Dog-friendly parks in Northern Beaches

Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve has a large grassy off-leash area that leads directly onto a sandy stretch with access to the Curl Curl lagoon. The water is shallow enough to be a good introduction for dogs new to swimming, and the whole area connects to the boardwalk through to Freshwater, making for a longer walk if you want it. It's a social spot — joggers, other dog owners, and beachgoers share the space, but there's enough room for everyone.

Lagoon Reserve is one of the Northern Beaches' standout dog spots, combining an off-leash area with direct access to sand and water. The lagoon creates sheltered pockets where smaller or less confident dogs can swim without being overwhelmed, while the open sandy stretch gives bigger dogs room to run. It's close to Manly Beach with usually easy parking. Waste bags and bins are provided.

Mona Vale Headland Park sits on the clifftop with wide ocean views that make it feel more dramatic than your average suburban park. The off-leash area is available 24/7, with a mix of grassy open space and a walking track that leads down towards the Mona Vale golf course. Parts of the park are fenced, and waste bags are provided. It's a popular spot on the Northern Beaches, and the views alone make it worth the visit even on quieter days.

Rowland Reserve is a calm, waterfront area known for its shallow water, making it well suited to dogs that are learning to swim or prefer gentler conditions.

Frenchs Forest Showground has a large fenced off-leash area with a separate section for small dogs — a genuine split that gives smaller breeds their own space. The enclosure has double-gated entry points, waste bags, and bins. The grass is well-maintained even through winter. Parking is plentiful with two free lots nearby, and there's a shopping centre within walking distance. It's a practical, well-designed dog park.

LM Graham Reserve is a fully fenced off-leash park surrounding a football pitch, with good shade coverage and water stations inside the enclosure. The regulars are friendly and the park has a strong community feel. One thing to be aware of — locals note that sports users occasionally leave gates open, so keep an eye on entry points if your dog is a flight risk. Waste bags are provided, with toilets and parking nearby.

Truman Reserve has a loyal local community who describe it as one of the best dog parks on the Northern Beaches for friendliness. It's a straightforward off-leash space with drinking water, waste bags, and parking. Not the most feature-rich park, but the welcoming atmosphere and responsible owner culture make it work well as an everyday spot.

Clontarf Reserve is a popular harbourside spot near the Spit Bridge, with a netted swimming area, a large playground and shaded picnic spots with free electric BBQs. It has a designated off-leash area, with weekday hours differing from weekends and public holidays, so check the signage — and it can get very busy on weekends. The calm water and grassy surrounds make it a comfortable place to spend a while. A well-equipped reserve with timed off-leash space.

Hinkler Park has a fenced off-leash area with direct access to the river, giving dogs the option to run on sand and then cool off in the water. The enclosure means even dogs with less reliable recall can enjoy off-leash time safely. There are toilets, parking, BBQ facilities, and good shade. Mulatto Coffee is just around the corner.

North Harbour Reserve has a fenced off-leash dog area with harbour views and good shade. The broader reserve includes BBQ facilities, a playground, and parking. The harbour outlook gives it a scenic edge over most suburban dog parks.

Adams Street Reserve is a local off-leash park in Curl Curl with toilets nearby. It's a simple neighbourhood space for a quick off-leash outing.

Progress Park is an off-leash area beside Mullet Creek, with open space to walk and creek access for dogs that like the water. It is usually fairly quiet, with parking nearby and more to explore than a plain grass field. The ground can get muddy after rain, and the park sits close to a busy road and bike path, so it suits dogs that stay close and respond well.

Tania Park is a wide clifftop field at Balgowlah Heights, with sweeping views across North and South Heads and a coastal track leading towards Manly. Dogs have generous off-leash space here, but access is conditional around sport: weekday off-leash starts after 4pm, and weekend sport affects access after 7:30am. With parking, toilets, BBQs and a playground, it is a strong choice for a run with a view.

This Clontarf dog beach on Sandy Bay Road is a sheltered, sandy spot with shallow, protected water that suits a relaxed paddle or swim. Dogs are welcome off-leash under effective control, and there is a fenced area, shade, BBQ facilities and bag stations nearby. The calm inlet makes it an easy place for dogs that like the water, with a welcoming local feel. A comfortable harbour-side beach for a play and a swim.

Hitchcock Park has an off-leash dog park at its northern end, with a separate fenced section set aside for small and shy dogs. The main area is not fully enclosed, but the surrounding trees help contain it for a run. There is parking and toilets nearby, and the dog area sees a friendly local crowd. A practical Avalon spot, with the small-dog enclosure a useful option for cautious dogs.

Bantry Reserve is a pleasant Seaforth park with afternoon sun, shaded areas and benches and tables for a picnic. Dogs are welcome on-leash — it is not on the council's off-leash list, so the general on-leash rule applies. It can get busy with sport at times, but it is an easy, peaceful local spot otherwise, with a golf club next door. A comfortable on-leash park for a relaxed walk.