Cooks River Pathway

Through Strathfield South, the Cooks River Pathway is a sealed shared path beside the river with a fenced off-leash park right on the route. That makes it an easy on-lead walk with a run built in.

Leads and the off-lead area

Dogs stay on lead along the pathway and in the riverside parks. Strathfield Council's off-leash area at Elliot Reserve is the exception, where dogs can run free inside the fence.

In council parks, keep dogs at least 10 metres from children's play equipment.

The walk

The path is smooth concrete and asphalt, shared with cyclists, and forms part of the Cooks River Cycleway that links into the Bay to Bay route. You can go as far as you like without doubling back.

Along the way you pass parkland, restored wetlands and tidal banks with mangroves and plenty of birdlife. Native plantings shade parts of the route.

Water and parking

Drinking fountains sit at the main park stops, many with a dog bowl, and bins are at the entry points and Elliot Reserve. Street parking is limited, with a few spots off Elliott Street.

Max: This is a shared path with bikes, so keep the lead short and stay to one side.

Make a day of it

Let the dog loose at Elliot Reserve Fenced Dog Park, then refuel at Garden House Cafe in Enfield.

Flat and paved throughout, it suits older dogs and anyone after a steady walk with an off-lead break along the way.