NearMeDog-friendly places in Centennial Park
Last updatedThe best dog outing in Centennial Park is a run in the off-leash area, which covers over 30% of the park's more than 189 hectares, followed by lunch at Centennial Homestead, a 5-minute walk away. Dogs must stay on lead on roads, shared paths and cycle lanes, and they can sit only outside at both cafes.
A day with your dog in Centennial Park
| Time | Where dogs can go |
|---|---|
| Any day, from 6:30am to 4pm | The Greenhouse at Centennial Park is open every day from 6:30am to 4pm, with outside tables where dogs can sit. |
| Weekdays, 8am to 4pm | Centennial Homestead is open from 8am to 4pm on weekdays, and its outside terrace takes dogs. |
| Saturday, 7am to 5pm | Centennial Homestead opens at 7am on Saturday and closes at 5pm, so a dog can join a long lunch. |
| Sunday, 8am to 5pm | Centennial Homestead's Sunday hours run from 8am to 5pm, with dogs welcome outside only. |
Early coffee, then an off-leash run in Centennial Park
The Greenhouse at Centennial Park opens at 6:30am every day in Fearnley Grounds on Grand Drive, and its outside tables take dogs. Come in at 7am for a coffee, which arrives quickly even when the cafe is busy, and add an iceblock if the morning is warm. The walk from the cafe to Centennial Park takes 8 minutes, and it may cross roads, shared paths or cycle lanes, so keep the dog on lead for it. In the park, the off-leash area outside Grand Drive covers over 30% of the parkland, and dogs may also run on sporting fields that are not in use, as long as they stay under effective control. For a longer day after the run, the next plan takes in Centennial Homestead.
Dog-friendly lunch in Centennial Park after a big run
Centennial Park has more than 189 hectares, and its off-leash area covers over 30% of them, so a big dog gets room for a proper run before lunch. Give the dog a good run in that area, then walk over for lunch. From the park, Centennial Homestead is a 5-minute walk. The restaurant and cafe has a terrace and lawn that overlook the park, and it suits a breakfast, a long lunch or a family outing. Dogs sit outside only, and the menu includes vegetarian dishes. One visitor says the staff are friendly and attentive. The rules below set out where dogs can go.
Dog rules in Centennial Park: where dogs can't go
Dogs can run off-leash outside Grand Drive in the park, and on sporting fields that are not in use, provided they stay under effective control. They must be leashed on all roads, shared paths and cycle lanes, and within 10 metres of ponds and waterways. Dogs must stay out of all ponds, lakes and waterways. They are prohibited within 10 metres of children's playgrounds and of barbecue and food preparation areas. Keep dogs well clear of horses and riders, and off the horse track. Bring your own dog waste bags, because dog bag bins are only in some areas. Every dog in NSW must be registered and microchipped, so carry its registration and microchip details. Confirm the current off-leash rules with Centennial Parklands, which manages the park, before you go.
Every dog-friendly place in Centennial Park
| Place | Type | Dogs |
|---|---|---|
| Centennial Park | Park | Off-leash area |
| Centennial Homestead | Cafe | Dogs outside |
| The Greenhouse at Centennial Park | Cafe | Dogs outside |
FAQ
Where can I take my dog off-leash in Centennial Park?
Centennial Park's main off-leash area lies outside Grand Drive and covers over 30% of the parkland, so it is the place for a long run. Sporting fields that are not in use also work for a run, as long as the dog stays under effective control. Elsewhere the park is busy, with cyclists on the cycle tracks and riders on the horse track, so a dog needs a lead on the paths and a wide berth around the horses. Dogs must also stay at least 10 metres from the playgrounds and barbecue areas. The rules section below sets out the water and lead details.
Which cafes in Centennial Park allow dogs?
Two cafes in Centennial Park take dogs, and both only at outside tables: Centennial Homestead, a restaurant and cafe with a terrace and lawn overlooking the park, and The Greenhouse at Centennial Park, a casual cafe in Fearnley Grounds on Grand Drive. The Greenhouse opens at 6:30am every day and closes at 4pm, which suits an early coffee. Centennial Homestead opens at 8am on weekdays, at 7am on Saturdays and at 8am on Sundays, and it closes at 4pm on weekdays and at 5pm on weekends. It is a 12-minute walk from the Greenhouse, so the two make a good pair for a dog-friendly morning.
What can I do with my dog in Centennial Park?
Centennial Park has two outings that suit a dog. The first is an early coffee at The Greenhouse at Centennial Park, which opens at 6:30am, followed by an 8-minute walk into the park for a run. The second is a longer run in the off-leash area, then a 5-minute walk to Centennial Homestead for lunch on the terrace. The park itself has six free barbecues, playgrounds, drinking water, public toilets and wetlands, but dogs must stay 10 metres away from the playgrounds and barbecue areas. Cyclists and riders share the paths and the horse track, so keep the dog on lead on the paths.
Where can I walk my dog and get a coffee in Centennial Park?
Walk from The Greenhouse at Centennial Park, which is an 8-minute walk from the park, and sit with a dog at an outside table from 6:30am until 4pm each day. The cafe is a casual spot with outdoor tables and green views, best for a quick, fresh coffee and an easy breakfast or lunch. Visitors say coffee arrives quickly, even when the cafe is busy, and iceblocks are on the menu for a warm morning. From the park, Centennial Homestead is a 5-minute walk, and it makes a good longer stop. Along the way the dog stays on lead on roads and shared paths, and keeps out of the park's ponds and waterways.