A Complete Guide To Sydney's Dog Beaches
Looking for a beach in Sydney where your dog can sprint off-lead, splash in the surf, and make new furry friends? From Bayview in the north to Greenhills Dog Beach in Cronulla, Sydney’s coastline is dotted with some of New South Wales’ best dog-friendly beaches. Whether your pup loves calm bays for paddling or wide sandy stretches for zoomies, there’s a perfect spot for every personality.
Below you’ll find an interactive map and local insights into the best dog beaches in Sydney, including off-leash hours, parking tips, and nearby pet-friendly cafés.
If your pup isn’t quite ready for waves just yet, check out our guide to Sydney’s fenced dog parks — perfect for safe socialising and building confidence before hitting the beach.
Map: Where Are Dog Beaches in Sydney?
Use the interactive map below to find off-leash dog beaches across Sydney. Whether you’re in the north, south, or along the eastern suburbs, you’ll find plenty of sandy spots where dogs can play, swim, and socialise freely.
Tip: Tick “Search as I move the map” to discover even more dog-friendly beaches near you.
🧺 What to Bring
A few beach essentials for a smooth outing:
- Towels for both of you
- Plenty of drinking water and a portable bowl (saltwater makes dogs sick)
- Shade (umbrella or tent)
- Tennis ball or frisbee
- Poop bags — always
🚫 Beaches That Aren’t Dog-Friendly
Many of Sydney’s most famous beaches are actually not dog-friendly. Even on-lead access is banned at spots like Bondi, Coogee, Bronte and Tamarama. If you’re looking for off-lead sand and surf, you’ll need to look a little further from the main tourist beaches.
- Bondi Beach: Dogs are never allowed on Bondi main beach.
- Coogee Beach: Same deal: no dogs on the main beach.
- Bronte Beach & Tamarama Beach: Both part of the Eastern Suburbs dog-prohibited zone.
Northern Suburbs – Dog Beaches in Sydney
The northern suburbs are home to several great off-lead beaches where dogs can stretch their legs and cool off in the waves.
Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman
Tucked away just west of Taronga Zoo on Sydney’s lower north shore, Sirius Cove Reserve is a hidden gem for dog owners. Its calm, shallow waters and lack of waves make it a perfect spot for dogs who aren’t quite ready to take on the surf.
The small sandy beach gives pups plenty of room to sprint, while the grassy area is ideal for picnics or playtime. You’ll also find handy amenities – a drinking fountain, BBQ facilities, and a scenic walking path that connects all the way to Taronga Zoo for those keen on a longer stroll.
Dog access is off-leash all day Monday to Friday, but on weekends and public holidays, dogs are only permitted before 9 am and after 4 pm. So plan accordingly – and let your dog enjoy one of Mosman’s most tranquil coastal escapes.
Learn more: Sirius Cove Reserve
Bayview Dog Park
Bayview Dog Park is a favourite spot for dog owners, offering a spacious grassy area and easy access to the beach. The shallow water makes it perfect for dogs to paddle and play off-leash, whether they’re cooling down or chasing a ball along the shore.
The park can get quite busy on weekends, especially during summer, so it’s best to arrive early if you want to avoid the crowds. Parking is limited, and the free one-hour spots fill up quickly – otherwise, expect to pay a premium. Despite that, Bayview Dog Park remains a fantastic destination with plenty of room for dogs to run, explore, and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
Learn more: Bayview Dog Park
Lagoon Reserve (Queenscliff)
While it’s not directly on the beach, Lagoon Reserve in Queenscliff is a fantastic spot for dogs to stretch their legs on the sand and splash around in the shallow lagoon waters.
If you’re feeling active, there’s exercise equipment nearby so you can get a quick workout in — just make sure to keep an eye on your pup while you do. Parking is convenient with free two-hour spots available, though they can fill up quickly during busy times.
Learn more: Lagoon Reserve (Queenscliff)
Southern Suburbs – Dog Beaches in Sydney
From peaceful bays to oceanfront stretches, Sydney’s southern suburbs offer a mix of dog-friendly beaches perfect for swims, strolls, and sandy adventures.
Rose Bay Dog Beach
Rose Bay Beach is a stunning, shallow stretch of sand with sweeping views of Sydney Harbour and the iconic bridge. Dogs are welcome off-leash here at all times, making it a favourite for locals looking to combine a swim with a scenic walk. There isn’t much natural shade, so it’s best to visit in the late afternoon – perfect for a relaxed picnic or to watch the sunset.
Learn more: Rose Bay Dog Beach
Kurnell Dog Beach
Kurnell Dog Beach is a charming coastal spot with plenty of parking, fresh drinking water, and a convenient toilet block nearby. While it’s not one of Sydney’s longest beaches, it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll or a quick run along the sand. The peaceful atmosphere and open space make it a great place to let your dog stretch their legs and enjoy the sea breeze.
Learn more: Kurnell Dog Beach
Greenhills Dog Beach
Greenhills Beach is the only dog-friendly beach in Sydney that faces the ocean, making it a rare gem for off-leash seaside adventures. Dogs are allowed off-leash from 3pm–10am (non-daylight savings) and 4pm–10am (during daylight savings). Be sure to avoid visiting between 10am–4pm, when dogs are strictly banned.
Learn more: Greenhills Dog Beach
Did We Miss a Dog Beach?
We love discovering new dog-friendly places around Sydney! If you’ve found a beach not listed here, send us the details via Instagram or via our Contact Form. Thank you! 💞🐾
FAQs About Sydney's Dog Beaches
Here are some of the most common questions we get about Sydney’s dog-friendly beaches.
Are dogs allowed at Bondi Beach?
Dogs are not allowed at Bondi Beach and the Waverley Council asks to please respect these restrictions. There are several other places in the area where you can take your dog, learn more about them here: Waverley Council – Responsible Dog Ownership
Just a short way south of Bondi Beach in Tamarama, Marks Park is a time-limited dog off-leash area, which means that dogs can run around freely from 4.30 pm to 8.30 am daily. Click here for more details: Waverley Council – Marks Park
A short way north of Bondi Beach you’ll find the Hugh Bamford Reserve in North Bondi. It’s an off-leash area with no time restrictions, click here for more information: Waverley Council – Hugh Bamford Reserve
If you’re looking for a place where your dog can also splash around in the water a bit, have a look at the Rose Bay Beach mentioned above.
Can dogs go to Coogee Beach?
No, dogs can not go to Coogee Beach. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in adjacent parks and they are prohibited from the beach, playgrounds, and food preparation areas. There is an off-leash dog park just a five-minute walk south of Coogee Beach at Trenerry Reserve, learn more here: Randwick Council
If you’re looking for a place where your dog can go into the water, the Rose Bay Beach might be your best option, which is about a 20-minute drive away from Coogee.
Can you take dogs on the Bondi to Coogee walk?
Yes, your dog can come along on the Bondi to Coogee walk as long as it remains on a leash and won’t access the beaches.
How long is the coastal walk from Coogee to Bondi?
It takes about two hours to complete the Coogee to Bondi walk.
Is Clovelly beach dog-friendly?
No, dogs are not allowed on Clovelly beach. In fact, the only beach you can take your dogs to in the Eastern Suburbs is in Rose Bay
Is North Curl Curl beach dog-friendly?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach but there’s an off-leash dog exercise area behind the dunes at Adam Street Reserve. Click here for more information: Northern Beaches Council – North Curl Curl Beach
Can you take dogs on Sydney ferries?
You might be able to take your dog on Sydney ferries. First of all, we need to differentiate between approved assistance animals and pet animals. Approved assistance animals are allowed on all public transport in NSW.
That said, there are different rules for pet animals, but if your dog fits in a box, basket, or another container you might be allowed to bring it on the ferry, pending approval from the crew. Learn more here: TransportNSW – Traveling with Pets
Is Milk Beach dog-friendly?
No, dogs aren’t allowed on Milk Beach, but you can take your dog to Rose Bay Beach, which is just a short 5-minute drive away.