Arthur McElhone Reserve

Arthur McElhone Reserve is a tiered harbourside garden on Billyard Avenue, opposite Elizabeth Bay House, with a koi pond and a lookout over the water. The City of Sydney allows dogs on lead only, and there is no off-leash area in the reserve.

The walk

This is a short, slow wander rather than a workout. Shaded stone and paved paths step down through structured plantings and lawns to the harbour view.

It works well as part of a longer on-lead loop along the leafy, low-traffic streets around Billyard Avenue and down to the Elizabeth Bay waterfront.

Pair it with

For a run, the council's Macleay Reserve on Elizabeth Bay Road is off-leash at all times. On the waterfront, Beare Park allows dogs off lead before 9am and after 4pm.

Coffee is close at Elizabeth Bay Cafe.

When to go

It suits calm dogs and quick morning or evening outings, which is how most local apartment owners use it. Bring water, as none is listed in the garden.