Top five dog-friendly beaches on the Northern Beaches

We are fortunate to have a number of dog-friendly beaches on the Peninsula, where owners can exercise their canine companions in spectacular settings.

The dog-lovers at Peninsula Living have landed on their five favourite beaches for a walk and a swim with their fur-babies.
  
Bayview Dog Park in Rowland Reserve

One of the most popular off-leash dog parks in Sydney, the open space at the northern end of Rowland Reserve is picturesque and the ideal environment for your frothing fido.

Play fetch on the large grassy expanse, watch your doggos roll around in the sand, and then join them for a splash in the calm Pittwater shallows.

Situated off Pittwater Road, Bayview Dog Park is easily accessible and offers plenty of parking.
 
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve

John Fisher Park and Flora & Ritchie Roberts Reserve are favourite spots for Northern Beaches dog-owners.

Hugging both Curl Curl Lagoon and Curl Curl Beach on either side of Carrington Road, these off-leash parks offer plenty of space to run around in, and there is water access for your puppers on the sandy foreshore where the lagoon runs into the ocean.

If you want a bit of exercise too, put the leash back on and enjoy the 4km stroll along the coastal walk to Freshwater Beach.

North Harbour reserve

If you’ve embarked on the Manly to Spit walk, you would’ve had to have dodged a dog a two chasing a tennis ball fervently across North Harbour Reserve.

It is an off-leash paradise for our barking besties, with grass galore. And while they’re having the time of their lives wrestling with other dogs and sniffing strangers, there are barbecue facilities, a basketball half-court and children’s play equipment, plus nearby cafes, so the whole family can make a day out of it.

Sandy Bay

Head to Clontarf, where you’ll find another off-leash haven for man’s best friend – Sandy Bay.

The unassuming beach is sheltered and very shallow, the perfect environment for a dog with an abundance of energy.

It’s a tranquil spot with wonderful views back towards the iconic Spit Bridge. It’s also just 500 metres from all the facilities Clontarf Reserve (allows on-leash dogs) has to offer, including a café and restaurant, toilets, barbecues and picnic tables.

Manly Lagoon

Just a stone’s throw from the Manly ocean promenade, the lagoon is a designated off-leash area behind Queenscliff Beach.

With shallow water aplenty, it’s a very popular spot for active pups, particularly on weekends, so your pet will get its socialising fix too.

There is also a children’s playground, so your little ones can burn some energy too!

Then chuck the leash back on, grab a coffee, and wander down the world-renowned beachfront towards the Corso, or further along to Shelly Beach.