Macleay Reserve

Macleay Reserve is a small, leafy neighbourhood park tucked into Ithaca Road in Elizabeth Bay, and unlike its neighbour Beare Park down the road, it's off-leash around the clock. For a dense inner-city pocket, that makes it a genuinely useful stop.

The rules. Macleay Reserve is a designated 24-hour off-leash area under City of Sydney rules. Owners still need to keep effective voice control over their dog at all times, and waste bags and bins are provided, so there's no excuse not to clean up. The reserve backs onto private gardens, so keep dogs from wandering into neighbouring yards.

What's there. A small grassed area with trees, a handful of benches, and decent lighting for early or late walks. It's only partially fenced and opens onto the street in places, so it suits dogs with reasonable recall rather than bolters.

Getting there. The reserve is on Ithaca Road, Elizabeth Bay NSW 2011. Street parking on Ithaca Road and Macleay Street is limited and time-restricted. It's about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Kings Cross station, with several bus routes running along Macleay Street nearby.

Nearby with the dogs. The Lookout Cafe near the Elizabeth Bay Marina has outdoor seating and water views. La Bomba Cafe on Challis Avenue in Potts Point is another pet-friendly option for outdoor dining. Beare Park is a two-minute walk away if you want harbour views once the off-leash window opens there too.

When to go. Weekday mornings before work and the 5pm to 7pm run are the busiest windows. If your dog is reactive or you'd rather have the grass to yourselves, aim for the middle of the day. Good for small, low-key off-leash sessions rather than a big run.

Sources

• Macleay Reserve - 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.