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Family & Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney

Rose Bay Dog Beach, Rose BayCredit: Destination NSW

Man enjoying a day at the beach with his dog at Rose Bay Dog Beach in Rose Bay.

Family & Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney

Rose Bay Dog Beach, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Man enjoying a day at the beach with his dog at Rose Bay Dog Beach in Rose Bay.

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Cronulla beaches 

Just a short 45-minute drive from Sydney’s CBD, Cronulla offers more than just its iconic surf beaches. A brief 10-minute stroll from the suburb’s vibrant café and retail precinct and from the train station, will lead you to two peaceful estuary beaches nestled along Gunnamatta Bay on the Port Hacking River. These hidden gems are ideal for families with young kids, thanks to their tranquil waters where the only ripples come from passing boats and the generous morning shade provided by surrounding trees. 

Gunnamatta Park features a scenic jetty enclosing a netted tidal pool, perfect for safe swimming. The park also includes a playground, restrooms, and changing facilities. Just a few minutes up the road, Darook Park offers an even quieter escape. Its tree-lined shoreline provides natural shade right over the water, making it a great spot for sun-safe paddling and relaxed family outings. 

Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW

The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.

Gunnamatta Bay, Cronulla Credit: Destination NSW

The Cronulla to Bundeena ferry returning to the Tonkin Street Public Wharf, Cronulla.

Darook Park, Cronulla Credit: Mark Sariban

The sheltered beach at Darook Park, on Cronulla's Gunnamatta Bay in southern Sydney.

Darook Park, Cronulla Credit: Mark Sariban

The sheltered beach at Darook Park, on Cronulla's Gunnamatta Bay in southern Sydney.

Head south to Greenhills Beach in Cronulla for expansive ocean views and one of Sydney’s best dog-friendly beaches. This unique stretch is the only off-leash beach in the city that faces the open ocean, making it a favourite for energetic dogs and their owners. Spanning approximately 3km, Greenhills offers plenty of space for pups to run, splash in the surf, chase balls, and roll in the sand. Dogs are welcome off-leash every day before 10am and after 4pm during daylight saving time (before 10am and after 3pm outside daylight saving). Keep in mind that dogs are not permitted on the beach outside of these designated hours. 

A little further out on the Kurnell peninsula, Silver Beach looks out onto stunning Botany Bay. It’s a beautiful location to take your pup to with lots of space for them to run around, stretch their legs and leap into the invigorating water. While they are allowed off-leash all day, this is only permitted between the third and fourth jetty found at the western end of the beach. This is located right in front of the Bonna Point Reserve car park making it easily accessible. 

Kurnell Dog Beach, Kurnell Credit: Destination NSW

Woman spending a day at the beach with her dog along Kurnell Dog Beach in Kurnell.

Kurnell Dog Beach, Kurnell Credit: Destination NSW

Woman spending a day at the beach with her dog along Kurnell Dog Beach in Kurnell.

Harbour beaches 

Sydney boasts a wide selection of family-friendly and dog-friendly harbour beaches, perfect for a full day of seaside fun. These sheltered spots offer calm waters, enclosed swimming areas, and lush parklands ideal for picnics and play. 

Parsley Bay Reserve features a grassy expanse leading to a charming beach, with a scenic footbridge overhead that connects to a coastal bushwalking trail. Families will appreciate the on-site kiosk, playground, walking paths, and public amenities. 

North of the Harbour Bridge, Balmoral Beach offers stunning views of Sydney Harbour National Park and is a top choice for quick beach getaways. Dining options abound, from relaxed cafés to upscale venues like Bathers Pavilion and The Boathouse. 

Clontarf Reserve is a peaceful Middle Harbour retreat with calm, jewel-toned waters and plenty of sand for building castles. A shaded playground gives kids a break from the water, while Clonny’s on the Beach serves up food and coffee. 

SOCIAL MEDIA 4:5 - Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking the Parsley Bay Bridge in Vaucluse, Sydney.

SOCIAL MEDIA 4:5 - Parsley Bay Reserve, Vaucluse Credit: Destination NSW

Aerial overlooking the Parsley Bay Bridge in Vaucluse, Sydney.

Balmoral Beach Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW

Balmoral Beach with Bathers Pavilion in background, Mosman

Balmoral Beach Credit: Andrew Gregory; Destination NSW

Balmoral Beach with Bathers Pavilion in background, Mosman

Dumaresq Reserve in Rose Bay offers a scenic mix of grassy parkland and tidal beach, making it a great spot for dog owners and families alike. With panoramic views across Sydney Harbour, it’s ideal for a relaxed outing. Dogs are welcome to roam off-leash before 8:30am and after 4:30pm, while on-leash walks are allowed throughout the rest of the day. The reserve also features benches for resting and open space for play, making it a versatile destination for both exercise and unwinding. 

Rose Bay Dog Beach, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Man enjoying a day at the beach with his dog at Rose Bay Dog Beach in Rose Bay.

Rose Bay Dog Beach, Rose Bay Credit: Destination NSW

Man enjoying a day at the beach with his dog at Rose Bay Dog Beach in Rose Bay.

Other dog-friendly beaches 

Lady Robinsons Beach in Kyeemagh, overlooking the sparkling waters of Botany Bay, features a popular off-leash dog exercise zone at its northern end. Located just 150 metres from the netted swimming enclosure, this 24/7 dog-friendly stretch is perfect for pups (and the odd horse) to run free, splash in the calm shallows, and enjoy the warm sand under their paws. The area is easily accessible, with nearby parking and a children’s playground, making it a great destination for both families and their furry companions. 

Just a short stroll inland from iconic Manly Beach lies the peaceful Manly Lagoon which is a hidden gem for dog lovers. This spacious, dog-friendly area allows off-leash play 24/7, giving your furry friend plenty of room to roam, explore, and cool off in the calm, shallow waters. The surrounding green space is perfect for a relaxed outing, and with a nearby children’s playground and outdoor fitness equipment, it’s a great destination for the whole family to enjoy. 

Manly Lagoon, Manly Credit: Destination NSW

Man enjoying a day with his dog at Manly Lagoon in Manly

Manly Lagoon, Manly Credit: Destination NSW

Man enjoying a day with his dog at Manly Lagoon in Manly

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