The Bay Run via Brett Park

The Bay Run via Brett Park is the 6.8 km flat loop around Iron Cove, picked up from the green space on Henley Marine Drive in Drummoyne. The path itself is on lead at all times, and Brett Park is the reason to start here: it holds one of the few signed off-leash areas directly on the circuit.

The walk. Sealed, flat and shared with runners, prams and cyclists the whole way around Iron Cove, roughly an hour and a half at walking pace. It is a true loop, so there is no turnaround decision to make, and the water is beside you for almost all of it, including views up the Parramatta River.

The rules. The City of Canada Bay manages this stretch. Dogs must be on lead on the paved Bay Run path, in the playground area and around the barbecues, and must stay 10 m clear of the children's playground equipment. The off-leash section at Brett Park is the flat open grass, it is unfenced, and the permitted hours are posted on the reserve signage. Check the sign on the day rather than trusting a schedule you read somewhere.

Water. Drinking fountains with dog bowls sit at several points around the loop, along with public toilets at Brett Park and further around the path. There is no safe dog swimming here. The shoreline is seawalled and the cove carries boat traffic.

Getting there. Street parking on Henley Marine Drive and Sisters Crescent is limited and fills early on weekends, so check the signs in the residential streets behind. Buses run along Victoria Road and Lyons Road, a short walk from the park. Sisters Crescent is the easiest way in on foot.

Nearby with the dogs. The Bay Run covers the loop on its own, and Brett Park Unfenced Off-Leash Dog Park has the detail on the off-leash section. Queen Victoria Reserve is the other Drummoyne option, and Five Dock Park Fenced Dog Park is fenced if you want the safer version. Cafe T.A.N.K and White Rabbit both take dogs outside.

When to go. Mid-week mornings after the commuter rush, or early afternoon. Weekends are busy all day, and 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 7 pm on weekdays are the peak for runners and cyclists. Good for big runners who need flat distance, and manageable for seniors in shorter sections.

Sources

• Local off-leash areas | City of Canada Bay Council · www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au
• City of Canada Bay Council attachment book, off-leash area items · www.canadabay.nsw.gov.au
• The Bay Run via Brett Park, New South Wales - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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