Explore Sydney’s top dog-friendly beaches with off-leash areas, calm waters, and great facilities for pets and owners.

While Sydney boasts countless stunning beaches along its coastline and within the Harbour, only a few are welcoming to dogs. Most of Sydney’s beaches don’t allow dogs, not even on a lead, which can be disappointing given the city’s large dog population.

To help you out, we’ve put together a list of 16 of the best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney that your furry friend will love. Before heading out, don’t forget to check the local council websites for the latest rules on on-lead and off-lead access.

Find all of the below beaches in this interactive map.

1. Sirius Cove Reserve

Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly retreat nestled in the Mosman suburb of Sydney’s lower north shore.

Also known as Little Sirius Cove, this picturesque bay features a quiet beach, a playground, and a spacious picnic area.

Framed by a sandstone wall, the 250-metre-wide beach faces south into a sheltered bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal spot for dogs to wade or dash around.

Dogs are welcome off-leash in the park, on the beach, and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, off-leash access is limited to non-peak hours before 9 am and after 4 pm.

Check the Mosman Council website for more information.

2. Clifton Gardens Beach

Clifton Gardens is a popular picnic destination for families, offering a rocky beach with a netted swimming area, a fenced playground, change rooms, and excellent BBQ and picnic facilities.

It’s also a hit with dogs, who enjoy plenty of space to roam freely, whether in the park, on the beach, or in the water.

However, there are time restrictions to keep in mind. Dogs are allowed off-leash before 9 am and after 4 pm from April to September, and before 9 am and after 6 pm from October to May.

Check the Mosman Council website for more information.

3. Spit West Reserve

Spit West Reserve is a spacious, dog-friendly park located just south of the Spit Bridge in Mosman, featuring a beach area that appears at low tide.

Dogs are allowed off-leash on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, off-leash access is limited to before 9 am and after 4 pm.

Check the Mosman Council website for more information.

4. Sandy Bay in Clontarf

Sandy Bay, located on Sandy Bay Road in the suburb of Clontarf, is a well-loved dog-friendly beach along the Spit to Manly Walk.

It sits next to Clontarf Reserve, a scenic park and beach area offering excellent picnic and BBQ facilities, a café and restaurant, playgrounds, toilets and showers, and easy beach access.

Dogs are welcome off-leash at Sandy Bay, which features a small, shallow, and sheltered beach, perfect for them to splash around and enjoy themselves.

Check the Northern Beaches Council website for more information.

5. Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve

The grassy dunes and natural lagoon at the Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve in Curl Curl, nestled between Dee Why and Freshwater Beach, offer a fantastic playground for dogs to explore and enjoy.

Even better, dogs are allowed off-leash at all times in the reserve. The area is well-equipped, featuring dog waste bins, a drinking station, and public toilets nearby.

Check the Northern Beaches Council website for more information.

6. Bayview Dog Park in Rowland Reserve

Bayview dog park, located in Rowland Reserve on Pittwater Road, is one of the most popular spots for dogs on Sydney’s northern beaches.

The park features a spacious grassy area along with beach access to Pittwater, right next to the boat launching zone.

As a bonus, if your dog needs a professional clean, there’s often a mobile dog wash service available in the park on weekends.

Check the Northern Beaches Council website for more information.

7. Marrinawi Cove

Opened in 2023, Marrinawi Cove at Barangaroo Reserve is a unique swimming spot in Sydney Harbour that warmly welcomes dogs. While it’s not a traditional beach, we think Marrinawi Cove earns its place on this list of dog-friendly beaches in Sydney.

The swimming enclosure is equipped with safety netting to keep sharks and other wildlife out. Surrounding the area, you’ll find plenty of seating, safety railings, signage, as well as shower and toilet facilities.

Keep in mind that Marrinawi Cove can get busy during the summer months, so it’s best to visit earlier in the day to give your dog more space to run and swim.

8. Glebe Foreshore

The Glebe Foreshore offers several dog-friendly parks and spaces, but for off-leash fun, Bicentennial and Federal Park, located west of the Johnstons Creek canal, are the top picks.

That’s where you’ll find a small beach with water access to Rozelle Bay, conveniently located near the Federal Park Picnic Shelter.

Dogs love dashing in and out of this sandy stretch, and the surrounding parklands make it a fantastic spot for your furry friend to enjoy some quality playtime.

Check the City of Sydney website for more information.

9. Rose Bay Beach and Dumaresq Reserve

Dogs are welcome off-leash along the Rose Bay foreshore between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve.

With stunning views of Sydney Harbour, it’s a perfect spot for you and your furry companion to relax and enjoy a few hours together.

There are also several nearby parks where dogs are allowed, provided they remain on a lead.

10. Bellamy Beach at Rose Bay Park

Rose Bay Park, situated on the opposite side of the ferry wharf, is both a dog-friendly park and a beach.

However, keep in mind that dogs are required to be on a lead in this area, though this rule doesn’t seem to be strictly enforced.

11. Kutti Beach in Vaucluse

Kutti Beach is one of Sydney’s best-kept secrets: a small strip of sand nestled between Parsley Bay Reserve and Watsons Bay in Vaucluse.

You can access the beach via a narrow staircase beside the Vaucluse Amateur Sailing Club, located at the end of Wharf Road. At first glance, it might seem like a dead-end street, which it essentially is, but don’t turn back. Look closely, and you’ll spot the staircase.

While dogs are technically only allowed on the beach and in the water on a lead, you’ll often see them running freely in and out of the water, and most visitors don’t seem to mind.

12. Lady Robinsons Beach in Kyeemagh

The northernmost section of Lady Robinsons Beach in Kyeemagh was designated a dog-friendly beach in 2018 and has quickly become a favourite among locals.

While it’s a relatively small area, it’s more than spacious enough for dogs to run around and socialise with their furry friends.

Best of all, dogs are allowed off-leash 24/7 on this stretch of sand.

Check the Bayside Council website for more information.

13. Botany Bay Foreshore Beach

Botany Bay Foreshore Beach may not be the most picturesque dog-friendly park and beach in Sydney, but it’s a hidden gem for dogs and their owners.

While dogs are welcome on the beach all day, they must remain on a leash.

The easiest access is via Foreshore Road, with ample parking available in the large car park marked with signs for the boat ramp.

14. Silver Beach in Kurnell

Silver Beach in Kurnell, facing Botany Bay, features a dog-friendly section on its western end at Bonna Point Reserve.

This peaceful stretch of sand, with its low tides and gentle waters, is ideal for dogs to play and enjoy themselves.

Accessibility is also convenient, with plenty of street parking available nearby, primarily along Prince Charles Parade.

Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for more information.

15. Greenhills Beach in Cronulla

Greenhills Beach, located next to Wanda Beach north of Cronulla Beach, is Sydney’s only ocean-facing dog-friendly beach. It sits directly in front of a new suburb sharing the same name.

While there’s ample parking in the area, this popular spot tends to fill up quickly on weekends, so plan accordingly.

Dogs are allowed off-leash at Greenhills Beach before 10 am and after 4 pm daily. Despite its popularity, the beach is well-maintained and offers plenty of space for dogs and their owners to enjoy some quality time together.

Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for more information.

16. Horderns Beach in Bundeena

Located west of the Bundeena ferry wharf, Horderns Beach is a popular stretch of sand with both on- and off-leash sections available year-round.

From September to April, dogs are allowed off-leash on Horderns Beach on weekdays only, before 8:30 am and after 4:30 pm.

Check the Sutherland Shire Council website for more information.