Canal Reserve

Canal Reserve runs along Hawthorne Canal in Annandale, an unfenced green corridor that is one of the Inner West's most popular off-leash strips. It is a 24/7 off-leash area bounded by the canal, the light rail line and bridge, and the car park on Canal Road, with a shared pathway alongside for walkers and cyclists.

The rules. Off-leash applies inside that bounded strip only. Dogs need to be on a leash on the shared pedestrian pathway, in the car park, and on the surrounding residential streets. Keep at least 10 metres clear of the children's playground. On Saturdays between 10am and 4pm, leash up if organised sport or training is running on the adjacent fields.

What's there. Drinking fountains with dog bowls are spaced along the path, plus waste bags and bins. Shaded seating sits under the trees along the reserve for owners taking a breather.

Getting there. The reserve runs along Wigram Road, Annandale, with the Hawthorne Canal light rail stop right beside it. Street parking around the reserve is limited, so the main car park on Canal Road is the more reliable bet, and several buses run along nearby Parramatta Road.

Watch-outs. The canal is tidal. High tide brings water close to the bank, low tide exposes mudflats, so keep a close eye on any dog that likes to dig into mud. The reserve is unfenced next to both water and a busy shared path, so this spot suits dogs with a reliable recall around cyclists.

Nearby with the dogs. Cafe Bones is a dog-friendly kiosk right on-site in the reserve, well known locally for pupaccinos. Claire, a boutique cafe on Young Street in Annandale, is a short walk away, and The Annandale Hotel on Parramatta Road welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas.

Weekday mornings or the early evening are the quiet windows; Sunday mornings, Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons get busy. Good for social dogs that walk well off-leash near water and cyclists, less so for a dog still working on recall.

Sources

• Dog exercise areas | Inner West Council · innerwest.nsw.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.