The best beaches for dogs in Sydney in 2026, including off-leash areas, designated dog zones, and the rules you need to know
Pets & Lifestyle Desk is a contributing writer covering pets and public affairs for The Sydney Times.
Dogs are not allowed on all beaches in Sydney. The rules vary by council and by beach. Most ocean beaches in the Eastern Suburbs and Northern Beaches are not dog-friendly during business hours, but many have designated off-leash areas where dogs can run free. Harbour and river beaches are generally more dog-friendly than ocean beaches. Always check the local council website before you go, because rules can change and some beaches have seasonal restrictions.
In general, dogs must be on a leash in all public places unless the area is designated as an off-leash area. Dogs are not allowed on playgrounds, in bushland areas, or within 10 metres of a food outlet. Dog owners are required to carry a bag and clean up after their dog. Fines for not cleaning up after your dog can be up to $500.
South Hurstville Beach in the southern suburbs is a dog-friendly beach with a designated off-leash area at the northern end of the beach. The beach is sheltered by a headland and has calm water. The beach is patrolled by the South Hurstville Surf Life Saving Club on weekends and public holidays. The off-leash area is separated from the main beach by a fence.
Long Reef Beach in Collaroy on the northern beaches is a dog-friendly beach with a designated off-leash area at the southern end of the beach. The beach has a surf life saving club and is patrolled on weekends and public holidays. The off-leash area is separated from the main beach by a sign.
Tamarama Beach in the eastern suburbs is not dog-friendly on the main beach, but there is a designated off-leash area at the northern end of the beach near the park. The off-leash area is grassed and has views of the ocean. The beach itself is not dog-friendly during business hours.
Grose Point in Waverton is a harbour beach with a designated off-leash area. The beach is sheltered and has calm water. The beach is not patrolled by surf lifesavers, but the water is calm enough for dogs to swim. The beach has a grassed area and picnic tables.
Balmoral Beach in Mosman is a harbour beach with a designated off-leash area at the northern end of the beach. The beach is sheltered and has calm water. The beach is patrolled by the Mosman Surf Life Saving Club on weekends and public holidays. The off-leash area is separated from the main beach by a sign.
Clontarf Beach in Clontarf is a harbour beach with a designated off-leash area. The beach is sheltered and has calm water. The beach is not patrolled by surf lifesavers, but the water is calm enough for dogs to swim. The beach has a grassed area and picnic tables.
Sydney Park in St Peters is a large park with a designated off-leash dog area. The off-leash area is located in the north-west corner of the park and has a double-gate entry system. The park has wide open spaces, a children's playground, and a network of walking tracks. The park is accessible by train to St Peters station.
Centennial Park in the eastern suburbs has several designated off-leash dog areas, including the Dickens and Moore parks. The off-leash areas are fenced and have water fountains for dogs. The park has wide open spaces for dogs to run and a network of walking tracks for owners. The park is accessible by train to Central station.
Bicentennial Park in Homebush Bay has a designated off-leash dog area in the southern part of the park. The off-leash area is fenced and has water fountains for dogs. The park has wide open spaces for dogs to run and a network of bike paths for owners. The park is accessible by train to Olympic Park station.
The Grounds of Alexandria in Alexandria is a dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating and water bowls for dogs. The cafe has a pet menu that includes treats and pupcakes. The cafe is located in a converted warehouse and has a large outdoor area with shade. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area but not inside.
Bondi Wholefoods in Bondi Junction is a dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating and water bowls for dogs. The cafe has a pet menu that includes treats and frozen yoghurt. The cafe is located in the Bondi Junction shopping centre and has a small outdoor area. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area but not inside.
Two Good Co in Surry Hills is a dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating and water bowls for dogs. The cafe has a pet menu that includes treats and pupcakes. The cafe is located in Surry Hills and has a small outdoor area. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area but not inside.
The Lord Nelson in The Rocks is a dog-friendly pub with outdoor seating and water bowls for dogs. The pub is located in the historic Rocks area and has a beer garden with views of the harbour. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area but not inside.
When you take your dog to a beach or park, bring the following:
Dogs can swim at most dog-friendly beaches, but you should supervise them at all times. Dogs are not strong swimmers and can get into difficulty in surf or currents. Do not take your dog swimming at beaches with large surf or strong currents. If you take your dog swimming at a harbour beach, check for pollution alerts before you go. The NSW Government publishes beach pollution alerts on the Beachwatch website.
More information about dog-friendly beaches and parks in Sydney is available at your local council website.
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