Let your dog splash about in cool salty water and dig holes in the sand as you take in the serene views at 12 of the best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.
This Northern Beaches reserve is a bit of a hidden gem, but makes for the perfect spot for pooches to play. There’s a large green area and stretch of sand for a refreshing post-run dip. Dogs are permitted off-leash 24 hours a day The dog off-leash area includes access to the adjacent tidal sand flats. northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Fur babies can roam free 24 hours a day, seven days a week at this serene lagoon, located just inland of Manly Beach. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for doggy paddling and cooling off. There’s also a children’s playground and exercise park, making it a great spot for the whole family. northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Calm body of water to paddle in? Tick. Room for pup to run around? Tick. A place to kick back and relax with glorious views. Tick. We can’t fault this inner-city gem. Dogs are allowed off leash on the foreshore at all times. woollahra.nsw.gov.au
Silver Beach is right on the Kurnell peninsula and is a beautiful location to take your pup. There’s plenty of wide open space and, of course, water, for them to enjoy. Off-leash pups are only permitted between the third and fourth jetty at the western end of the beach. You can access this specific spot conveniently from Bonna Point Reserve car park. Dogs are allowed off-leash 24 hours a day between the third and fourth rock groynes at the western end of Silver Beach, next to the Bonna Point Reserve car park and to the right of the Bonna Point Boat Ramp. Dogs are prohibited elsewhere on Silver Beach. When arriving and leaving, dog must be on leash. cms.ssc.nsw.gov.au
We love this spot as it’s the only dog-friendly stretch of beach in Sydney that faces the ocean. Stretching 3km, high-energy dogs can run free after 4pm and before 10am. During Daylight Savings dogs are allowed off leash from 3pm to 10am. You’ll find the entrance to off-leash area at Gate 5. sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
On weekdays, your pup has all day to play off-leash, while on weekends and public holidays they can run around before 9am and after 4pm. Your dog will love this beautiful site with protected shallow water, plenty of shade and a large grassy area behind the beach. mosman.nsw.gov.au
A short walk from the main reserve and you’ll find Clontarf Dog beach, where your furry friend can run and swim off leash 24 hours a day. The beach is part of Sydney’s Middle Harbour and is located 5km from Manly. There are no waves here so it is perfect for dogs who aren’t confident swimmers but keen to test the waters. northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
You’ll find this stretch of all-year, off-leash area on the Northern Beaches between Dee Why and Freshwater Beach. Dogs are not permitted on Curl Curl Beach, but are permitted in Curl Curl lagoon (see signs on-site).Energetic dogs will love the grassy terrain and tranquil lagoon as there’s plenty of space to run wild. northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Take in the views across Sydney Harbour while your dog expends energy at this stunning spot. Dogs are welcome to romp off-leash before 8.30am and after 4.30pm. Dogs permitted on a leash at all times. woollahra.nsw.gov.au
This popular off-leash beach overlooks Botany Bay and is just 150m from the netted swimming enclosure. There’s plenty of parking nearby making it super accessible. Your pups can frolic in the water and on the sand before 10am and after 4pm. During winter months restriction times can change and dogs may be able to run free all day, but check signs before entering the beach. bayside.nsw.gov.au
Nestled south of the city on the edge of Sydney’s Royal National Park, Horderns Beach curved for 580m between the Bundeena Ferry Wharf and Cabbage Tree Point. Between September and April dogs are only allowed off-leash on weekdays before 8.30am and after 4pm. Weekends during these months are reserved for two-legged visitors only. During May and September dogs are allowed off leash 24 hours, 7 days a week here. sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
From Monday to Friday you can let your pup off leash all day, but come weekends they can only run free before 9am and after 4pm on Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. This family friendly spot is perfect for a harbour swim and boasts plenty of shaded spots. mosman.nsw.gov.au
