If you’re a dog parent living on the Northern Beaches, you’re in for a treat. On the Northern Beaches, we’re blessed with many fabulous dog-friendly walks, right on our doorstep. There are also some beautiful dog-friendly beaches and if you’re more in the mood to relax and enjoy a coffee or a bite, we’ve listed a couple of great dog-friendly spots for you to try.
Northern Beaches Dog Walks
Let us inspire you to get out and explore with your furry best friend.
Starting off with Red Hill Reserve. It’s a beautiful dog-friendly area that offers a range of walking trails for you and your fluff to explore. The walking trails are surrounded by native flora and fauna, providing a peaceful and serene environment for you and your dog to enjoy. Dogs are allowed in Red Hill Reserve on a leash. Make sure to bring your own water and poop bags as there are no facilities available in the reserve.
Next up is the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail: This 8.4km loop walk is mostly flat and offers beautiful views of the lagoon and surrounding bushland. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there are plenty of spots along the trail to take a break and soak in the views - and even a few cafes where you can sit outside and enjoy a coffee or grab something to eat to replenish your energy.
The Long Reef Coastal Walk: This beautiful walk offers breathtaking views of the ocean and coastline. It's an easy walk and is suitable for all fitness levels. Dogs are allowed on a leash, and there are plenty of spots along the way to stop and take in the views. If your dog is up for a good play with some buddies we recommend checking out the off-lead dog park off the golf course!
The Freshwater to Curl Curl Coastal Walk is one we’d highly recommend! This stunning walk offers spectacular views of the ocean and coastline. It's an easy walk that stretches for about two kilometres and is suitable for all fitness levels. The entire walk is dog-friendly, and if your dog is up for a good play with some buddies we recommend checking out the off-lead dog park and the doggy beach where dogs are allowed to swim*. Gusto by the Beach is a wonderful dog-friendly spot with outdoor seating, enjoy a nice breakky and a coffee with stunning ocean views to really start your morning off right!
Manly locals know that Manly Lagoon to Hinkler Park is also a fantastic dog-friendly walk in the Northern Beaches of Sydney. Manly Lagoon is surrounded by a walking and cycling track. Dogs are allowed on a leash everywhere and there are even parts where dogs are allowed off lead. Hinkler Park is a well-known fully fenced dog park where dogs are allowed off-lead. Dogs are allowed to dip their paws in the water on the edges of Hinkler Park as well as the doggie beach at the start of the walk*. Stop by The Corner at Queensie to grab a nice coffee on-the-go.
Clontarf Beach or “Sandy Bay dog area” is another great spot to explore if you have a social, water-loving pooch. We’d recommend visiting at low-tide, because the beach area almost disappears at high-tide. The beach and parts of the lawn are officially part of the “off-leash” dog area. In between Sandy Bay and Clontarf Reserve you’ll find the Sandy Bear. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, even if they’re sandy! Offering breakfast and lunch daily, the menu features all of the classics with a fresh and healthy focus befitting its beachy vibe.
*be mindful, the water in the lagoons can be polluted, especially after lots of rainfall.