Beare Park

Beare Park sits at the end of Ithaca Road in Elizabeth Bay, a small harbourside green with front-row views over the bay to Rushcutters Bay and the marina. It is quiet, local, and one of the more scenic patches of grass in the inner east to let a dog off the lead once the sun starts dropping.

The rules. Dogs are permitted off-leash from 4:30pm to 9:30am, seven days a week. Between 9:30am and 4:30pm you're on-leash. The children's playground is out of bounds regardless of the hour, and the park isn't fully fenced, so keep an eye on recall near the water's edge.

What's there. Mature trees for shade, public toilets, seating, and a partially fenced playground (dogs excluded). There's no sandy dog beach here, just rocky shoreline that some dogs will happily poke around at low tide, others less so.

Getting there. The address is Ithaca Road, Elizabeth Bay. Street parking on Ithaca Road and the surrounding streets exists but fills fast, especially on sunny weekends. It's an easy walk from Kings Cross station, or a short bus ride to Elizabeth Bay Road.

Nearby with the dogs. The Lookout Cafe on Ithaca Road, right by the marina, is dog-friendly with harbour views and good coffee. Elizabeth Bay Cafe on Elizabeth Bay Road is a short walk for brunch. Macleay Reserve, a 24-hour off-leash reserve, is two minutes away if Beare Park is too busy.

When to go. The 4:30pm off-leash switch draws a crowd fast, especially on weekends, so get there right on the mark if you want space. Weekday mornings around 8am or after 6pm in the evening are noticeably quieter. Good for dogs that enjoy a harbour view and don't mind sharing it.

Sources

• Beare Park - City of Sydney · cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

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