Blackman Park Fenced Dog Park

Blackman Park Fenced Dog Park on Sirius Road is the biggest off-leash draw in Lane Cove West: two fully fenced enclosures, one for large dogs and one for small or cautious dogs, open around the clock with floodlighting after dark. Add agility gear and a cafe at the gate and it is one of the more complete fenced parks on Sydney's lower north shore.

The dog setup

The main enclosure runs tunnels, ramps and jumps for dogs that want a workout, with shaded seating for owners, water stations and on-site toilets. The separate small-dog zone means nervous dogs and big boisterous breeds are not thrown together. Entry is via a double-gated airlock, so close one gate before opening the next and stay inside with your dog rather than watching from the fence line.

The rules at the fence

Off-leash applies only inside the enclosures. On the surrounding paths, sports fields and car park, dogs stay on lead, and dogs are prohibited near the children's playground per council rules under the NSW Companion Animals Act. Remove any dog showing aggression straight away, and bag and bin waste using the bins provided. Lane Cove Council lists Blackman Park among its official off-leash areas.

Pepsi: the size split and the agility gear are the draw. Worth the drive if your dog gets flattened by a mixed-size scrum at smaller parks.

Getting there and parking

The park sits at 33B Sirius Road, Lane Cove West, with a large free car park next to it, also reachable via Lloyd Rees Drive. Buses on the 252, 254 and 285 routes stop nearby on Mowbray Road. The closest train stations at Lane Cove and Chatswood both need a drive or connecting bus.

Worth knowing

The Puppy Tail Cafe sits right at the park for coffee while the dogs play, though it keeps cafe hours and closes midweek afternoons, so do not count on it for an evening session. The grass turns to mud quickly after rain, so a towel in the boot saves the car. Weekday mornings are the quiet window, while Sunday afternoons and Tuesday and Thursday evenings draw the biggest crowds.

Close by with the dogs

For a second fenced option in the same suburb, Turrumburra Park is nearby, and Tambourine Bay at Riverview adds water time. For coffee after, Birdwood Cafe in Lane Cove is dog friendly.

Find more options on the dog parks in New South Wales list or around Lane Cove West.