May Tarang
Dog Friendly Beaches Eastern Suburbs – Sydney is home to many beautiful beaches. However, if you have a dog, most of these dogs are unfortunately prohibited. So if you’re looking to hit the beach with your dog, whether you’re paddling on the sand or swimming in the water, what are your options for dog-friendly beaches in Sydney?
Choose from these Sydney dog beaches (after hours of research, of course), almost all of which I’ve personally visited with my dog, plus some other great beaches nearby…
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Sydney’s North Shore is home to a number of Sydney’s dog-friendly beaches. However, none of them are dog beaches, at least not yet.
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The Northern Beaches Council is proposing that off-leash dogs be allowed at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach and the northern end of Palm Beach Beach during limited hours. However, a final decision has yet to be made, and after the latest trial updates in August 2023, it appears that the trial will not take place until at least 2024.
For now, head north to Pittwater or south to Sydney Harbour, or check out some of the dog-friendly lagoon options. Check out these dog-friendly beaches on the Northern Beaches…
Head to Rowland Reserve Dog Park in Bayview for a dog walk in Sydney’s far north, any time of day, any time of year. (Search for “Bayview Dog Park” on Google Maps).
This grassy reserve and the adjacent waters of the Pitwater remain completely closed throughout the day, with no disruptive restrictions. No wonder people from all over Sydney come here with their dogs!
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Being located on Pittwater, this Sydney dog beach is relatively calm, with deeper waters not too far away for more confident dog swimmers. There is often a dog washing van nearby.
If you’re not staying long, try to grab one of the hourly off-leash parking spots, otherwise parking can be expensive in my experience. Afterwards, consider taking a stroll along the bay and enjoying a drink in Newport’s large, dog-friendly beer garden.
Although none of the many true northern beaches are dog-friendly, there are some dog-friendly areas along the lagoon behind the beach. The northernmost of these is located in Curl Curl Lagoon.
Head to the Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve on the south side of Curl Curl Lagoon where off-leash dogs are allowed and many dogs enjoy swimming in the lagoon. (Adam Street Reserve on the west side of Griffin Road also allows dogs off-leash and is by the lagoon, but does not have a sandy beach.)
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Please note that the lakes can be dirty, especially after heavy rains, so be careful, especially if your dog gets into deep water. Also note that dogs are not allowed on the sands of Curl Curl Beach near the Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve. Parking is charged at the time of booking, but free parking is available nearby.
Further south is another lake where dogs can swim. Manly Lagoon is located at the northern end of Manly Beach, a suburb of Queenscliff.
Manly Lagoon Park and Lagoon Park West, both also known as “Lagoon Reserve” on Google Maps, are designated off-leash dog parks. And of course many off-leash dogs cannot be prevented from going into lake waters.
Like Curl Curl Lagoon, be aware that the water quality may not be the best, especially after a few days of heavy rain. In that case, maybe keep the dog on a leash if you don’t want him swimming in the lake.
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For an off-leash walk before or after, consider walking your dog along the trail that runs past Queenscliff and Manly Beach, south to Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach. It’s a lovely beach walk but be aware that puppies are not allowed on the sand on any of these beaches. There are also many cafes along the way with outdoor tables for dogs.
When I lived on Sydney’s North Shore, Sandy Bay in Clontarf was my favorite off-leash dog beach to visit in Sydney. Confusingly, there are no signs anywhere about whether dogs are allowed, but according to the municipality’s website, this is an official dog area with no time limit. There is also a map on the site that shows the exact off-leash area.
It’s no wonder it’s so popular with many dog owners, especially on sunny days in the warmer months. Conveniently located close to central Sydney, the water is beautifully clear and deep enough, great for smaller, less confident dogs. Be warned that it is best to go close to low tide as much of the beach can disappear under water during low tide.
Please note that dogs are not allowed on the beach at Clontarf Reserve, at the start of Sandy Bay Road. However, dogs are allowed on a lead through the reserve where most of the parking is located, albeit for an additional fee. (There are several non-ticketed parks right by Sandy Bay, but they fill up quickly.) At Sandy Bear Harbor, dogs are welcome to sit outside.
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On the west coast of Pittwater, surrounded by a national park, is a small stretch of Great Mackerel Beach. The only access is by ferry from Palm Beach (dogs allowed on a lead) or of course by your own private boat.
Dogs are allowed on a lead in the Mackerel Beach dog area from sunrise to 9.30am and again from 5pm to sunset every day of the week. Outside of this time they are allowed to go to the beach but must stay.
Dogs are only allowed on the beach between the pier and the northern houses. Strangely, dogs are not allowed under the water mark or in the water, so don’t go swimming here with your dog.
Sydney’s lower north shore is also home to a number of dog-friendly beaches clustered around the large suburb of Musman, along the shores of Sydney Harbour. Check out these great dog beach options, but keep in mind that there are time restrictions, especially on weekends.
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Probably the most popular dog beach to visit in the Mosman area is Sirius Cove Reserve, a quiet cove west of Taronga Zoo.
There are some limitations as described here. While on weekdays dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water without a leash all day, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only until 9 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
The same off-leash period applies to the nearby grassy reserve, although luckily dogs can join you on a leash for a picnic in the shady park at the weekend. From the street, easy and free parking.
Just across the water and on the Spit Bridge are two Spit Reserves, Spit West Reserve and Spit East Reserve, separated by the busy Spit Road. Both reserves are dog friendly, albeit with some Mosman Council rules.
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Both reserves allow dogs off-leash all day, except Saturdays between 8.30am and 2.30pm at Spit West Reserve. As for going to the beach and swimming, on weekdays dogs are allowed all day, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only until 9:00 and after 16:00.
The exact boundaries of the two reservoirs can be found on the map on the above page. Spit East Reserve is quite small, between Sydney Harbor Kayaks and the restaurant to the south. The Spit West Reserve is huge, stretching all the way to Pearl Bay, but it’s not always a beach. Make sure you keep your dog off busy roads and be aware that parking can be expensive.
Another dog-friendly beach in the greater Mosman suburb is at Clifton Gardens Reserve, also known as Chowder Bay.
As stated on this website, dogs are only allowed on the beach and in the water east of Clifton Gardens Pier. They are only allowed on the beach on weekdays, in winter before 9 a.m. or after 4 p.m. During the summer time, they are only allowed on the beach before 9 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
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The rules for dogs in the neighboring grass reserve are more relaxed, with dogs allowed all day on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays before 9am and after 4pm. In other cases, they must be on a leash. (It is a popular picnic spot.)
Parking at Clifton Gardens is quite expensive, although it is possible to park further up the hill for free and then walk down. Alternatively, combine a visit to the beach with a walk in the neighboring bush. If you park at the French Cafe or Georges Head Lookout just off Middlehead Road, there is a bush walk.
