Waverley Park in Bondi is the Waverley Council area’s main sport and recreation park, and it has an unfenced off-leash area on the grassed slope around Waverley Reservoir No. 1, open 24 Hours, 7 Days. The rest of the park is on-lead or no dogs, including the ovals, synthetic fields and courts, so this guide shows where your dog can run off lead and where the lead goes back on.
Waverley Park: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A busy sports and recreation park with a grassed off-leash slope around the old sandstone reservoir, set apart from the ovals and fields.
- Best For: Dogs with reliable recall that like an open lawn to run on, and owners who want a playground, kiosk and sports facilities in the same park.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days in the marked off-leash area on the western side of the park only.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced. The off-leash area is open to the park paths and the playground area nearby.
- Parking: Limited on-street parking around the park, with one accessible car space. Check the signs for time limits.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Unfenced Warning: The off-leash area isn’t fenced off from the rest of the park, its paths or nearby roads. It suits dogs that stay close and come back when called.
- Where Off-Leash Applies: The council map marks the grassed area on the western side of the park, around Waverley Reservoir No. 1 and east of Paul Street, as the off-leash zone. Dogs must be on lead in the rest of the park outside the no-dog areas.
- No-Dog Areas: Dogs are prohibited on Waverley Oval, the synthetic field and training field, the netball and multi-purpose courts, and the Memorial Gardens. They must also stay at least 10 metres from the playground. Assistance dogs are permitted in the playground.
- Drinking Water: A bubbler is marked beside the playground, a short walk from the off-leash lawn. Bring a bowl and water for your dog.
- Poo Bags: Not confirmed on-site. Bring your own.
For the Humans
- Playground: The modern playground was completed in late 2023, with a rocket ship and launch tower that pay tribute to the original 1960s space. Keep dogs 10 metres away.
- Toilets, Kiosk and Barbecues: Public toilets are at the Bondi Road end near the Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre, with a second block near the bocce court. The council map also marks a kiosk and a public barbecue, and Waverley Council lists the barbecues as free.
- Sports Facilities: The park has the Margaret Whitlam Recreation Centre, Waverley Oval, a synthetic field, a smaller training field, three netball courts, three multi-purpose courts, a bocce court, cricket nets and fitness stations.
- Shared Paths: A cycle route and shared path runs through the park, so keep dogs on lead on the paths outside the off-leash lawn.
Insider Tip: The off-leash area is only one part of the park. Keep your dog off Waverley Oval and the sports fields, and clip the lead on before you walk past the playground, because dogs must stay 10 metres away from it. Cyclists share the path through the middle of the park, so lead up when you cross it.
The Final Verdict
Waverley Park is an unfenced off-leash lawn inside a busy sports and recreation park in Bondi, open 24 Hours, 7 Days. It works for dogs with reliable recall and owners who want a kiosk, toilets and a playground nearby. Parking is limited, and the no-dog areas are close by, so know where the off-leash lawn ends before you let your dog run.
For more official information and park rules, visit the Waverley Council website.
Waverley Park: FAQ
Q: Is Waverley Park a fenced dog park?
A: No. The off-leash area at Waverley Park is unfenced, so it only suits dogs with reliable recall.
Q: Where exactly is the 24/7 off-leash area?
A: On the grassed western side of the park, around Waverley Reservoir No. 1 and east of Paul Street. Dogs are not allowed on the oval, the sports fields or the courts, and must stay 10 metres from the playground.
Q: Does Waverley Park have water for dogs?
A: A bubbler is marked beside the playground, but bring water and a bowl for your dog. Poo bags aren’t confirmed on-site, so bring your own. Public toilets are at the Bondi Road end and near the bocce court.
