The best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney
Sydney’s 100+ beaches are world-famous so it doesn’t seem fair that your furry best friend has to miss out on all the fun. If you’re looking for a rundown of the best dog-friendly beaches Sydney has to offer, you’ve come to the right place! Keep scrolling and you’ll no longer have to worry about figuring out where to go because our comprehensive list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney has you covered.
1. Sirius Cove Reserve, Mosman
Sirius Cove Reserve is located in Mosman, within walking distance of the Taronga Zoo. This dog beach has shallow waters that gradually get deeper — perfect for dogs that love to swim! There is also a large grass area where you can let the dogs loose for zoomies and runs.
Weekdays: 24h off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: Off-leash permitted before 9am and after 4pm
Check the Mosman Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times &
areas for your dog.
2. Kutti Beach, Vaucluse
If you can locate the skinny, hidden staircase next to the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club then you deserve to enjoy the peace and serenity of Kutti Beach. The clean waters and stretch of palm trees will make you feel like you’re on holiday somewhere far away rather than as close to Sydney as you are. Chill with your furry friend and watch the sun go down!
Weekdays: 24 hours on-leash
Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours on-leash
Check the Woollahra Municipal Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
3. Manly Lagoon, Manly
You and your dog will love the natural lagoon at Manly, which is great for cooling off a hot dog in the summer months or stretching all four legs year-round. Bordered by Manly Lagoon Reserve and Hinkler Park, there’s plenty of open space to enjoy without restrictions.
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours off-leash
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
4. Rose Bay Foreshore, Rose Bay
This gorgeous, shallow bay is the perfect place for you and your good boy or girl to frolic together in the warmer months. If you come in the evening or early morning, you can let your dog loose for a run against stunning city views. Be sure to check the time though, as the sand gets scarce at high tide.
Weekdays: Off-leash between 4:30pm – 8:30am
Weekends & public holidays: Off-leash between 4:30pm – 8:30am
Check the Woollahra Municipal Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
5. Silver Beach, Kurnell
South of Sydney you’ll find Silver Beach. Its soft sands and gentle surf make it one of the most stunning 24/7 dog beaches in the region. And with views of Botany Bay and ample parking, you and your pup will have a ball!
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours off-leash
Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
6. Macmasters Beach
This picturesque stretch of sand is dotted with towering pines, casting just enough shade that your furry friend won’t get too hot after running around with gleeful abandon. With a shallow manmade pool and grassy banks to recline on if the sand gets too much for you, it’s a pawfect day out.
Weekdays: Check the signs for leash-free times
Weekends & public holidays: Check the signs for leash-free times
Check the Central Coast Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
7. Spit West Reserve, Mosman
Grab a coffee and loaded brekkie roll at Plonk Beach Cafe and hit Spit West with your pup for a morning walk. If your dog loves a swim you can let them go while you park yourself on the grassy banks — there’s even a playground to keep the kids entertained.
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: Off-leash except for Saturdays from 8:30am to 2:30pm
Check the Mosman Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
8. Clifton Gardens Reserve, Mosman
If you weave your way through the backstreets of Mosman you’ll discover Clifton Gardens Reserve. The shallow waters and adjoining jetty, playground and reserve make it the ideal spot for a family day out with the whole family.
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: Off-leash before 9am and after 4pm
Check the Mosman Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
9. Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl
While dogs aren’t allowed on Curl Curl Beach, they can run rampant at the adjacent reserve, which includes a large open grassed area and access to the southern side of Curl Curl Lagoon. It’s worth knowing that after heavy rain the lagoon sometimes isn’t the clearest water, so pick a good weather week if your pooch fancies a dip.
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours off-leash
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
10. Horderns Beach, Bundeena
Horderns Beach is an idyllic spot that can be reached by a dog-friendly ferry from Cronulla. Take a stroll on the jetty with your four-legged friend before basking in the turquoise waters. While your dog will always be welcome, at different times of year the beach is an on or off-leash area, so you’re best to check ahead.
Weekdays: Check the signs for leash-free times
Weekends & public holidays: Check the signs for leash-free times
Check the Sutherland City Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
11. Callan Point Beach, Rozelle
At the edge of the 61-hectare heritage Callan Park is a stunning little swimming spot called Callan Point Beach. While restrictions exist on when your furry family member can roam free in the park, the beach is fair game, day or night.
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours off-leash
Check the Inner West Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
12. Greenhills Beach
Greenhills Beach is special because it’s Sydney’s only dog-friendly ocean beach, so grab your pup and your surfboard and head on down! The long expanse of sand is always packed with pooches, so your best friend will have the opportunity to make other four-legged friends too.
Weekdays: On-leash during non-daylight savings from 3pm to 10am and during daylight savings from 4pm to 10am.
Weekends & public holidays: On-leash during non-daylight savings from 3pm to 10am and during daylight savings from 4pm to 10am.
Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
13. Sandy Bay, Clontarf
Despite the name, Sandy Bay beach isn’t just a stretch of sand for you and your pup to play on. The grassy space is the perfect picnic spot (and a great place to play fetch) with easy access to take a quick dip when things heat up.
Weekdays: 24 hours off-leash
Weekends & public holidays: 24 hours off-leash
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
14. Great Mackerel Beach
Great Mackerel Beach isn’t the easiest beach to get to, so pack a picnic, your pup and plan a day trip on the Palm Beach Ferry to enter the National Park. You’ll see it’s worth the trouble as soon as you arrive because the sleepy beach and quaint jetty are total paradise. You and your fur baby will never want to leave!
Weekdays: Off-leash between 9:30am and 5pm.
Weekends & public holidays: Off-leash between 9:30am and 5pm.
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for the latest details and information on permitted times & areas for your dog.
Can I get fined for having an unleashed dog in an on-leash area?
The short answer is yes. You can be fined for having your dog off-leash in public places where they’re not meant to be. You can also be fined if your dog is in an off-leash area and is threatening other dogs and you can’t control them. So keep a lid on it! You can get more information on the City of Sydney’s website.
Do I need to wash my dog after the beach?
Look, it’s ultimately your call! But if you don’t want your beloved pooch smelling like a salty sea dog, giving your dog a bath is highly recommended.
Many of our BIG4 caravan parks in NSW have dog wash facilities on-site, so check out the Park Facilities before you book.