Bellevue Hill, a suburb known for its millionaire’s mansions and pricey private schools, has a different charm when seen from below the knee. For me, Cheecka, a resident poodle, the real action happens in the parks and on the streets.
Living with my fellow canine, Freddie, and our three humans in Bondi Junction, we find the suburb lacking in dog-friendly spaces. However, a quick walk along Victoria Road takes us to Bellevue Hill, home to our favourite parks in Sydney.
The heritage-listed Cooper Park is a beautiful bushland reserve with walking tracks, tennis courts, cricket nets, and sports fields. Freddie and I love running down the steep stairs from Victoria Road, past the sweaty humans and their personal trainers, and rolling around in the dirt.
Photo Credit: Wolter Peeters
Bellevue Park, hidden behind the primary school, offers spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, South Head, and Bondi Beach. It’s also my favourite spot to relieve myself, although the council could provide more dog poo bags and water taps for our convenience.
Bellevue Hill is a haven for dogs, with its grassy and tree-shaded streets. There are a few cats to dodge, especially a ginger tabby on Birriga Road, but Freddie and I can usually scare them away with our bark.
We always receive a lot of attention from shoppers at the Bellevue Hill shops, who stop to pat us and admire our looks. Not all shop owners allow dogs inside, but we sometimes accompany our human to Crave Wares, a homeware store.
Further down Bellevue Road are Gin Heaven and the Bellevue Hill Bottle Shop, popular spots with the humans. Freddie and I prefer The Grumpy Baker, where the staff always leave water bowls and sometimes share a bite of a croissant.
Photo Credit: Wolter Peeters
The local vet clinic hosts regular puppy parties for youngsters to meet new playmates. The vets are always gentle when they give us vaccinations or worm us, even if one asked my owner about my weight.
In the eastern suburbs, you can never be too skinny or rich, but for us dogs, it’s all about the parks, the pats, and the puppy parties.
Published 16-January-2024
