Carina Bay Dog Park

Carina Bay Dog Park is a riverside reserve on the Georges River, a 24/7 off-leash area with a sloping grass lawn running down to a small beach. It's unfenced, so this is a spot for dogs with solid recall rather than boisterous escape artists.

The rules: off-leash is permitted throughout, but dogs must be under effective control at all times given there's no fencing and the river is right there. Pick up after your dog and use the bins provided. Check the signage on-site, as rules can change. Part of the reserve is also used for horse riding, so keep that in mind off-leash.

What's there: a grassy lawn with some shade, public taps for water (bring your own bowl), and a small unsealed car park off Tivoli Esplanade that holds around 50 cars. No public toilets on site.

Getting there: drive in via Genoa Street or Tivoli Esplanade, Como. There's also a pedestrian entrance off Oyster Bay Road, but no parking at that end. The nearest train stations are Como and Jannali on the Illawarra line, both a fair walk or short bus ride from the park.

The water: the drawcard is direct river access rather than a proper beach. Low to mid tide opens up more sandy shore for dogs to play on, while high tide limits it to a narrow strip, so time your visit if your dog likes to swim.

Weekday mornings and quieter afternoons are your best bet to avoid the weekend crowd. Good for confident swimmers and owners who want river access without a formal beach setup.

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