Jeff Dorman
Dog Friendly Beaches Eastern Suburbs – Sydney is home to many beautiful beaches. However, if you have a dog, unfortunately dogs are usually not allowed. So if you want to go to the beach with your dog, whether you want to stretch out in the sand or take a dip in the water, what are your options for Sydney’s dog-friendly beaches?
Choose from these dog-friendly beaches in Sydney (after checking opening times, of course), almost all of which I have personally visited with my dog, plus some great beaches nearby…
Dog Friendly Beaches Eastern Suburbs
Sydney’s Northern Beaches are home to many of Sydney’s dog-friendly beaches. However, none of these dog beaches are ocean view beaches, at least not yet.
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There is a proposal from the Northern Beaches Council to allow dogs off leash for a limited time at the south end of Mona Vale Beach and the north end of Palm Beach. However, a final decision has yet to be made and after updating the last attempt in August 2023, it appears that even a trial won’t happen until at least 2024.
For now, head north to Pittwater or south to Sydney Harbour, or check out some of Laguna’s dog-friendly options. Check out the dog-friendly beaches on the Northern Beaches…
For a dog-friendly walk in Sydney’s far north, any time of day and all year, head to Rowland Reserve Dog Park in Bayview. (Search for “Bayview Dog Park” on Google Maps).
This grass reserve and the adjacent waters of Pittwater are completely free all day, with no intrusive restrictions. No wonder people travel here with their chicken from all over Sydney!
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Because Sydney Dog Beach is located in Pittwater, it is relatively quiet and not far to swim in deeper water for more dog-conscious swimmers. There is often a dog wash truck conveniently parked nearby.
Try to find one of the designated hourly parking spots near the strip if you aren’t staying too long, otherwise parking can be expensive in my experience. Afterwards, consider driving around the bay for a drink in Newport’s large, dog-friendly beer garden.
Although none of the northern beaches allow dogs, there are dog-friendly areas near the lagoons behind the beaches. The northern one is located in the Curl Curl Lagoon.
Head to the Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve at the south end of the Curl Curl Lagoon, where dogs are allowed off-leash and many dogs enjoy swimming in the lagoon. (The Adam Street Reserve at the west end of Griffin Road also allows off-leash dogs and is adjacent to the lagoon, but does not have a sandy beach.)
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Please note that the lagoons can become contaminated, especially after heavy rainfall. So be careful, especially if your dog ventures into deeper water. Please also note that dogs are not allowed on the sands of Curl Curl Beach, adjacent to Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve. Parking at the reserve is chargeable, but there is free parking nearby.
Not further south is a lagoon where dogs are welcome for swimming. Manly Lagoon is located at the north end of Manly Beach in the suburb of Queenscliff.
Both Manly Lagoon Park and Lagoon Park West, also known as the ‘Lagoon Reserve’ on Google Maps, are off-leash dog parks. And of course, there is no reason to prevent many of the stray dogs from entering the lagoon waters.
As with Curl Curl Lagoon, be aware that the water quality may not be the best, especially for a few days after heavy rain. In this case, you might want to keep your dog on a leash if you don’t want him swimming in the lagoon.
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For an off-leash walk before or after, consider walking the dog along the path that runs behind Queenscliff Beach and Manly Beach, as far south as Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach. It’s a lovely beach walk, but keep in mind that puppies are not allowed on the sand at any of these beaches. There are also plenty of dog-friendly cafes with outdoor seating along the way.
When I lived on Sydney’s North Shore, Sandy Bay in Clontarf was my favorite non-stop dog beach to visit in Sydney. Confusingly, there are no signs for dogs, but according to the council’s website it is officially an off-leash dog zone with no time limit. The site also has a map showing the exact strip area.
It’s no wonder it is so popular with many dog owners, especially on sunny days in the warmer months. It is conveniently located close to the center of Sydney and the water is incredibly clean and quite shallow, ideal for smaller, less confident dogs. Please note that it is best to visit at low tide as much of the beach can disappear underwater at high tide.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on Clontarf Reserve beach at the start of Sandy Bay Road. However, dogs on a leash are allowed in the reserve, where most parking spaces are located, albeit at a high price. (There are a few ticket-free parks available right next to Sandy Bay, but they sell out quickly.) At the marina, The Sandy Bear welcomes dogs to their outdoor seating areas.
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Tucked away on the western shore of Pittwater, surrounded by a national park, lies the small waterfront enclave of Great Mackerel Beach. The only access is by ferry from Palm Beach (dogs are not allowed on a leash) or of course by your private boat.
Dogs are allowed off-leash in the Mackerel Beach dog area between sunrise and 9:30 AM and again between 5:00 PM, all days of the week. Outside these hours they are allowed on the beach, but they must remain on a leash.
Dogs are only allowed on the stretch of beach between the pier and the northernmost houses. Strangely, dogs are not allowed below the waterline or in the water, so don’t take your dog swimming here.
Sydney’s lower north coast is also home to a number of dog-friendly beaches, spread across the large suburb of Mossman along the shores of Sydney Harbour. Check out these great beach options for dogs, but keep in mind that there are time restrictions, especially on weekends.
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Probably the most popular dog-friendly beach to visit in the Mossman area is Sirius Cove Nature Reserve, a quiet cove just west of Taronga Zoo.
There are several limitations, as described here. While dogs are allowed on a leash on the beach and in the water all day during the week, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, they are only allowed before 9am and after 4pm.
The same free-running times apply to the nearby grass reserve, although fortunately dogs are still allowed on a leash for a picnic in the shady park at the weekend. Both the reserve and the beach are quiet and calm, secluded. from the arterial roads, with easy and free parking.
Across the water and the Spit Bridge are the two Spit Reserves, Spit West Reserve and Spit East Reserve, separated by the busy Spit Road. Dogs are allowed in both reserves, although with some rules set by the Mossman Council.
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Dogs are allowed off-leash all day in both reserves, except between 8.30am and 2.30pm on Saturdays in Spit West Reserve. As for beach walks and swimming, dogs are allowed all day during the week, but only before 9am or after 4pm: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
See the map on the page above for the exact boundaries of the two reserves. Spit East Reserve is quite small, right between the Sydney Harbor Kayaks and the restaurants to the south. Spit West Reserve is much larger and extends to Pearl Bay, but does not always have a beach. Keep your dog away from busy roads and be aware that parking can be expensive.
Another dog-friendly beach in the large suburb of Mossman is at Clifton Gardens Reserve, also known as Chowder Bay.
As stated on this website, dogs are only allowed off leash on the beach and in the water east of Clifton Gardens Pier. They are only allowed on the beach on weekdays, before 9am or in winter after 4pm. During the summer crowds, they are only allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
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Dog rules at the nearby grass reserve are more relaxed, with dogs allowed off-leash all day on weekdays, plus before 9am and after 4pm: Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. In other cases they must stay on the line. (This is a popular picnic spot.)
Parking is quite expensive at Clifton Gardens, although you can park for free further up the hill and then walk down. You can also combine a visit to the beach with a walk in the nearby bush. If you park at Frenchy’s Cafe or Georges Head Lookout, just off Middle Head Road, you can walk through the bush.
