George Kendall Riverside Park Fenced Dog Park

George Kendall Riverside Park sits on the Parramatta River at Ermington and reopened in late 2024 after a $13.4 million upgrade, and the fenced off-leash dog area is the part that matters most to this audience. Flat, well-kept grass inside a secure perimeter fence, with river views and a much-improved park around it.

The dog setup

The enclosure splits into an active zone and a quiet zone, so a rough-and-tumble lab and a shy small dog can both find their pace. Inside the fence, off lead applies; everywhere else in the park, including the walking paths, playground perimeters and wetland edges, dogs stay on lead per City of Parramatta rules. Keep dogs out of the river and the wetland plantings, which the council has fenced off to protect. Stay inside the enclosure with your dog, supervise, and use the bins provided. A water tap serves the zone, but a bowl of your own removes the guesswork.

Max: The active and quiet zones are there for a reason. Pick the right one and both your dog and everyone else's will have a better hour.

The vibe

Early mornings from about 6 to 8am and late afternoons from 4 to 6pm are busiest, and sunny weekend mornings get crowded. Mid-morning, roughly 10am to 1pm, is the calmer window. The wider park draws joggers, cyclists and families, so expect foot traffic past the fence but plenty of room inside.

Getting there and parking

Car entry is via Gregory Street, with some access off Broadoaks Street, and the upgrade added on-site parking, though street parking near the entrance is generally available too. Local buses run through Ermington within walking distance, and the Parramatta Valley Cycleway threads through the park if you arrive by bike. Watch for shared paths on the way in: dogs are on lead until the fence.

While you're out there

Meadowbank Dog Beach is a short trip along the river if your dog prefers water to grass, and Ryde Park Fenced Dog Park is another enclosure nearby. Salt and Butter Cafe on the Ermington riverfront has dog-friendly outdoor tables for the wind-down. More choices sit on the New South Wales parks list and the Ermington destination page.

Browse more dog friendly parks across New South Wales at pawscapes.com.au/parks/state/nsw, and everything nearby at pawscapes.com.au/destinations/ermington.