Sydney’s 9 top dog beaches
(plus some little known gems)
Dog friendly beaches are scattered all over Sydney, whether surfside, harbourside, lagoonside or riverside.
Some offer wide expanses of sand, others are more grassy but they all guarantee your hound will have a splashy good time. Think beaches are just for summer? Think again! Wintertime can be perfect for windswept walks on the beach, energetic ball games, or simply making new friends in the waves.
Remember to toss a couple of towels in the car for a brisk dry-off after your hound has finished frolicking in the water.
Check each council’s rules regarding hours and accessibility at dog beaches before you head off.
1. Rowland Reserve- Northern Beaches
Located at Bayview this ticks all the boxes: water, sand and a big grassy play area. It’s off leash 24/7. The sandy spit is widest at low tide but anytime is a great time to visit. Some free parking is available. A mobile dog wash and coffee van are usually there on weekends. After a run and a splash take a walk along the mangrove path to the dog friendly Flying Fox café or head over to the nearby trendy dog friendly pub The Newport.
2. Blackwattle Bay Park- Inner West
This 24/7 off leash park includes part of the Glebe Foreshore Walk and offers lots of space for zoomies as well as easy water access. Pawrents will appreciate the great views, too.
3. Dumaresq Reserve- Eastern suburbs
Off leash between 4.30pm and 8.30 am, this park has a nice grassed area and a tidal beach for your hound. A big plus are park benches and sweeping views across the harbour for the humans.
4. Greenhills Beach- Sutherland Shire
If your doggo loves frolicking in the surf, this is the beach for you! Located at Cronulla, it’s a doggy off leash paradise between 4pm and 10am seven days a week. Highly recommended!
5. Sandy Bay at Clontarf Reserve- Northern Beaches
Sandy Bay is a wide, sandy tidal bay perfect for shallow splashing and zoomies. Close to Spit Bridge, it is off leash 24/7. A short walk away are dog friendly cafes at Clontarf Marina and shady playgrounds with picnic facilities.
6. Yarramundi Reserve- Agnes Banks Western Sydney
This huge reserve boasts an unfenced 12 ha off leash area including a large sandy island and plenty of spots to swim in the river. Pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it!
7. Bonna Point Reserve at Silver Beach-Sutherland Shire
Plenty of fun to be had on the western end of Silver Beach where dogs are off leash 24/7. Swim, zoom, sunbake…..the choice is yours. The doggy swimming area is between the third and fourth rock groynes.
8. Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve-Northern Beaches
A north Curl Curl off leash favourite where dogs can swim in the lagoon all day and enjoy a run on the sand to dry off. Can get popular on weekends but there’s plenty of room for everyone.
9. Sirius Cove- Lower North Shore
A picturesque and protected beach popular with locals, so parking can be tricky, particularly on weekends. Dogs can be off leash all day during the week. Weekends and public holidays are off leash between 4pm and 9am. A beautiful spot!
A couple of lesser known spots-
McCarrs Creek Reserve- Church Point Northern Beaches
A quiet off leash spot for introverts! Dogs are permitted at the western end of the reserve with a nice swimming spot. Weekdays only.
Station Beach- Northern Beaches
You’ve got to try the new dog friendly beach at Palmie, darling! At this point, on leash only, check the Northern Beaches Council website for details. Off leash trial coming soon so watch this space!
Keen to get out of Sydney? Check out these greyt doggy getaways