Dog-friendly beaches in Northern Beaches

Bayview Dog Park is a popular waterfront spot where dogs can combine open space with easy access to calm, shallow water. The grassy areas give dogs room to move, while the gentle water conditions make it a good place for relaxed swims.

Sandy Bay is a dedicated dog swimming area near Manly, clean and well-maintained. The water is sheltered enough for dogs to swim comfortably. There are bins, waste bags, toilets, and parking nearby. Sandy Bar Cafe is just 200 metres away.

Curl Curl Lagoon is a calm, shady lagoon tucked behind the surf beach — an under-recommended alternative to the ocean beaches. The water is still and sheltered, with wetlands and established trees providing shade. To find the dog-friendly section, head to the North Curl Curl parking lot and walk towards the lagoon. It's one of the quieter spots on the Northern Beaches.

Mona Vale Beach is a Northern Beaches beach with a designated off-leash area and open sand. Dogs can run off-leash in the marked section and on-leash elsewhere, with bag stations and water access on hand. It is a relaxed coastal spot for a run and a swim. A friendly beach for an off-leash outing.

Great Mackerel Beach is a quiet, ferry-access beach on Pittwater with calm water and a sheltered feel. Dogs are off-leash in the designated strip — from the public wharf north towards the national park — from sunrise to 9:30am and from 5pm to sunset, and on-leash by the shortest route between boats and the grass at other times. Dogs are not permitted south of the wharf or in the adjoining Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. A peaceful spot for a timed off-leash visit by the water.

Narrabeen Beach is a long Northern Beaches beach with calm lagoon water, BBQ facilities and parking. Dogs are welcome on-leash along the beach and lagoon foreshore, making it an easy spot for a walk by the water. The sheltered conditions suit a gentle outing with the family. A relaxed on-leash beach with plenty of room.

Dog-friendly beach in Great Mackerel Beach where dogs can enjoy off-leash play…

Dog-friendly beach in Currawong Beach.

Manly Lagoon Dog Area is a calm, wave-free lagoon where dogs can wade and play at any time of day. The still water makes it a good introduction for puppies and nervous dogs — there's no surf to contend with, just gentle lagoon conditions. Note that lagoon water quality can vary, so check recent conditions.

Fairlight Beach is an on-leash beach with an ocean pool and water access. Dogs are welcome on-leash in the park and beach area. Toilets are available nearby. It's a scenic walk along the harbourside.

Clareville Beach Reserve sits on a calm Pittwater-side beach on the western side of the Northern Beaches peninsula — sheltered, non-surf, with shallow water and a strip of shaded grass behind the sand. Locals describe it as pleasant for families with young children, particularly in late afternoon.

Beach in Manly. Dog access at NSW beaches varies by council and is often

Beach where dog access has not yet been confirmed…

Beach in Clontarf. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.

Beach. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.

Beach in Manly. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.