Looking for somewhere your dog can run free and splash in the water – without leaving the kids bored? From sheltered harbour coves to wide open ocean beaches, Sydney and the Central Coast are home to some fantastic dog-friendly beaches. Here’s our guide to the best off-leash dog beaches and bays that families on the North Shore love.
Looking for somewhere your dog can run free and splash in the water—without leaving the kids bored? From sheltered harbour coves to wide-open ocean beaches, Sydney and the Central Coast are home to some fantastic dog-friendly beaches where the whole family can enjoy a day out together.
Whether you’re after calm harbour waters for nervous swimmers, sandy beaches for energetic pups who love a proper run, or scenic foreshore walks that work with prams and bikes, we’ve found the best off-leash spots that North Shore families love. Many offer year-round access, while others have specific hours to balance dog exercise with peak beach times.
To make planning easy, we’ve rounded up the top dog-friendly beaches across the Lower North Shore, Northern Beaches, inner Sydney, and Central Coast—complete with off-leash hours, parking tips, and what makes each spot special. Grab the lead, pack the towels, and discover your new favourite family beach day destination!
To make planning easy, we’ve rounded them all up below with quick links so you can jump straight to the dog-friendly beaches that suit your family, your dog, and your weekend plans.
Dog-Friendly Beaches on Sydney’s Lower North Shore
Sandy Bay, Clontarf
Sandy Bay, Clontarf
Sandy Bay in Clontarf is a quiet, local harbour beach that’s popular with dog owners looking for a calmer, less crowded spot. Dogs are permitted off-leash above the Mean High Water Mark, allowing pups to enjoy a run along while owners take in the peaceful bay views. Located along Sandy Bay Road, this small beach has limited parking on-site, with additional parking available nearby at Clontarf Reserve.
- Off-leash hours: Dogs are permitted off-leash at Sandy Bay above the Mean High Water Mark – see the dog off-leash area location map here.
- Details: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Sirius Cove (Mosman)
Sirius Cove is a sheltered, family-friendly harbour beach tucked away in Mosman, with calm waters and a large grassy area behind the sand offering welcome shade. A favourite with local families and dog owners, it can get busy on weekends and parking is limited, so arriving early is wise. Located at the end of Sirius Cove Road, the beach is also easily reached on foot via the scenic harbour walking track from Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head.
- Off-leash hours: All day on weekdays, and before 9am and after 4pm on weekends and public holidays.
- Details: nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw
Clifton Gardens (Mosman)
Clifton Gardens is a peaceful harbour beach in Mosman, known for its calm, shallow waters and wide sandy shoreline, making it ideal for families with younger children. Set beside Clifton Gardens Reserve, there’s plenty of grassy space for picnics, shaded spots, and a netted swimming area popular in warmer months. The beach sits at the end of Chowder Bay Road and is easily accessible by car. Dogs are allowed at Clifton Gardens, with off-leash access permitted in the designated area east of the jetty.
- Off-leash hours: Before 9am and after 4pm weekdays during winter. Before 9am and after 6pm weekdays during daylight savings (Oct–Mar).
- Details: mosman.nsw.gov.au
Spit West Reserve (Mosman)
Spit West Reserve is a social harbourside beach that’s popular with local families, walkers and dog owners alike. You’ll find calm water, sandy patches, shaded grassy areas and flat paths that are perfect for prams and bikes. It’s an easy spot to drop in for a quick walk or a longer picnic, with parking available nearby and views across Middle Harbour. Dogs are welcome here, with off-leash access permitted at set times in designated areas.
- Off-leash hours: Before 9am and after 4pm weekdays during winter. Before 9am and after 6pm weekdays during daylight savings (Oct–Mar).
- Details: mosman.nsw.gov.au
Dog-Friendly Beaches on Sydney’s Northern Beaches
Lagoon Park (Manly)
Lagoon Park in Manly Vale is a large, well-used foreshore park set between Pittwater Road and the Stuart Somerville Bridge, with Manly Lagoon running along the northern edge. The park features a shared bike and pedestrian path, playground, outdoor exercise equipment and plenty of picnic spots with BBQ facilities. It’s also one of the council’s designated dog off-leash areas, with dogs welcome off-leash 24 hours a day and permitted to enter the water (signage advises checking water quality conditions on arrival).
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Rowland Reserve (Bayview)
Rowland Reserve in Bayview is a much-loved off-leash foreshore spot on Pittwater, offering dogs plenty of space to run, paddle and socialise. With calm, shallow water, sandy flats at low tide and grassy areas for picnics, it’s an easy choice for a relaxed outing with pups of all ages.
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve (Curl Curl)
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve is located on Griffin Road, Curl Curl. The dog off-leash area in this reserve includes a large open grassed area, part of the shared path and some access to the southern side of Curl Curl Lagoon.
- Off-leash hours: All times (see signs on-site).
- Details: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Mona Vale Beach (South)
Mona Vale Beach (South) is currently part of a council off-leash dog trial running from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026, with a clearly marked trial area located at the southern end of the beach. Access is via two pathways from the South Mona Vale Headland Reserve Dog Off-leash Area, where dogs must remain on-leash for safety.
- Off-leash hours: 5.30am–10am and 5pm–9pm daily during daylight savings; 6am–10am and 4pm–7pm daily during standard time.
- Details: northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney
Rose Bay Foreshore (Woollahra)
Rose Bay Foreshore offers a relaxed, open stretch of harbourfront that’s perfect for families, walkers and dog owners looking for an easy, accessible outing. With calm water, wide grassy foreshore areas and scenic views across Sydney Harbour, it’s a popular spot for picnics, paddleboarding and swims. The flat foreshore path makes it pram- and bike-friendly, and there’s plenty of space to spread out. Dogs are welcome here and are permitted off-leash between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve, making it one of the few spots where pups can enjoy the sand and water year-round.
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Glebe Foreshore, Glebe
The Glebe Foreshore Walk offers a scenic waterfront stretch from Bicentennial Park through to the Sydney Fish Markets at Pyrmont. Popular with walkers, cyclists and families, the shared path winds through landscaped parkland, heritage sea walls and stone docks, with calm water access. Dogs are welcome here, with off-leash access permitted at all times along the foreshore section between Pope Paul Reserve and Ferry Road, making it a great inner-city option for a relaxed walk with your pup.
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw
Dog-Friendly Beaches on the NSW Central Coast
North Avoca Beach
North Avoca
North Avoca Beach is a favourite dog-friendly option on the Central Coast, offering a long, open stretch of sand right next to the lagoon that’s perfect for energetic pups who love a proper beach run. Dogs are permitted off-leash in the designated section, giving them space to splash in the waves and burn off energy, while owners enjoy the fresh sea air and coastal views.
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: sydneydogparks.com.au
Ettalong Beach
The dog-friendly section is located along the Ettalong foreshore from Korung Street south to Augusta Street, where dogs are permitted off-leash in the designated area, making it ideal for a gentle walk, paddle or play on the sand. With flat pathways, nearby cafés, shaded grassy areas and easy access from the town centre, it’s a great option for combining a dog walk with a coffee or seaside stroll.
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
Umina Beach
The dog-friendly section is at the southern end of the beach, where dogs are permitted in the designated off-leash area, providing plenty of space for a run along the shoreline. With nearby parking, amenities and a scenic foreshore walk, Umina is a great option for an easy beach outing with your dog.
- Off-leash hours: All times
- Details: centralcoast.nsw.gov.au
