Dog Friendly Beaches and Swimming Holes in Sydney

Look no further …. here is a list of THE BEST dog friendly beaches, swimming holes, creeks, rivers and lakes in Sydney. Dogs on beaches are allowed and the list below will help you locate something that fits both you and your pooch!

Sydney, NSW – a beautiful destination with plenty of iconic locations to visit. BUT Where can I go swimming with my dog? Are the beaches dog friendly in the area? Which dog friendly beaches are near me? There are plenty of places to swim with your dog and locations that welcome your family pet. If you are reluctant to leave your best four-legged friend at home then this list will help!

Pack up the car, grab some doggy treats and a picnic and lay that pet blanket down on the back seat. Check out our dog-friendly places to visit below.

‘Are there any swimming holes near me that allow dogs? – ABSOLUTELY! ‘What off leash beaches are near me? PLENTY! ‘best beaches for dogs and the closest dog beach to me?’ – SEE BELOW! Hopefully you will find your closest dog beach below!

Dog beach in Sydney etiquette

Before venturing to an off leash dog beach, we have put together some simple rules of thumb. This will help to ensure that you are safe and respectful of others exploring the same area.

Not everywhere allows you to let your dog off the leash, whether that be dog swimming places or just walking trails! Always check for signs, even if you have visited before, in case the rules have changed. The signs are there to help keep the area and local wildlife safe.

Remember that not all dogs are friendly to each other or humans. If venturing out with young children, remind them not to approach dogs without checking with owners first. This will ensure they are children friendly and enjoy being made a fuss of by strangers.

Not all dogs are friendly to each other either. Approach others with caution to eliminate any potential aggressive behaviour. If your dog shows signs of being uncomfortable, maybe take them to another area until the other dog has moved on.

Always dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided (including any rubbish that your dog has left behind). Always double check the area before leaving to ensure you have left the area safely and litter-free!

Ensure your pooch has taken all of the necessary tick/flea medication. A lot of outdoor venues will be home to a number of parasites. Checking they are up to date with preventative treatments will save a lot of heartache in the long run. Always check your pet for ticks once you return home.

Maybe start with small walks and adventures and build up – new sights, smells, etc maybe a bit too much for some!

Best dog friendly beaches in Sydney

Sydney Beaches…. Dogs? So what beach can I take my dog to? Where is the nearest dog beach to me? Sydney is a beautiful location and blessed with beautiful beaches to explore, including beaches that allow dogs. Arguably the best beaches for dogs! The area is home to a vast number of pet friendly beaches. Some offer wide expanses of sand, others a lot smaller but offer an off-leash element. Some maybe close to dog friendly facilities so that you can enjoy a drink after all that thirst-quenching activity. Some are close to recreation parks so both the kids and dogs get to let off steam!. They are dotted around the area, so there should be a ‘dog beach near me’ – happy exploring!.

Sirius Cove, Mossman

Located close to Taronga Zoo, this lovely little beach is often found with dogs roaming the sandy shores. This is an off-leash paradise during the week days. However on weekends and public holidays only before 9am and after 4pm. It has beautiful shallow waters for your dog to splash around in and plenty of shade.

Where to park: Near 1 Sirius Cove Rd

RELATED: Not planning on taking the dog? Check out our list of the best water parks in Sydney.

Rose Bay Foreshore, Rose Bay

Located in the eastern harbourside suburb of Rose Bay you will find this delight! It boasts a sandy stretch of land and shallow waters. A wonderful place to cool off!

Where to park: 3 Caledonian Rd

Greenhills Beach, Cronulla

With the envious position of facing the ocean (the only one in the Sydney area to do so), this is a special place to visit. Beaches that are dog friendly don’t come much better. With approximately 3km expanse of sand to enjoy, your dog will love you for bringing them here! NOTE off leash is restricted to before 10am and after 4pm and then not at all beyond these hours.

Where to park: 208 Prince Charles Parade

Silver Beach, Kurnell

Approximately 21km south of Sydney, is this stunning location. The off leash section is close to the car park at Bonna Point Reserve, but please observe the signs to check!

Lady Robinson Beach, Kyeemagh

Overlooking Botany Bay, you will find this dog beach. The dog off leash beach is available at certain times of the day only, so please check. There is also a children’s playground closeby, so the kids also get to let off steam!

Where to park: Parking across the road from 101 The Grand Parade

Horderns Beach, Bundeena

Located on the edge of Sydney’s Royal National Park is this beautiful sandy beach. This is only available for use during May to August off leash at all times. Dogs are allowed outside of these months but only during certain times so please check.

Where to park: Beach access near 3 Horderns Ln

Sandy Bay, Clontarf

This dog park is 24 hours, 7 days a week off leash for your pooch! It isn’t large, but does have access to the water and a sandy/grassy area.

Where to park: 11 Sandy Bay Rd

Best dog friendly swimming holes & creeks in Sydney

Are any swimming holes near me dog friendly? So many beaches are dog friendly in Sydney but what else is on offer? We have chosen a series of dog friendly lakes to creeks. All are different with water in common. Some have designated doggy areas that are fenced off so they can let off steam. They are all beautiful locations with great views and a great place to go for a stroll.

Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, Curl Curl

This gorgeous off-leash area has your dog at the forefront. A grassy area for exploration and a lagoon! There are drinking stations and doggy bags and bins which makes it well equipped for you to visit.

Where to park: Curl Curl, New South Wales

Dumaresq Reserve, Rose Bay

This area, just 7km away from the centre of the city, is a little off-leash area (before 8.30am and after 4pm). It has both grassy and sandy areas to explore. Plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the spectacular views of the Harbour Bridge.

Where to park: 3 Caledonian Rd

Why not make it an entire holiday and check out these dog friendly camping spots in NSW

Other dog swimming spots in Sydney

Who knew that Sydney had so many dog friendly locations to explore?!. This next set of locations again have water in common. These are a little unusual in that they don’t typically slot into beaches or creeks. However, they are all beautiful in scenery and offer a great exploration venue.

Manly Lagoon, Manly

Dogs playing and enjoying a sunny day at Manly Lagoon

Close to Manly Beach you will find this beautiful spot. Dogs are welcome all week and off-leash at any time during the day. Dogs enjoyed their time there, and ran towards the lagoon and other fellow canines like they already knew where they were going and what to do. Lovely atmosphere where you can take your own dog, or visit to see other people’s dogs. With a children’s playground and an exercise park, the whole team can let off steam on a sunny day!

Where to park: 351 Pittwater Rd

Two Creeks Track, Garigal National Park

As you would expect, the National Park is spectacular. There are walking trails and mountain bikers. This is a great place for a day adventure. As with any national park, some areas are off limits to dogs, so check for signs. Lots here for your furry friend to explore!

Where to park: 3 Chase Ave

Dog friendly swimming in Sydney

With so many beaches allowing dogs you should be able to identify your nearest dog friendly beach. Hopefully we have answered all your doggy questions ‘where to go swimming with my dog’, and ‘where the off leash beaches near me’ (and plenty more)!.

We have aimed to give you a variety that your doggy friends will love! Remember, rules on both on-leash and off-leash are ever changing, so please check the signs on arrival! There are plenty of dog parks with swimming and dog friendly pools to try out. If you know of more from your travels, and are happy to share your answer to ‘where are the best dog beaches near me?’ please get in touch! Happy adventuring!