Explore Sydney’s top dog-friendly beaches with off-leash areas, calm waters, and great facilities for pets and owners.
While Sydney boasts countless stunning beaches along its coastline and within the Harbour, only a few are welcoming to dogs. Most of Sydney’s beaches don’t allow dogs, not even on a lead, which can be disappointing given the city’s large dog population.
To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 16 of the best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney that your furry friend will love. Before heading out, don’t forget to check the local council websites for the latest rules on on-lead and off-lead access.
Find all of the below beaches in this interactive map.
1. Sirius Cove Reserve

Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly retreat nestled in the Mosman suburb of Sydney’s lower north shore.
Also known as Little Sirius Cove, this picturesque bay features a quiet beach, a playground, and a spacious picnic area.
Framed by a sandstone wall, the 250-metre-wide beach faces south into a sheltered bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for dogs to wade or dash around.
Dogs are welcome off-leash in the park, on the beach, and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, off-leash access is limited to non-peak hours before 9 am and after 4 pm.
Check the Mosman Council website for more information.
2. Clifton Gardens Beach

Clifton Gardens is a popular picnic destination for families, offering a rocky beach with a netted swimming area, a fenced playground, change rooms, and excellent BBQ and picnic facilities.
It’s also a hit with dogs, who enjoy plenty of space to roam freely, whether in the park, on the beach, or in the water.
However, there are time restrictions to keep in mind. Dogs are allowed off-leash before 9 am and after 4 pm from April to September, and before 9 am and after 6 pm from October to May.
Check the Mosman Council website for more information.
3. Spit West Reserve

Spit West Reserve is a spacious, dog-friendly park located just south of the Spit Bridge in Mosman, featuring a beach area that appears at low tide.
Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, off-leash access is limited to before 9 am and after 4 pm.
Check the Mosman Council website for more information.
4. Sandy Bay in Clontarf

Sandy Bay, located on Sandy Bay Road in the suburb of Clontarf, is a well-loved dog-friendly beach along the Spit to Manly Walk.
It sits next to Clontarf Reserve, a scenic park and beach area offering excellent picnic and BBQ facilities, a café and restaurant, playgrounds, toilets and showers, and easy beach access.
Dogs are welcome off-leash at Sandy Bay, which features a small, shallow, and sheltered beach, perfect for them to splash around and enjoy themselves.
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for more information.
5. Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve

The grassy dunes and natural lagoon at the Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve in Curl Curl, nestled between Dee Why and Freshwater Beach, offer a fantastic playground for dogs to explore and enjoy.
Even better, dogs are allowed off-leash at all times in the reserve. The area is well-equipped, featuring dog waste bins, a drinking station, and public toilets nearby.
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for more information.
6. Bayview Dog Park in Rowland Reserve

Bayview dog park, located in Rowland Reserve on Pittwater Road, is one of the most popular spots for dogs on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The park features a spacious grassy area along with beach access to Pittwater, right next to the boat launching zone.
As a bonus, if your dog needs a professional clean, there’s often a mobile dog wash service available in the park on weekends.
Check the Northern Beaches Council website for more information.
7. Marrinawi Cove

Opened in 2023, Marrinawi Cove at Barangaroo Reserve is a unique swimming spot in Sydney Harbour that warmly welcomes dogs. While it’s not a traditional beach, we think Marrinawi Cove earns its place on this list of dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.
The swimming enclosure is equipped with safety netting to keep sharks and other wildlife out. Surrounding the area, you’ll find plenty of seating, safety railings, signage, as well as shower and toilet facilities.
Keep in mind that Marrinawi Cove can get busy during the summer months, so it’s best to visit earlier in the day to give your dog more space to run and swim.
8. Glebe Foreshore

The Glebe Foreshore offers several dog-friendly parks and spaces, but for off-leash fun, Bicentennial and Federal Park, located west of the Johnstons Creek canal, are the top picks.
That’s where you’ll find a small beach with water access to Rozelle Bay, conveniently located near the Federal Park Picnic Shelter.
Dogs love dashing in and out of this sandy stretch, and the surrounding parklands make it a fantastic spot for your furry friend to enjoy some quality playtime.
Check the City of Sydney website for more information.
9. Rose Bay Beach and Dumaresq Reserve

Dogs are welcome off-leash along the Rose Bay foreshore between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve.
With stunning views of Sydney Harbour, it’s a perfect spot for you and your furry companion to relax and enjoy a few hours together.
There are also several nearby parks where dogs are allowed, provided they remain on a lead.
Check the Woollahra Municipal Council website for more information.
10. Bellamy Beach at Rose Bay Park

Rose Bay Park, situated on the opposite side of the ferry wharf, is both a dog-friendly park and a beach.
However, keep in mind that dogs are required to be on a lead in this area, though this rule doesn’t seem to be strictly enforced.
Check the Woollahra Municipal Council website for more information.
11. Kutti Beach in Vaucluse

Kutti Beach is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets: a small strip of sand nestled between Parsley Bay Reserve and Watsons Bay in Vaucluse.
You can access the beach via a narrow staircase beside the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club, located at the end of Wharf Road. At first glance, it might seem like a dead-end street, which it essentially is, but don’t turn back. Look closely, and you’ll spot the staircase.
While dogs are technically only allowed on the beach and in the water on a lead, you’ll often see them running freely in and out of the water, and most visitors don’t seem to mind.
Check the Woollahra Municipal Council website for more information.
12. Lady Robinsons Beach in Kyeemagh

The northernmost section of Lady Robinsons Beach in Kyeemagh was designated a dog-friendly beach in 2018 and has quickly become a favourite among locals.
While it’s a relatively small area, it’s more than spacious enough for dogs to run around and socialise with their furry friends.
Best of all, dogs are allowed off-leash 24/7 on this stretch of sand.
Check the Bayside Council website for more information.
13. Botany Bay Foreshore Beach

Botany Bay Foreshore Beach may not be the most picturesque dog-friendly park and beach in Sydney, but it’s a hidden gem for dogs and their owners.
While dogs are welcome on the beach all day, they must remain on a leash.
The easiest access is via Foreshore Road, with ample parking available in the large car park marked with signs for the boat ramp.
14. Silver Beach in Kurnell

Silver Beach in Kurnell, facing Botany Bay, features a dog-friendly section on its western end at Bonna Point Reserve.
This peaceful stretch of sand, with its low tides and gentle waters, is ideal for dogs to play and enjoy themselves.
Accessibility is also convenient, with plenty of street parking available nearby, primarily along Prince Charles Parade.
Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for more information.
15. Greenhills Beach in Cronulla

Greenhills Beach, located next to Wanda Beach north of Cronulla Beach, is Sydney’s only ocean-facing dog-friendly beach. It sits directly in front of a new suburb sharing the same name.
While there’s ample parking in the area, this popular spot tends to fill up quickly on weekends, so plan accordingly.
Dogs are allowed off-leash at Greenhills Beach before 10 am and after 4 pm daily. Despite its popularity, the beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of space for dogs and their owners to enjoy some quality time together.
Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for more information.
16. Horderns Beach in Bundeena

Located west of the Bundeena ferry wharf, Horderns Beach is a popular stretch of sand with both on- and off-leash sections available year-round.
From September to April, dogs are allowed off-leash on Horderns Beach on weekdays only, before 8:30 am and after 4:30 pm.
Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for more information.
More dog-friendliness:
Lady Robinsons Beach in Kyeemagh has become a 24/7 dog beach in February 2022 after a decision by Bayside Council.
Thanks Daniela, that’s great news, article has been updated.
Frankly, in my opinion, beaches are overrated. If you’re a dog owner, much better to go to a river. Less people, absolutely no rangers and beautiful scenery to boot. I am from the Blue Mountains and have no desire to drive all the way to any of the recommended beaches with my greyhound in tow, only to find that there are 101 regulations in place including off leash time misunderstandings!
Hi Geneva,
Would love to know which rivers you are going to in the Blue Mountains?
Thanks
Hi Geneva, where do you recommend specifically? I tried yarramundi river and it was too muddy, too crowded, not enough shaded spots. Cheers.
What are these rivers you speak of? I’d love to take my greyhound there.
Kutti Beach is not dog friendly!
We took our new puppy there just last week and was given a citation by the ranger.
That’s interesting, thanks for sharing Michelle.
Was your puppy on or off lead?
I agree some owners need to be more responsible and it should be a legal requirement to properly train your dog and, unless it’s a show or breeding dog, then de-sexed as well.
That said, Australia is way behind in all matters of dog ownership. In the UK your dog can catch the tube with you or go to the pub with you I even once met a lady with an assistance dog which was staying in hospital with her.
Most beaches require dogs on a leash, if humans can’t swim on a leash how can our fur children/friends swim on leash. My golden retrievers love water, they can just swim and swim, it does not bother anyone. I wish rules change one day since most dog owners are very responsible.
Avoca Beach is dog friendly beach. We went there 2 Sundays and my 2 Chihuahua’s are loving it as they are unleashed.
Thanks for letting us know Alice, we’re going to check it out!
Kutti Beach is an on leash beach and is regularly patrolled by rangers.
Thank you for making us drive all the way to Greenhill beach (1 hr) with 38 degrees and discover it is not a dog friendly beach!
You wrote:
“Dogs can run around off leash at Greenhills Beach before 10am and after 4pm every day. It does get busy here but the beach is very well looked after with lots of space for both dogs and their owners to spend some quality time.”
That lead us and few other families understand that you can have the dog on leash in between 10 and 4 pm.
It is not true.
THE ONLY TIME YOU CAN HAVE THE DOGS AT THAT BEACH IS BEFORE 10 AND AFTER 4PM BUT ON LEASH! NOTHING IN BETWEEN!
Make sure you write clear information!
Hello Michela, sorry to hear you had a bad experience today. Please note though that the information provided in this article about Greenhills Beach was sourced directly from the Sutherland Shire Council website. Our article also includes a link to the Greenhills Beach page on the council website.
Also note that the council website does state that dogs can in fact go off leash Monday to Sunday between the hours of 4pm and 10am during daylight savings. If that information is incorrect, it’s best to notify council.
It also clearly states that dogs are prohibited on the beach outside of these hours. Fair enough, we didn’t mention that last piece of information, but whether your assumption that dogs can go on leash between 10am and 4pm was a fair assumption is debatable.
From council:
“Dogs allowed off-leash Monday to Sunday at the following times:
– Daylight savings time from 4pm to 10am
– Non-daylight savings (standard time) from 3pm to 10am
Dogs are prohibited on the beach outside of the above specified hours.”
You clearly just stated what Sydney Uncovered had said!
Clearly you made the mistake of not understanding their statement and it is only your fault for not reading it properly and comprehending it before jumping the loop. Well done on digging your own hole!
Can confirm Kutti Beach is dog-friendly, but yes, the rangers are a bit overzealous with doling out the fines for leashes. It is a complete joke at that location in particular (the beach is so small).
Wish more beaches were dog-friendly. Had a chat to a lifeguard this evening about it. My point is that most humans leave more rubbish, and offend one another far more than any dog ever could.
Totally agree.
If our dog owners were a lot more responsible particularly in the stick and ball throwing department and poo gathering then the powers that be may consider more venues, to be licked all over by a wet smelly dog is not a pleasant experience.
I acknowledge licking by a wet dog is not fun. But consider it a compliment. Dogs only gravitate to good people.
There aren’t many dog friendly beaches in Sydney. If you don’t like dogs, you have a lot of other beaches to visit. 🙂
Agree!
I agree with you re poo gathering. We live next to a reserve on the Parramatta River and are sick of people deliberately bringing their dogs down to the area to poo without picking up after them. We watch it all wash down into the same water that children play in and people fish in. But I don’t agree that taking access away will fix that. They just come really early in the morning or late at night so they don’t get caught. What we need to fix is the self entitlement. The idea that you are not responsible for your environment or your community. That is a problem that pervades all in Australia, not just dog owners.
Dogs are pretty good at sniffing out the good folks from the mean ones, I don’t think you have anything to worry about lol.
I have noticed in the Inner West, small beaches on the Iron Cove Bay (walk) and Blackwattle Bay (walk) are popular for dogs.
Thanks so much for the tip, Caroline.
Yes the iron cove beach is great for dogs but now the Callan Park upgrade will mean dogs will lose that area to romp in!
Can we do something? I belong to a FB group: Callan Park Dog Lovers. We are trying to keep dog access to that beach.