Dog Friendly Beaches Eastern Suburbs – Sydney has many beautiful beaches. However, if you have a dog, unfortunately most of them are off limits. So if you want to go to the beach with your dog, splash on the sand or swim, what are some of the best dog friendly beaches in Sydney?
Take your pick from these dog-friendly beaches in Sydney (after a few hours of research, of course), close to everything I’ve personally visited with my dog, and some great…
Dog Friendly Beaches Eastern Suburbs
Sydney’s North Shore has a number of dog friendly Sydney beaches. However, none of these dog beaches face the sea, at least not yet.
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The North Shore Council has tabled a proposal to allow dogs off-leash for limited hours at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach and the northern end of Palm Beach. However, no final decision has been made yet, and after the latest update on the process in August 2023, it looks like testing won’t happen until at least 2024.
For now, head north to Pittwater or south to Sydney Harbour, or head to a dog-friendly beach. Check out these dog friendly beaches on the North Shore…
For a dog-friendly outing in Sydney’s far north, visit Rowland Reserve Dog Park in Bayview any time of day, any time of year. (Search “Bayview Dog Park” on Google Maps).
This grassy reserve and the surrounding waters of Pittwater are completely closed and unobstructed throughout the day. No wonder people drive here from all over Sydney with their little dogs!
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Sydney’s dog beaches are located in Pittwater, so it’s relatively calm and not too far to swim deep for more confident dog swimming. There is often a dog wash nearby.
In my experience, parking can be expensive if you don’t have a long wait, and if you don’t have a long wait, try to get one of the hourly designated parking spaces. Then consider driving around the corner for a drink in Newport’s large dog-friendly beer garden.
Most of the North Shore beaches are dog friendly, but there are a few dog friendly areas near the lagoon behind the beach. The most northerly of these is Curl Curl Lagoon.
Go to the Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve, south of Curl Curl Lagoon, where dogs are allowed and many dogs enjoy swimming in the sea. (Adam Street Reserve, west of Griffin Road, allows dogs and is by a lake, but does not have a sandy beach.)
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Be careful that lakes can get dirty, especially after heavy rain, and be careful if your dog gets into deep water. Please note that dogs are not allowed on Curl Curl Beach, adjacent to the Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve. There is a charge for parking at the reserve, but there is free parking nearby.
There is another lake at the front, perfect for dog swimming. Manly Lagoon is at the northern end of Manly Beach, on the edge of Queenscliff.
Manly Lagoon Park and West Lagoon Park, known as “Lagoon Reserves” on Google Maps, do not allow dog parks. Of course, most leased dogs do not prevent them from entering the lake.
As with Curl Curl Lagoon, be aware that the water quality may not be the best for a few days, especially after heavy rain. In this case, you can keep your dog on a lead if you don’t want him to swim in the lake.
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Before or after your trip, walk your dog along the footpaths that run from Queenscliff Beach and Manly Beach south to Fairy Bower and Shelly Beach. This is a great beach walk, but remember that babies are not allowed on the sand on this beach. There are many dog friendly cafes along the way with outdoor seating.
When I lived on Sydney’s North Shore, Sandy Bay in Clontarf was my favorite dog beach to visit in Sydney. Confusingly, there is no sign that dogs are allowed, but according to the council’s website, it is officially a dog-free area with no time restrictions. This site also has a map that clearly shows the strapping area.
It’s no wonder it’s so popular with many dog owners, especially on sunny days during the warmer months. It is very close to Sydney city center and the water is clear and shallow, perfect for small and less confident dogs. Note that it is best to go near low tide as many parts of the beach can disappear under water at high 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, albeit at a cost, through the reserve, where most of the parking spaces are located. (There are several ticketless parks next to Sandy Bay, but they fill up quickly.) At the marina, Sandy Bear welcomes dogs to its outdoor seating.
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On the west coast of Pittwater, surrounded by a national park, there is a small reservoir on Mackerel Beach. It can only be reached by ferry from Palm Beach (dogs are allowed) or of course on your own private boat.
Dogs are allowed in the Mackerel Beach Dog Zone every day of the week from sunrise to 9:30 a.m. and from 5 p.m. until sunset. He is allowed to go to the beach outside these hours, but they must wait on him.
Dogs are only allowed on the beach between the beach and the house on the north side. Strangely, dogs are not allowed in the water below or below the hidden water mark, so don’t swim with your dog here.
Sydney’s lower north shore has a number of dog-friendly beaches around Mosman, a large suburb on Sydney Harbour. Check out these great dog beaches, but remember there are time restrictions, especially on weekends.
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The most popular dog friendly beach to visit in Mosman is Pacific Bay Reserve, just west of Taronga Zoo.
There are some limitations as mentioned here. Dogs are allowed on the beach and in the water all day during the week, and only before 9am and after 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Fortunately, the same off-leash time applies to the nearby grassy reserve, but dogs are still allowed to join you for afternoon walks in the shaded park at weekends. The reserve and beach are quiet and peaceful, off the beaten path, with easy and free parking.
Across the water and Spit Bridge, the two Tear Reserves, Spit West Reserve and Spit East Reserve, are separated by the busy Spit Road. Both reserves are dog friendly, subject to certain regulations set by Mosman Council.
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Spit West Saturday Reserve Both reserves enable dogs to exercise all day between 8.30am and 2.30pm. Dogs are allowed to go to the beach and swim during the week, but on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays before 9am or after 4pm.
Check the map on the page linked above for the exact boundaries of the two reserves. Spit East Reserve is quite small between Sydney Harbor Intermediate Boats and the restaurants to the south. Spit West reserve is much larger and extends to Pearl Bay, but does not always have a beach. Keep your dog away from busy roads and be aware that parking can be expensive.
There is another dog friendly beach on the outskirts of Mosman at Clifton Park Reserve, also known as Chowder Bay.
As stated on this website, dogs are only allowed in the water on the beach and east of Clifton Park Wharf. They are only allowed to go to the beach during the week, before 9am or after 4pm in winter. In the summer season, they are only allowed to go to the beach before 9 am or after 6 pm.
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The rules for dogs in the nearby grassy reserve are more relaxed, and dogs are allowed all day during the week, before 9am and after 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. At other times they should wait. (This is a popular picnic spot.)
Parking at Clifton Park is quite expensive but parking is free at the top of the hill but walk down. Alternatively, a visit to the beach can be combined with a walk through the surrounding bush. If you park at the French Cafe off Middle Head Road or at George Head Lookout, you can enjoy a bush walk.
