Cooper Park

Cooper Park fills a deep sandstone gully between Woollahra, Bellevue Hill and Double Bay, with a creek, tall native trees and rock formations that shut out the city. The draw for dog owners is its mix of off-lead zones.

Leads and the off-lead area

Woollahra Municipal Council splits the park into zones. Upper Cooper Park, around the Bellevue Gardens and amphitheatre, is off lead at all times.

Lower Cooper Park is off lead from 3.30pm to 10.30am, outside organised sport. Cooper Park North and the bushland trail sections are on lead.

The walk

Paths change as you go, from paved walkways to sandstone steps, timber boardwalks and dirt tracks along the creek. The dense canopy keeps most of the walk in shade.

There are small waterfalls along the creek, an active local dog-walking crowd, and coffee at the Cooper Clubhouse.

Water, bins and parking

Taps and bubblers are at the amenities near the tennis courts and playground, and bins sit at the main entry points. Street parking runs around the edge, including Suttie Road.

Max: Check the clock in Lower Cooper Park. Off-lead hours end at 10.30am and start again at 3.30pm.

Make a day of it

Plane Tree Cafe in Woollahra is an easy coffee stop, and the Busbys Pond and Duck Pond Loop in Centennial Park makes a good second walk.

Go before 10.30am for the most off-lead room. The shade makes it a strong summer pick.