Let your four-legged child roam wild

Although all have their own methods (and sometimes madness), if dog parents can agree on one universal truth it is this: dogs are babies. Yes, they are children - with fur, four legs, bad manners and worse breath - but still, children. And like any child, dogs need socialisation, exercise and play. And where better to get all three than at a dog park?

From coastline to bushland, the Shire’s dog parks are some of the best and most beautiful around Sydney. So next time, before you dare to utter the ‘P’ word, first, check out our list of the 8 best dog parks in the Sutherland Shire.

The 8 Best Dog Parks In The Sutherland Shire

Helena Street

Nestled away in a quiet cul-de-sac behind Kirrawee’s bustling streets and shopping hub, South Village, Helena Street dog park guarantees a good time for you and your fur baby. Open from 4:30am until 10:30pm and always bustling with adorable four-legged friends, you can relax on the chairs scattered around for humans knowing it's fully-fenced.

Helena Street, Kirrawee

greenhills dog beach — *Greenhills Beach*

Greenhills Beach

Sun, sand, surf and…super cute dogs. ICYMI, you can take your doggo to Greenhills Beach, north of Wanda, and let them run amuck between the hours of 3:00pm to 10:00am (non-daylight savings), and 4:00pm to 10:00am (daylight savings). Walk the length of the coast until Boat Harbour and take a dip - your water baby can join you too. Hot tip: if you’re fresh out of poo bags, you can pick some up at the entrance to the beach.

Greenhills Street, Kurnell

Carina Bay Reserve

This unfenced dog park is essentially a gorgeous strip of bushland nestled in behind the marina at Como. It’s littered with drink stops for your good boy or girl, and there’s a creek that runs through where more adventurous types can take a paddle. Keep in mind that this is also a horse-friendly zone, but it’s pretty rare to come across a puppy that big!

Tivoli Esplanade, Como

The Ridge

Fully-fenced and overlooking the gorgeous bushland beyond, The Ridge dog park is a hotspot for dogs of all sizes. In fact, there are two enclosed sides to the park, with little dogs tending to head into the right-hand side and bigger ones to the left, but either way, you’re almost always going to find some four-legged company. Just be mindful that bushland like this comes with risks, keep your eyes peeled for ticks, snakes and spiders.

Recreation Drive, Barden Ridge

Heathcote Oval

New to the dog-friendly scene, this park has all the bells and whistles: a walking path, dog play equipment, seating and shelter for humans, and a water bottle filler/dog water bowl station. Opening at 6:30am and closing at 10:30pm, there are plenty of daylight hours in which to enjoy this fully fenced off-leash park.

134R Wilson Parade, Heathcote

Silver Beach

Part of a long stretch of sand on Kurnell’s peninsula, Silver Beach is a gorgeous little section where dogs can run in the sand and water free from leads and fences. Dogs are allowed here at any time of day or evening, and when you’re done, you can pop across the road to dog-friendly Cook @ Kurnell for a bite to eat or cocktail.

Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell

Apsley Place

If you have a long-nosed boop (a.k.a. a greyhound), consider this an invitation to visit a very exclusive dog park. In order to visit this fully-fenced Taren Point dog park, you must be a member of Greyhounds Unleashed… and yes, of greyhound persuasion. Keep in mind, Apsley Place is only open every Sunday and Wednesday from 7:00am until 10:00am.

225 Holt Road, Taren Point

Horderns Beach

Located at the beautiful Bundeena, Horderns Beach is a haven for dogs and humans alike. The outlook makes you feel as though you’re much further south along the coast than you really are, with its eucalypts and white(er) sand. The area is both on- and off-leash depending upon the time of year and day, so be sure to check the details before you head over.

Brighton Street, Horderns Lane or Liverpool Street, Bundeena

8 Dog Parks In The Shire That You And Your Fur-Baby Will Love