The Bay Run

The Bay Run is a flat 7km loop around Iron Cove, linking Drummoyne with Haberfield, Lilyfield and Rozelle along the water. It is one of the inner-west's busiest shared paths, and the single thing to know before you bring a dog is that the whole circuit is strictly on-leash.

The rules. Dogs stay on-leash for the entire loop. This is a shared path used by thousands of runners, walkers and cyclists, and the leash law is enforced. Clean up after your dog, and keep clear of the 10-metre buffers around playgrounds and food areas. If you want off-leash time, it is close by but not on the path itself: Bridgewater Park and King George Park in Rozelle allow off-leash on the sports grounds outside organised games, and the western part of Easton Park is off-leash.

The walk. Flat, sealed and continuous, so it suits older dogs and long steady walks rather than hills or scrambles. The full circuit is around 7km, but it is easy to do a shorter out-and-back from any access point. Water views most of the way, with grass and mature trees at spots like Menzies Reserve if your dog needs a rest.

What's there. Public bubblers with dog bowls sit along the path, along with dog waste bins at numerous points. Public toilets are available at several spots including King George Park and near the Henley Marine Drive section. Bring your own water bowl anyway on hot days, since the fixed ones are spaced out.

Getting there. Parking is at King George Park, along Lilyfield Road and in residential streets near Henley Marine Drive, but these fill quickly on weekends. Buses 436, 437, 440 and 490 run through the area, and Lilyfield and Rozelle Bay light rail stops are within walking distance of some sections.

Nearby with the dogs. White Rabbit on Lyons Road is a well-known dog-friendly cafe in Drummoyne with footpath seating. Brett Park sits right on the loop at Henley Marine Drive with a 24/7 off-leash area for a run before or after your walk.

Go on weekday mornings, early afternoon between 1pm and 3pm, or around sunrise and sunset for space. Weekend mornings from 8am to 11am and weekday evenings from 5pm to 7pm are congested. The path is raised, so tides do not affect it, though low tide over the mudflats can bring a stronger smell. Good for older dogs and long steady walkers who are relaxed around crowds.

Sources

• Dog exercise areas | Inner West Council · innerwest.nsw.gov.au
• Bay Run Map - Inner West Council · innerwest.nsw.gov.au
• Local off-leash areas | City of Canada Bay Council · canadabay.nsw.gov.au
• Dog Friendly Cafe in Drummoyne - White Rabbit · whiterabbitsydney.com

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