Tambourine Bay Park Dog off-leash area

Tambourine Bay Park in Riverview is a harbourside reserve on the Lane Cove River where dogs can run off-leash at any hour, day or night. The combination that sets it apart is 24-hour off-leash access with direct water entry to Tambourine Bay, one of the few spots on this reach of the river where a dog can swim on its own schedule.

Leash status

Under Lane Cove Council rules, dogs exercise off-leash throughout the open park and reserve spaces, staying under effective voice control with a leash carried for each dog. The bushland surrounding the reserve and the children's playground are strictly off-limits, so keep the run on the grass and the bay flats rather than the bush tracks. Cleanup is mandatory, and while a bag dispenser is usually on site, bring your own supply.

Pepsi: this place is unfenced and the water is right there, so if your dog treats recall as a suggestion, pick the fenced park down the road instead.

Water and terrain

The reserve is a natural open space rather than an engineered facility: grassy areas, natural shade, scattered seating and water views across the bay, with bushwalks connecting down to the water. There is no fencing anywhere, so reliable recall is the entry requirement. Tidal movement shapes the whole visit: at high tide, swimming dogs get proper depth, while low tide exposes the mudflats that many dogs find irresistible and owners find considerably harder to wash off. Check the tide chart before you go if a clean dog matters to you.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits at the end of Tambourine Bay Road, with street parking along the road and bus stops on the same street. For much of Riverview it is within easy walking distance, and the waterfront path links it to neighbouring bays.

Worth knowing

Facilities are basic by design, so pack water and a towel for the mudflat scenario. Mid-morning on a weekday is the quietest window; evenings bring the regular local crew. Because it is open 24 hours, it also works as a late-night leg-stretch for shift workers' dogs.

While you're out there

Birdwood Cafe in Lane Cove is the established post-walk coffee stop, and The Sunroom across the river at Hunters Hill has a dog-welcoming courtyard. On another day, the fully fenced Conway Street Park fenced dog park in Riverview is the better choice for dogs that need boundaries.

More options are on the New South Wales dog beaches guide and the Riverview destination page.