Timbrell Park on Henley Marine Drive in Five Dock is a large, unfenced off-leash area at the western end of the park alongside Iron Cove Creek, right on the Bay Run, with water, public toilets, picnic tables, a cafe, and a playground all on-site. The park is open 24 Hours, 7 Days, with plenty of room to run, but the off-leash area is completely open to the busy Bay Run shared path, so reliable recall is essential.
Timbrell Park: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: A large, well-attended community park on the Bay Run with a coffee stop built in. Social, active, and well-serviced.
- 🐕 Best For: Social dogs with reliable recall who won’t be distracted by the constant movement of cyclists and runners on the Bay Run path alongside the park.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days in the designated western end of the park alongside Iron Cove Creek.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, with open access to the busy Bay Run shared path. Reliable recall is non-negotiable.
- ♿ Accessibility: The park is wheelchair accessible.
- 🅿️ Parking: Free on-street parking on Henley Marine Drive. Spaces go quickly on weekends.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Unfenced (Recall Required): The off-leash area is completely open and sits directly alongside the Bay Run, one of Sydney’s busiest shared walking and cycling paths. Only bring your dog off-leash here if their recall is completely reliable.
- Large Open Grass: A big, flat lawn gives high-energy dogs plenty of room for a full-speed run without running out of space.
- Drinking Water: A water station is on-site to keep your dog hydrated after a run.
- Poo Bags: Dispensers are available on-site. Bring a spare just in case.
For the Humans
- On-Site Cafe: Livvi’s Café is run by the charity Touched by Olivia, located right next to the playground. It welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables, so a post-walk coffee is easy to work into the visit.
- Public Toilets: Public toilets are available at the park, including accessible facilities near the playground.
- Picnic Tables and BBQs: Sheltered picnic tables and BBQ facilities are available for a longer outing.
- Playground: Livvi’s Place is an all-abilities inclusive playground on-site.
- BMX Track: A BMX track is also located within the broader reserve.
- No Lighting: The off-leash section is unlit, making it a daytime destination in practice despite the 24 Hours, 7 Days access.
Insider Tip: The grassy field can turn muddy near the Bay Run path after rain. Bring a towel for the car if the weather has been wet. Weekend mornings are the busiest window, so weekday visits give you more space and a quieter run if your dog finds the Bay Run traffic distracting.
The Final Verdict
Timbrell Park is a well-serviced off-leash destination in Five Dock with water, toilets, tables, a cafe, and a playground all covered. The unfenced location right on the Bay Run is the one firm requirement to plan around, but for a dog with reliable recall it’s a solid community outing with more on offer than most.
For more official information, visit the City of Canada Bay Council website.
Timbrell Park: FAQ
Q: Is Timbrell Park a fenced dog park?
A: No, the dog off-leash area is completely unfenced and is located right next to the busy Bay Run shared path. It is only suitable for dogs with reliable recall.
Q: Are there toilets and a cafe at Timbrell Park?
A: Yes, the park has public toilets and the on-site Livvi’s Café, which is located next to the playground.
