The Ridge Bush Park Fenced Dog Park

The Ridge Bush Park is a fully fenced, off-leash bush park on Recreation Drive in Barden Ridge, right beside The Ridge netball courts. It combines open grass with natural bushland, and the double-gated entry and separate sections for large and small dogs make it a solid pick for dogs who need a secure, no-surprises space to run.

The rules. Off-leash hours run from 7am to sunset, and the gates lock outside that window. Dogs must be leashed on the way in and out of the off-leash area, and owners are expected to keep effective control and pick up after their dogs. This is genuinely bushland rather than a mown oval, so check yourself and your dog for ticks before you leave, and keep an eye out for snakes and spiders.

What's there. The park is fully fenced with secure double-gated entries, plus separate enclosures so big and small dogs can be split up if needed. There's a bubbler with a dog bowl, seating for owners, and enough natural shade and shrubbery that it doesn't feel like a bare paddock.

Getting there. The park sits on Recreation Drive, Barden Ridge, on the outer edge of The Ridge netball courts complex, easily reached from Illawarra Road. There's a large, free car park right near the entrance, and public transport options are limited, so driving is the practical way in.

Nearby with the dogs. Brick Pit Espresso in Kirrawee is dog-friendly with shaded outdoor tables, and there are more dog-friendly cafes scattered through Menai and Kirrawee for the same loop.

Weekend mornings from about 8am to 11am and weekday afternoons after 4:30pm are the busiest windows. It's a big park, so even at peak times there's usually room to spread out, but if your dog prefers a quieter run, a mid-week morning or the middle of the day is the better bet.

Sources

• The Ridge dog off-leash bush park, Barden Ridge | Sutherland Shire Council · sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
• 13 Dog-Friendly Venues In The Sutherland Shire · shirescout.com.au

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