Sydney

The largest off-leash area in the inner city, set on former brickworks hills in Alexandria, with wetlands, wide lawns and city views. The gathering point for inner-west dogs, morning and evening.

One of the world's great urban parks, with about 43 percent of its open space designated off-leash (Sandstone Ridge, Federation Valley). Dogs are kept out of the ponds, playgrounds and the area around the pavilion.

A calm harbour beach in the eastern suburbs where dogs are allowed off-leash at any time along the marked stretch between Dumaresq Reserve and Percival Park. One of the few all-hours dog beaches in Sydney.

A reconstructed sandstone headland on the western edge of the CBD, with a harbourfront walk and bridge views. Dogs are welcome on-leash throughout, and allowed in the water at the Marrinawi Cove swimming enclosure.

A clifftop path from Dover Heights toward Watsons Bay past the Macquarie Lighthouse, with sweeping ocean views and off-leash reserves (Raleigh Reserve, Lighthouse Reserve). Dogs are banned at the Gap Park and National Park end.

A harbourfront walk in the inner west, from Blackwattle Bay to Bicentennial Park, dotted with dog-friendly cafes. Leashed dogs on the path, with views of the Anzac Bridge and the bay.