Dog-friendly beaches in Central Coast

Umina Beach forms the southern section of the long surf beach on the Woy Woy Peninsula. The designated off-leash dog area is at the southern end only; the northern section, listed separately as Ocean Beach, is not a dog area. Parking, toilets and a playground are nearby.

North Avoca Beach gives dogs a proper stretch of sand and water to enjoy, with a designated off-leash area that feels open, relaxed and easygoing. It's the kind of beach where dogs can run, swim, chase a ball and shake off afterwards, without the busier feel of some larger coastal spots.

Macmasters Beach is a relaxed Central Coast beach with a designated off-leash area where dogs can run on the sand and into the water. There is a lagoon and a rock pool alongside the main beach, and the calm conditions make it an easy place for a swim and a play. With parking, BBQ facilities and a bakery close by, it is a pleasant spot to spend a while. A friendly beach for an off-leash outing.

Terrigal Beach has a dog-friendly stretch at its northern end, off-leash north of Terrigal Lagoon with access from Surfers Lane. From the lagoon south to Painter's Lane, dogs need to stay on-leash. The calm water and open sand make the off-leash section a good place for a run and a swim, with parking nearby. A relaxed beach outing, with room to roam at the north end.

Forresters Beach is a quiet, scenic Central Coast beach with a designated off-leash dog area. Dogs are allowed off-leash here under effective control, and it is rarely crowded, with open water and a windswept, natural feel. Access is down a steep set of stairs, so it suits those happy with the climb, and the surf can be strong later in the day. A peaceful beach for an off-leash walk with an energetic dog.

Avoca Beach is a chilled Central Coast beach with a designated off-leash stretch of about 600 metres, from the Shark Tower north towards View Street, with the Avoca Lagoon area also dog-friendly. Dogs are allowed off-leash in that section, and are not permitted south of the Shark Tower. There is parking and grass behind the sand. A lovely beach for an off-leash run and a swim.

Patonga Beach is one of the quietest dog-friendly beaches in NSW — calm Hawkesbury water, off-leash access all day, and almost no crowds. The village itself is small and unhurried, making the whole outing feel like a step out of the city. There are toilets and parking available. The Boathouse Hotel Patonga is right across the road if you want to make a day of it.

Dog-friendly beach in Killcare Heights with off-leash access for dogs.

Ettalong Beach is a relaxed Central Coast beach with a designated off-leash dog area, water access, toilets and parking. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the marked section under effective control, and it is worth checking the council signage for the hours and boundaries. The sheltered setting makes it an easy spot for a run and a paddle. A friendly beach for an off-leash outing.

Wamberal Beach is a long Central Coast surf beach with a designated dog section. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the marked dog beach, so it is worth checking the signage for any seasonal or time conditions. The open sand gives plenty of room for a run and a swim. A relaxed beach for an off-leash outing.

Budgewoi Beach has a designated off-leash dog area running from Ocean Street to about 500 metres north of Lakes Beach Surf Club. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the open sand, where they can run freely and meet other dogs, with parking close by. It is worth bringing fresh drinking water for a longer visit. A friendly, relaxed dog beach with plenty of room to move.

Dog-friendly beach with a designated off-leash area where dogs can roam freely.

Pearl Beach has a designated off-leash dog area covering roughly 600 metres at the northern end, extending north from the Pearl Beach Lagoon entrance and Agate Avenue. Dogs must remain on-leash along the rest of the beach and are prohibited in the southern headland reserve at Green Point / Paul Landa Park. Parking, toilets, BBQ facilities and the lagoon are nearby.

Dog-friendly beach.

Dog-friendly beach.

Dog-friendly beach with off-leash access for dogs.