O'Dea Reserve

O'Dea Reserve on Ross Street is one of Camperdown's most useful dog parks, and the reason is simple: Inner West Council designates the fenced enclosure in the middle of the reserve as a 24/7 leash free dog exercise area. That is a rare combination in this part of Sydney, a properly fenced run where dogs can be off lead at any hour, with the rest of the reserve kept as on lead space.

The enclosure itself is set up properly rather than just fenced off. The surface inside is sand, which drains well and spares the knees after rain, and there is a water tap inside the area so you do not need to carry a bowl setup. Council also stocks waste bag dispensers, which removes the classic forgotten-bags problem, though carrying your own spares is still wise on weekends when the bin runs get heavy.

Worth knowing

Because the off lead area is fenced in the middle of the reserve, the routine is: walk the perimeter paths on lead to warm up, then let the dog loose inside the enclosure. Keep the leash on outside the fence, council rules are explicit that the rest of O'Dea Reserve is on lead territory. The reserve sits alongside other green space and a playground, so it handles mixed groups well, and the 24/7 designation makes it a reliable option for shift workers and early starters alike. Picnic spots around the edge make it workable for a family outing where one half wants play equipment and the other half has a dog to run. In summer, go early: the sand surface can bake in the afternoon sun, and the tap helps but does not replace shade, so mornings are the comfortable window for high energy breeds.

Close by with the dogs

The obvious pairing is just down the road: Camperdown Commons welcomes leashed dogs in its outdoor Yard, which makes the classic run-then-brunch combo an easy one. For coffee afterwards, Gather on the Green is close by. Looking further afield, the list of dog friendly parks in NSW and the Camperdown destination guide cover the rest of the area.