Ferndale Park (Dalrymple Ave Entry)

Ferndale Park's Dalrymple Avenue entry opens onto a small, sunny grass patch that gives way to shaded bushland tracks and a creek line, a quieter alternative to the parks closer to Chatswood CBD.

• The rules. Only the open grass area right at the Dalrymple Avenue entrance is off-leash. Once you're on the bushwalking tracks through the fern gullies and native bushland, dogs must be kept on-leash, since it's a natural wildlife habitat. Keep dogs away from the children's play area, and bag and bin waste (bins are provided).
• What's there. A few park benches near the entrance, but no water taps or dog fountains and no public toilets, so bring water for your dog.
• Getting there. Dalrymple Avenue, Chatswood NSW 2067, reached via Mowbray Road or Fullers Road. Parking is informal, free street parking along Dalrymple Avenue. Buses run along Mowbray Road, with a five to ten minute walk from the nearest stop.
• Nearby with the dogs. Chatswood CBD cafes are a short drive away. Willoughby Council has also trialled a separate off-leash area at nearby Campbell Park.

Go early on a weekday for a quiet, shaded walk. The entrance area gets more foot traffic on weekends, and the tracks can get muddy after rain.

Sources

• Ferndale Park | Willoughby City Council · willoughby.nsw.gov.au
• Off-leash dog park trial - Campbell Park, Chatswood · haveyoursaywilloughby.com.au

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