
- Bayside Setting: The reserve runs directly alongside Five Dock Bay. Water breezes keep the fields cooler on warm mornings.
- Drinking Water: A council water station with a bubbler sits near the amenities block. Bring a portable travel bowl to fill up after a run.
For the Humans
- Water Views: Clear sightlines look east across Five Dock Bay.
- Park Amenities: Public toilets, sheltered picnic tables and a children’s playground sit within the reserve.
- Paved Pathways: Smooth, paved shared paths connect the sports fields to the foreshore walk.
Insider Tip: The designated off-leash area covers only the western end of the reserve near Thompson Street. Paved paths along the water carry steady bike and runner traffic. The ground has no fencing to stop a chasing dog from bolting across the cycle path or toward the road, so keep a leash ready.
The Final Verdict
Taplin Park offers Drummoyne locals a large, flat open space for long morning and evening runs. The reserve has no fencing and borders both water and roads, meaning dogs need reliable recall to exercise safely. Organised sporting matches always take precedence, but during the permitted hours it provides ample running room right on the bay.
For more official information, visit the City of Canada Bay Council website.
Taplin Park: FAQ
Q: Is Taplin Park fully fenced?
A: No. The park is completely unfenced and opens directly to Five Dock Bay, shared cycle paths and nearby roads.
Q: What are the off-leash hours at Taplin Park?
A: Dogs are permitted off-leash before 9:00am and after 5:00pm daily, provided organised sporting events are not using the grounds.
Q: Where is the off-leash area located in Taplin Park?
A: The designated off-leash section is at the western end of the park, closest to Thompson Street.
