15 Best Dog Friendly Bars & Walks in Sydney: Eastern Suburbs
Find the best dog friendly cafes, bars, walks and parks in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs (Bondi, Double Bay, Rose Bay, Watsons Bay)
How to spend a memorable day in the Eastern Suburbs with your dog? This article will reveal maybe a little less known dog friendly places as well as the iconic dog walks and dog friendly pubs from Watsons Bay in the north to Kingsford in the south; Bondi in the East to Rushcutters Bay in the West.
No lamp post has been left “unsniffed” and no off leash area “unplayed”. This is your ultimate guide to a dog friendly Eastern Suburbs!
Editors Choices:
We highly recommend to get a coffee at one of the following dog friendly cafes: Harry’s Bondi (right next to the beach), Jono’s Kitchen Rose Bay (amazing for lunch) or The Navy Bear Rushcutters Bay (stunning views).
If you are after a relaxing afternoon drink with your pooch, the following dog friendly pubs & bars are great places to try: The Sheaf Double Bay (won’t get more iconic than this), Bondi Bowlo (perfect spot to enjoy the sunset with your pooch) or The Regent Kingsford (for relaxed vibes).
Dog Friendly Walks
Eastern Suburbs are home to some of the most amazing dog friendly walks. We have selected the best walks to explore with your dog, all of them including some off leash playtime with your pooch and a dog friendly pubs & bars to stop for a drink (or two).
1. Dog Friendly “Bush Walk” in Double Bay
Time: 60-90mins | Level: Easy | Off Leash Areas: 2
Cooper Park is one of the most mesmerising places in the entire Eastern Suburbs. It is nearly impossible to remember that you are in the heart of the city while wondering around the park that feels more like rainforest that a city park.
Start the walk with your dog from the Lower Cooper Park near the tennis courts and car park. Circle around the park following the Rosewood Walk or any other route until you end up back where you started. You can walk up the range or remain at the bottom of the park near the water. Either way, your walk will take about 20-30mins depending on the route you choose.
On you return, head to the Lower Cooper Park or Lough Paying Fields off leash area for a game of fetch, meet some new friends or just chill out before heading to the dog friendly pub, The Golden Sheaf.
The Golden Sheaf is one of the most dog friendly pubs in Sydney. Therefore it is no surprise you will very often find other furry friends at the covered and heated dog friendly beer garden.
While you can choose from a great variety of beers, wines and cocktails, it is your pooch that is up for a real treat! The Golden Sheaf have developed a special Doggie Menu together with Southern Cross Vets that is guaranteed to please even more demanding pups. The menu includes mouthwatering pug-cicles for the warmer days, BFF (best furry friend) biscuits for puppies feeling a little peckish and as a crown The Ultimate Pooch Poke Bowl that will even make you feel like ordering one (consider yourself warned!).
Single ladies and gentlemen, make note of the monthly Dating with Dogs event taking place at the Rooftop.
Off leash Areas on the Trail:
Lower Cooper Park | Lough Playing Fields
2. Bondi to Bronte Dog Friendly Coastal Walk
Time: 1-2h return | Level: Medium | Off Leash Areas: 2
Iconic Bondi to Bronte coastal walk needs no introductions. It gets busy especially during the summer months so we recommend to do this walk in the morning or maybe a little later in the afternoon. Regardless of the time you choose, you and your dog will both love this dog friendly coastal walk.
Soon after leaving Bondi, you will pass an off leash area at Marks Park (twice if you return to Bondi) with access to water, toilets, poo bags and a great grassy area to have a play.
Stop for a coffee at one of the many coffee shops in Bronte or simply get a take away and sit by the Promenade or maybe visit an off leash area at the back of the Bronte Park. This part of the park does get rather muddy after the rain but is normally fine during the sunny days.
Return to Bondi and visit one of the most dog friendly cafes in the area. Harry’s Bondi is a fantastic spot just a block away from the beach to stop for a coffee, brekkie or lunch with your pooch.
Off leash areas on the Trail:
3. Dover Heights Dog Friendly Coastal Walk
Time: 2-3h return | Level: Medium | Off Leash Areas: 3
Dover Heights Coastal Walk is a little less know coastal walk with equally (if not more) amazing views of the ocean. Start your walk from the Raleigh Reserve off leash area and walk all the way to the other side of the Rodney Reserve sports field. Walk up to Military Road and stop at Dudley Page Reserve (not off leash) for some amazing views of the city.
Follow Military Road to Diamond Bay Reserve where you have access to water and another off leash play. Then continue on the cliff walk up to Marne Street and head straight towards the Christison Park and the Lighthouse Reserve, both 24h off leash. Follow the coastal path all the way down to dog friendly The Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel.
Off leash areas on the Trail:
Raleigh Reserve | Diamond Bay Reserve | Christison Park | Lighthouse Reserve
4. Explore Queens Park & Centennial Parklands
Centennial Parklands (including Queens Park) is the largest off leash dog park in Sydney. Almost half of the 360 hectare space is off leash at all times. As there are many other activities taking place in the Parklands, ensure your dog is under sufficient control at all times. Centennial Park offers many dog friendly cafes, activities and plenty of beautiful green areas for everyone. If you feel having a longer walk (approx. 1 hour), you can walk around the entire park (just remain outside Grand Drive) with your dog off the lead.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING!
Dog Friendly Bars & Cafes
There are plenty of pubs and bars particularly in and around Bondi and Double Bay but surprisingly few welcome your dog to join you. Luckily the ones that welcome your dog, REALLY welcome them rather than just allow them. We have listed the most amazing dog friendly bars and cafes in the Eastern Suburbs.
5. The Golden Sheaf
429 New South Head Road, Double Bay
Everything from special Doggie Menu to Dating with Dogs events. The Golden Sheaf is arguably the best dog friendly pub in the Eastern Suburbs! Your dog is welcome on the partly covered and heated beer garden.
6. Jono’s Kitchen
525B Old South Head Road, Rose Bay
Jono’s Kitchen is a great dog friendly cafe to drop for a drink, brekkie or lunch. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area at the front OR at the peaceful rear garden. Great coffee, delicious food and friendly service, one of the must visits with your pooch when in Rose Bay. High quality Kangaroo Chews for the furry customers available at the counter.
7. The Navy Bear
New Beach Road, Darling Point
Pawfectly located right next to one of the most beautiful off leash dog parks in the heart of Rushcutters Bay! One of our most unique venues, the Navy Bear is located in the royal Australian navy sailing association (RANSA), a lively little sailing club housed in a rustic tin shed nestled beside water’s edge in Rushcutters Bay, with views across the harbour. The cafe offers breakfast and lunch daily, as well as catering on sailing days and for private functions.
8. Harry’s Bondi
136 Wairoa Avenue, Bondi Beach
Harry’s is a locals’ favourite dog friendly cafe in Bondi. Enjoy brekkie or lunch just a block away from the beach. Plenty of outdoor seating available. And don’t forget to get one of the pawsome Roo Chew treats for your furry friend.
9. The Regent Hotel
416 Anzac Parade, Kingsford
The best dog friendly venue in the southern part of Eastern Suburbs! Regular host for doggie events & dogs are welcome inside the front bar away from the cold and rain. Great dog friendly beer garden for warmer days!
10. Bondi Bowlo
1 Warners Avenue, Bondi
Bondi Bowlo is the pawfect place for an afternoon drink with your furry friend. Great selection of drinks and food on the menu + one of the best dog friendly outdoor areas in Bondi. Dogs are always welcome everywhere outdoors (not on the greens) and must be on a lead. With the outdoor areas closing at 9pm this does mark bed time for all good doggo’s. Water bowls and bags are provided and don’t forget to get one of the yummy Kangaroo Chews for your pooch from the bar
11. The Watsons Bay Boutique Hotel
1 Military Road, Watsons Bay
Popular place for visitors near and far. Cool beach tunes and colourful dog friendly beer garden is a a guaranteed winner. Expect heaps of attention for your pooch from the fellow bar goers!
12. The Fields @ Easts Rugby
22a O’Sullivan Road, Rose Bay
Hidden gem that even most of the locals don’t know about, dog friendly The Fields is located at the Easts Rugby Club in the midst of Rose Bay Golf Course. Great relaxed atmosphere invites you to sit for a drink or meal while watching the local footy teams practising in the fields. Dogs are welcome everywhere ;-).
13. Beach Road Hotel
11 Glenayr Avenue, Bondi Beach
Beach Road Hotel welcomes furry guests to the large beer garden at the back of the pub. Enter from the Beach Road side of the building.
14. The DOG Hotel
2 St Marks Road, Randwick
The DOG (Duke of Gloucester) is a dog friendly pub in the heart of Randwick. Dogs are always welcome on leash in the partly covered beer garden.
15. The Clovelly Hotel
416 Anzac Parade, Kingsford
Affectionately known as “The Cloey” to the locals, dog friendly The Clovelly Hotel has been serving the community for over five decades with fabulous food and drinks. They actively encourage the patrons to bring their four legged best mates with them to the large dog friendly beer garden with plenty of shade, dog bowls and treats. There is even a big screen in the garden so you can watch your favourite team together with your pup! Also the deck adjacent to the sports bar is dog friendly.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING!
Off Leash Areas in the Eastern Subs
There are plenty of off leash areas to choose from in the Eastern Suburbs. We would highly recommend you to visit at least Rose Bay Foreshore (great for swimming), Raleigh Reserve and Marks Park (views), Christison Park (size) and Rushcutters Bay (meeting new friends).
All off leash areas in the Eastern Suburbs are listed below. You can also find all off leash parks and beaches in Sydney from our Places & Services section!
Bondi
Bronte
Clovelly
Coogee
Bardon Park | Baker Park | Trenerry Reserve | Blenheim Reserve | Bangor Park
Double Bay
Steyne Park| Lough Playing Fields & Lower Cooper Park | Rushcutters Bay Park
Dover Heights
Raleigh Reserve | Hugh Bamford Reserve
Kingsford
Malabar
Maroubra
Snape Park | Broadarrow Reserve | Nagle Park | Coral Sea Park
Rose Bay
Dumaresq Reserve & Rose Bay Foreshore | Lyne Park