Dog-friendly parks in South Coast

Sharky Beach is a relaxed, off-leash beach where dogs run up and down the sand freely. It's not a big beach, but the atmosphere is easygoing and it rarely feels overcrowded. There's enough space to set up a picnic rug and settle in while your dog does laps. Parking is available nearby. It's a straightforward beach day with minimal fuss.

Clifton Park has a large, fully fenced off-leash area with established shade trees and rapid-refill water bowls for dogs. There's an agility course that younger dogs seem to enjoy particularly. The park is in a quiet location and rarely feels crowded. One thing to know — it can get quite muddy after rain, especially around the agility equipment. Waste bags are provided.

Clifton Park Learn to Ride is primarily a children's bike and scooter track, but dogs are welcome on-leash in the surrounding area. The adjacent Clifton Park Fenced Dog Park provides the off-leash option if you need it. There's drinking water, toilets, a playground, and shade. It's a good family spot where kids can ride while dogs join for an on-leash walk.

Figtree Oval has a fenced off-leash area with a creek running alongside where dogs can paddle. There's drinking water, waste bags, and bins provided. A playground sits nearby. Locals note that the ground can get soggy after heavy rain, but in dry conditions it's a pleasant spot.

Reed Park Fenced Dog Park is a popular local off-leash area with separate sections for small and large dogs. The fencing, drinking water and undercover seating make it a practical place for a relaxed dog park visit. It is well used by locals, so it works well for dogs that enjoy a social run with others.

Bonaira Native Gardens is an on-leash walking trail through native bushland in Kiama. The sealed track has a gentle incline for part of the route, with benches along the way and grassed areas for picnicking. Dogs must stay on the perimeter footpaths. The shade and native plantings make it a pleasant walk even on warm days.

Puckeys Estate Reserve is an on-leash walking area that connects to the beach, making it a good combination of walk and water access. The paths are well-maintained, though locals note that motorised bikes can move through quickly, so stay alert. There are toilets and parking available. Dogs must remain on-leash and at least 10 metres from playground areas.

Windang Dog Beach is a long off-leash beach with around four kilometres of sand where dogs can run at any time. The walk in through bushland opens onto a clean, uncrowded stretch with plenty of room to spread out. The surf can be choppy, but there is space for a proper run, a splash and a big beach walk.

Bark at the Beach is a relaxed beach spot in Thirroul with easy parking, a clean shoreline and a shallow inlet that is good for dogs and kids to play in. Dogs are welcome on-leash here, and it has a friendly, well-kept feel that locals return to. There is a shower and toilets nearby, and the open beach is pleasant for a walk by the water. A low-key, dog-welcoming coastal stop.

Dogs may only pass through on a formalised pathway while kept on-leash.

Reed Park has a fenced off-leash area divided into sections for large and small dogs, with fresh running water. There's no lighting, so it's best for daytime visits. The park sits within a larger sports reserve with plenty of surrounding space.

Riley Park is a simple grassed off-leash area in Unanderra with bag stations on hand. The off-leash zone is unfenced and sits close to a busy road, so it suits dogs with reliable recall that stay close. It is a basic, open space rather than a destination park — handy for a quick local run for dogs that are steady off-leash. A modest neighbourhood spot.

Jerrara Dam is a peaceful country spot near Kiama, an easy escape with shade and open surroundings. Dogs are welcome on-leash, though under Kiama's rules they are limited to the perimeter footpaths of the park rather than the interior. It is a quiet, low-key place for a gentle walk away from the bustle. A relaxed on-leash outing in a natural setting.

Kaleula Head is an off-leash headland at Kiama with sweeping 270-degree ocean views to the north, east and south. Dogs can run off-leash here under effective control, and the grassed headland is a fine spot to take in the outlook while they stretch their legs. It is a scenic, breezy place for an off-leash walk. A standout spot for a run with a view.

Little Austinmer Beach is a small dog beach where dogs can run off-leash 24 hours a day, with dogs kept on-leash going to and from the green zone. The beach is a little rocky, which is part of why it is set aside for dogs, and there is a small amount of parking right by the sand. It is a relaxed, low-key spot for an off-leash run by the water. A handy coastal beach for dogs any time of day.

Black Head Reserve is an exposed, beautiful headland at Gerroa with expansive views down Seven Mile Beach. Dogs can exercise off-leash here, with seasonal restrictions that can apply, so it is worth checking the signage. There is plenty of open space to walk and explore on the headland. A scenic, breezy spot for an off-leash walk with a view.