Dog-friendly beaches in South Coast

Collers Beach is a small, tucked-away bay south of Mollymook with 24-hour off-leash access. What makes it distinctive are the rock ledges and tidal pools — depending on the tide, there are sheltered pockets for dogs to explore and wade through. The water is generally calmer than the open beach, and you can walk along the waterline through to Mollymook Beach. Parking is limited to a small car park, so it tends to stay quieter than bigger beaches.

MM Beach is an off-leash dog beach where families with kids and dogs regularly share the sand without issue. The water is calm and sheltered enough for dogs to swim comfortably, and there's a walking path that extends along the coast. Bins and bags are provided, and there's parking nearby. Visitors often mention it as one of their dogs' favourite spots, with the combination of open sand and gentle water making it easy for dogs to burn energy.

McCauley's Beach is an off-leash dog beach with a walking track that passes through land with Aboriginal historical significance. The beach is sandy with good swimming access, and the off-leash freedom extends the full length of the beach at all times. It connects to Sandon Point further along the coast, so you can extend the walk if your dog has more energy to burn. Parking is available nearby.

Bengello Beach is a quiet off-leash beach with 24-hour access. The setting feels remote and uncrowded — this isn't a busy suburban beach. There's drinking water, parking, and bins available. It's a peaceful spot for a relaxed beach outing with your dog.

Coniston Dog Beach is a dedicated off-leash beach that's accessible via a short walk up a paved path. The beach itself is well-maintained and has a community feel — regulars describe it as a place where dogs and families share the space comfortably. The water access is straightforward, and the smaller scale of the beach keeps things manageable. It's a reliable everyday option for Wollongong dog owners.

Jones Beach has a designated off-leash section at the southern end, with the rest of the beach on-leash. The dog-friendly stretch gives dogs access to sand and water, and the Kiama Downs setting is scenic. Dogs must be on-leash when entering and exiting the off-leash area. Stacks Eatery is a short walk away if you're after a coffee.

Puckey's Beach is an off-leash green zone beach with good parking, toilets, and space to spread out. It's close to the lifesavers' patrol area, so human swimmers can enjoy the water too. Check signage for current zone boundaries.

Washerwomans Beach is an off-leash dog beach with calm water and a sheltered lagoon at one end. The gentle waves and family-friendly atmosphere make it a relaxed spot. Toilets are near the car park, and there's good parking.

Huskisson Beach is a beautiful Jervis Bay beach with a designated off-leash stretch on seasonal hours. From October to April dogs are off-leash from 4pm to 8am, and from May to September from 3pm to 10am, with on-leash access in between. There is a rock pool that suits calmer paddling, plus toilets, drinking water and free parking. A lovely, peaceful dog beach for a run around the off-leash window.

Bombo Beach is a larger, open stretch of coastline with wide views out to the surrounding headland. It offers plenty of space for dogs to move, but conditions can be rough at times, with stronger waves than more sheltered beaches.

Bulli Beach is a scenic Wollongong beach known for its sunrises, with a playground, shade and toilets nearby. Dogs are welcome on-leash at set times only as an orange-zone beach: in summer before 9am and after 6pm, and in winter before 9am and after 4pm. It makes a lovely spot for an early-morning or evening walk on the sand. A pretty on-leash beach for a timed visit.

Stanwell Park Beach combines a wide, open ocean beach with a calmer lagoon area behind it, giving dogs two very different environments in one location. The main beach can have strong surf, while the lagoon offers a more sheltered option for dogs that prefer still water.

Callala Beach is a beautiful Jervis Bay beach with a designated off-leash stretch on seasonal hours. From October to April dogs are off-leash from 4pm to 8am, and from May to September from 3pm to 10am, with on-leash access in between. The stunning, welcoming setting makes it a lovely spot for a run and a swim. A peaceful dog beach for the off-leash window.

Sandon Point Beach is a scenic Wollongong beach popular with surfers, with parking and toilets nearby. Dogs are welcome on-leash at set times only as an orange-zone beach: in summer before 9am and after 6pm, and in winter before 9am and after 4pm. It is a lovely spot for an early-morning or evening walk on the sand. A relaxed on-leash beach for a timed visit.

Thirroul Beach is a popular Illawarra beach with a playground, BBQ facilities and a relaxed coastal feel. Dogs are welcome on-leash at set times only, as an orange-zone beach: in summer before 9am and after 6pm, and in winter before 9am and after 4pm. It makes a lovely spot for an early-morning or evening walk on the sand. A pretty on-leash beach for a timed visit.

Fairy Meadow Beach is a relaxed Illawarra beach with calm water, grassed surrounds and a green zone where dogs are allowed off-leash at any time. Dogs can run off-leash in the green zone, so it is worth checking the signage for the exact area. There is shade, toilets and parking on hand. A friendly beach with an off-leash green zone.