Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly hideaway in the suburb of Mosman, home to a small beach, a playground, and a picnic area.
Also referred to as Little Sirius Cove, this charming spot on Sydney’s Lower North Shore is also a great starting point for various Sydney Harbour coastal trails.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about this pretty reserve, including things to do nearby.
Getting There
Sirius Cove Reserve is located at the end of Sirius Cove Road in the southwestern part of Mosman (see map location).
If you’re travelling by car, the reserve has a small designated car park. If that car park is at capacity, try suburban street parking a bit further away.
Another way to travel to this reserve is by ferry. The closest ferry stops are the South Mosman and Mosman Bay wharves west of Sirius Cove, and Taronga Zoo wharf east of Sirius Cove. It’s only a short walk from these wharves.
Travelling by bus is also an option, with various bus stops along nearby Prince Albert Street and Raglan Street.
About Sirius Cove Reserve
Quietly tucked away in one of the many lower north shore bays, Sirius Cove Reserve is a peaceful little paradise with excellent facilities for the whole family, including the dog.
Yes, with a dog-friendly beach, Sirius Cove is one of the best places in Sydney to let your dog run around and go for a little splash.
Sirius Cove was named after HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet that arrived in New South Wales at the end of the 18th century.
Located at the end of Sirius Cove Rd in Mosman, the reserve has a spacious setup, equipped with picnic tables, a fenced playground for children, a drinking fountain, and a toilet/shower block.
Protected by a sandstone wall, the 250-metre wide beach is south-facing to a deep bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. The water is usually quiet and shallow and, therefore, perfect to walk into with your dog.
Dogs are permitted off-leash in the park, on the beach, and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays, this is restricted to non-peak hours before 9 am and after 4 pm. Check the Mosman Council website for more details.
Dogs love visiting friendly Sirius Cove, but please be mindful of other visitors when letting your four-legged friend out running.
Curlew Camp
In the late 19th century, various leading Australian artists used to come to Sirius Cove to do their creative work. Some of their most famous paintings were created there.
Curlew Camp, as it was called, became a popular gathering spot for artists, writers, and musicians. The camp was located at Little Sirius Cove, just around the corner of Sirius Cove.
The “Curlew Camp Artist’s Walk” is the walking trail from South Mosman Ferry Wharf towards Taronga Zoo that the artists followed to get to the camp.
The camp was ultimately abandoned in 1912 when the area was chosen to build the new Taronga Zoo, but the historical significance of Curlew Camp has always remained.
Walks and Beaches Nearby
Sirius Cove Reserve can be reached by foot via the foreshore walking trail that takes in places like Cremorne Point, Mosman Bay, Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head, and Chowder Bay.
1. Go East: Whiting Beach, Athol Bay and Bradleys Head
If you’re visiting the reserve and feel like hiking, we recommend going eastbound towards Taronga Zoo and Bradleys Head. You can find this trail at the eastern end of the beach.
Climb up the stairs and follow the path towards Little Sirius Cove and Little Sirius Point at the tip of the bay.
Just around the corner of Little Sirius Point is Whiting Beach, a small, south-facing strip of sand with densely vegetated slopes, right in front of Taronga Zoo.
Continue the walking trail past Taronga Zoo Wharf, and you’ll soon arrive at Athol Bay, another quiet and secluded beach.
From Athol Bay, follow the beautiful Bradleys Head Walking Track to an iconic landmark in Sydney Harbour.
2. Go West: Mosman Bay and Cremorne Point
From Sirius Cove Reserve, you can also go in the other direction, towards Mosman Bay and Cremorne Point.
Follow Curlew Camp Road and look for the “Curlew Camp Walk” sign. This walking trail goes through quiet suburban streets to Mosman Bay, and from there on to Cremorne Point.
The easy 3 km foreshore trail around Cremorne Point offers beautiful views of Mosman Bay, Sydney Harbour, and the city skyline.