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For the dog-lovers among us, summer days are made for that very specific joy of watching a cute canine lose its mind at the sight of the ocean. In honour of “Walk Your Dog Month”, the dog-focused brand PetSafe has rounded up the best dog-friendly beaches in NSW – because nothing kills a beach day vibe faster than realising that you and your furry friend have accidentally rocked up to a no-dogs zone in peak summer. From city classics to regional stretches worth the road trip, these are some of the best spots to let your pup run free (and you, too, by association).
RELATED READ: NSW's shark safety program is getting a $4.2 million boost (including drone surveillance at 30 new beaches)
The best dog-friendly beaches in NSW
Kurnell Dog Beach, Kurnell
Distance from Sydney: Around 25 kilometres south, 45 minutes’ drive
Tucked away on the southern edge of Botany Bay, Kurnell Dog Beach is a Sydney favourite for a reason. There are clearly marked off-leash and on-leash sections, calm waters that suit first-time dog paddlers, and plenty of space to stretch out without stepping on towels. It’s easy, breezy and feels just far enough from the city to count as a mini escape.
Sharkies Beach, Coledale
Distance from Sydney: Around 70 kilometres south, 1 hour 15 minutes’ drive
Despite the slightly alarming name, Sharkies Beach is one of the Illawarra’s most beloved off-leash dog beaches. Backed by grassy reserves and rock platforms, it’s perfect for energetic doggos who like a proper run before (and/or after) a splash. The laid-back coastal village vibe doesn’t hurt either – this one’s a crowd-pleaser for humans and hounds alike (hot tip: beeline for Rosie’s for post-walk fish and chips).
Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry
Distance from Sydney: Around 310 kilometres north, 3.5-4 hours’ drive
If you’re planning a coastal getaway, Nine Mile Beach is worth every kilometre. This epic stretch of sand offers both off-leash and on-leash areas, meaning dogs can roam while owners soak up the sheer scale of it all. It’s long, wild and wonderfully uncrowded.
If you’re staying in the city, we’d suggest heading to Cronualla’s Greenhills Beach (a wide, open stretch with designated dog-friendly access), Rose Bay Dog Beach, Clontarf Reserve Beach, Mosman’s Sirius Cove or Rowland Reserve in Bayview – a quiet, leafy beach made for a low-stress day at the beach with your doggo.
Before you go, it’s always worth double-checking signage and seasonal rules – some beaches change leash requirements between summer and winter, or have different rules depending on the day of the week and time of day.
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