The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney for a Good Time

Sydney is a haven for dog lovers and their four-legged besties. There are oodles of bars, cafes and even accommodation options that allow you to soak up good times with your furry companions. Just as with the above, it's important to be aware of which beaches are welcoming four-legged friends.

Luckily, there's also a plethora of beachside reserves, harbour foreshores, bays and lagoons that let your dog run wild and free. Read on for the best dog-friendly beaches in Sydney. 

Spit East and Spit West Reserves, Mosman

A place where seafaring adventures begin, from the million-dollar yachts and maritime-themed playground to playful dogs splashing in the calm waters. The reserve area is separated by Spit Road (the playground is on Spit West), but on either side, dogs have plentiful green space to run around in and access the water. Psst! It can be tricky to find parking at times. 

Pearl Bay Avenue and Parriwi Road, Mosman

Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl

Where Curl Curl Lagoon meets the sea, this dog-friendly beachside reserve is what doggie dreams are made of – an off-leash area where dogs can dart around the sand dunes and splash in the shallow waters of the lagoon. Although this spot is very popular, there's always plenty of room in and out of the water. This reserve has all the essentials - a drinking area, doggie bags, and bins.

Flora and Richie Roberts Reserve, Carrington Parade, Curl Curl

Manly Lagoon, Queenscliff

Manly Lagoon, also known as Lagoon Park, is located just inland from the iconic Manly Beach. It is a dog-friendly haven where your furry friend can roam off-leash 24/7. This serene area boasts a vast sandy green landscape, ideal for your dog to explore. The calm, shallow waters of the lagoon are perfect for doggy paddling and cooling off on hot summer days. With a children's playground and an exercise park nearby, Manly Lagoon is a great spot for the whole family to enjoy.

Lagoon Reserve, Queenscliff 

Greenhills Beach, Cronulla 

This stretch of beach is a fair bit quieter than the rest of Cronulla's beaches. Come the 4pm, it is a dog lovers' paradise with pups of all shapes and sizes tearing up and down the sand in excitement. It's a great place if you fancy taking a decent walk with your dog as you'll be able to explore all the way up to Boat Harbour with a 4km walk along the sand.  

Mitchell Road, Cronulla 

Sirius Cove, Mosman

A large reserve adjoins the shallow waters of this harbour beach, which is fenced in by a sandstone wall. A popular spot, especially during the summer months, dog owners love to wade in the shallow waters of this dog-friendly beach with their four-legged friends. You can walk through the reserve to Taronga Zoo but be warned, parking can be hard to come by on weekends.

Sirius Cove Road, Mosman

Glebe Foreshore Parks, Glebe

Hugging the foreshore of Blackwattle Bay are 17 hectares of parkland. You’ll find sporting fields, wetlands, adventure playgrounds for children, and water access. Dogs have their own dedicated areas, too. Federal Park has full-time off-leash grassy areas and when games are not in play, dogs are allowed on the sports fields as well. West of the Canal in Bicentennial Park dogs are allowed off-leash at all times, with direct access to Blackwattle Bay.

Chapman Road, Glebe

Dumaresq Reserve, Rose Bay

Dumaresq Reserve is a narrow, tidal, dog-friendly beach most suitable for smaller dogs. The beach is bordered by a seawall and affluent waterfront homes, all with views spanning Sydney Harbour. Restrictions apply to when dogs are allowed off-leash (4:30pm-8:30am), but this small beach is a definite favourite among the local crowd.

Dumaresq Road, Rose Bay

Lady Robinsons Beach, Kyeemagh

You'll find an off-leash dog exercise area on the northern end of Lady Robinson Beach in Kyeemagh, overlooking Botany Bay. Here, pups can enjoy running around on the sand and splashing in the flat water. Dogs are welcome on the beach before 10am and after 4pm, with potential time restrictions lifted in winter. With convenient parking and a nearby playground, it's a fun destination for the whole family.

Lady Robinsons Beach, Kyeemagh

Silver Beach, Kurnell 

This exceptionally popular stretch of sand is perfect for dogs who love to paddle as the water is calm with minimal to no waves. Dogs are only allowed off-leash between the third and fourth rock at the Western end of Silver Beach but the good news is, they're allowed to frolic free at all hours. 

Sitchu Tip: Once you've worked up an appetite chasing after your best bud, head over to Cook at Kurnell which is located directly opposite the beach. This outdoor eatery is entirely dog-friendly and is the perfect place to enjoy your day out with a cocktail, coffee, or some fish and chips. 

312 Prince Charles Parade, Kurnell 

Rowland Reserve, Bayview

Also known as Bayview Reserve, this park is all about dogs. No matter the time or day, pups can roam free here 24-7. A flat, grassed area blends into Pittwater where dogs playfully romp. On weekends, a coffee cart and a mobile dog wash do a roaring trade. This is one of the most popular spots for doggie lovers on the Northern Beaches.

Pittwater Road, Bayview

Loved our edit of the best dog-friendly beaches and looking for other things to do with your four-legged friend? Our tip: head straight to these dog-friendly bars in and around Sydney. Your doggo will never have to suffer FOMO ever again! Or, maybe you're looking to upgrade their menu. Check out our round-up of the best Australian-made dog food.