Leslie Muir Reserve

Leslie Muir Reserve is a fully fenced dog park on the banks of the Cooks River in Canterbury, known to many locals as Close Street Reserve. Dogs run off lead around the clock inside the fence line, and the reserve connects straight onto the Cooks River cycleway, so a short ball session can turn into a longer river walk without packing the car.

The dog setup

The off leash area sits inside a secure enclosure with a double-gate entry, which makes arrivals and departures far less stressful if your dog is quick through gaps. Inside there is plenty of open grass, mostly flat and easy to walk, along with agility style equipment for dogs that like a task. A drinking bubbler covers water, some trees throw shade through the middle of the day, and poo bags are provided, though carrying your own spares is still sensible. The flat layout suits prams and older dogs alike.

Max: Latch the first gate before you open the second. That airlock is what stops a keen dog slipping past you while another owner is coming in.

Worth knowing

Off lead means inside the fence only. On the river path, the surrounding reserve and the street, your dog goes back on lead. It is a shared, unstaffed space, so owners need to stay present, supervise closely and carry bags to clean up. The park is unlit at night, so plan visits for daylight or early evening. Being on the river flat, the ground can turn boggy after heavy rain; leave the white shoes at home.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits off Close Street, where free street parking is the only option. It tightens up at peak times, so arrive early on weekends. Canterbury railway station on the T3 line is an easy walk away, and buses run along Canterbury Road, which makes this a realistic no-car outing.

While you're out there

The Cooks River cycleway runs right past the gate for an on-lead leg stretch before or after play. When coffee calls, Cooks Cafe and BetweenUs Coffee Food Wine are both nearby Canterbury options for dog friendly stops. If your dog fancies comparing enclosures, the fenced runs at Peace Park in Ashbury and Hughes Park at Earlwood are a few minutes' drive, as is the off leash space at Campsie.

Weekday mid-mornings tend to be the quiet window; expect more dogs before work, after 4pm and on weekends. For more options across the state, browse our guide to dog friendly parks in NSW or see what else is on offer around Canterbury.