Prince Alfred Park

Prince Alfred Park sits on Chalmers Street in Surry Hills, right on the Chippendale edge, with an off-leash area open at all hours. Add towering Moreton Bay figs and Central Station next door, and it is one of the easiest inner-city stops with a dog.

Leads and the off-leash area

The City of Sydney allows dogs off-leash at any time in the central grass and woodland area. It runs from the aquatic centre in the north to the native meadow in the south, between the main shared path and the park's eastern edge.

On the main shared paths and the rest of the park, dogs go back on a lead.

The walk

Paved paths loop past the heated outdoor pool, tennis courts and grassy meadows under the big figs. Water bubblers with dog bowls sit along the main paths, and bins are plentiful.

Pepsi: Bowls on the main path, shade under the figs and a crowd of regular dogs to meet. That is a good afternoon.

Getting there

Street parking on Chalmers Street is paid and limited. Coming by train to Central is far easier.

Make a day of it

Grab a coffee at Fork and Grind in Ultimo or Henry Lee's Redfern.

When to go

A regular crowd of local dog owners makes it great for social dogs. Shy dogs may prefer a lap of the on-lead paths first, under the shade of the figs.