St Thomas Rest Park
St Thomas Rest Park is a park on West Street in Crows Nest, NSW, whose standout feature is a fully fenced, 24-hour off-leash dog area. Once the North Shore's first cemetery, the grounds also hold a restored sexton's cottage museum and a playground.
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About St Thomas Rest Park
Off-Leash Dog Area at St Thomas Rest Park
St Thomas Rest Park runs a 24/7 off-leash dog area across the whole park, and the entire park is fully and securely fenced. Within that enclosure, a separate small dog area gives smaller dogs their own space, and agility equipment is available for more active dogs. A dog water station supplies water for dogs, and natural water access is also available. Owners are asked to make sure their dogs do not disturb the gravesites, which are part of the park's history.
Playground and Accessible Play at St Thomas Rest Park
St Thomas Rest Park has a playground with a disabled swing, a liberty swing and a carousel. Access to the play area is easy, and a level pathway runs from the gated entrance across the park. The large open space has even ground and a couple of benches to sit on. The wide entrance and easy terrain make the playground reachable for visitors who use wheelchairs, and the disabled swing is the park's main accessible piece of play equipment.
Sexton's Cottage Museum and History Trail at St Thomas Rest Park
The sexton's cottage at St Thomas Rest Park dates from around 1850 and was restored and opened as a museum in 1985. An interpretive history trail gives 24-hour access to historical information about the site. The park was the first cemetery on the North Shore, after Alexander Berry donated the land in 1845. The park opened as a park in 1974, and North Sydney Council has operated it since 1967.
Facilities at St Thomas Rest Park
Visitor tips for St Thomas Rest Park
- ✓Leash any dog that is misbehaving or still in training, since reports of dog fights have been made at the park.
Getting to St Thomas Rest Park
St Thomas Rest Park is on West Street, Crows Nest NSW 2065. Street parking is available on the surrounding roads but can be competitive, and accessible parking is provided. Additional parking is available at Holtermann Street.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Crows Nest
- 📍Pattison's Patisserie (cafe, about 300 m)
- 📍The Cammeray Chinese Restaurant (restaurant, about 300 m)
Frequently asked questions about St Thomas Rest Park
Can I let my dog off-leash at St Thomas Rest Park?
Yes, the entire park is a 24/7 off-leash area for dogs.
Are there fenced areas at St Thomas Rest Park for dogs?
Yes, the whole park is fully and securely fenced, so the dog area is enclosed for off-leash play.
Is there parking near St Thomas Rest Park?
Yes, street parking runs along the surrounding roads, though it can be competitive, and there is accessible parking as well as parking at Holtermann Street.
What are the opening hours for St Thomas Rest Park?
The park is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Is St Thomas Rest Park wheelchair accessible?
The park has a wide entrance, gated access with a level pathway and easy terrain across a large open space. No accessible toilet is listed for the park itself.