Spending an afternoon at the beach is just about the best thing to do on a sunny day in Sydney. Your fluffy housemate will agree, and it makes the experience all the more enjoyable when you see them lose their minds at the smells, the other dogs and the chance to get as wet and sandy as they want. Here’s our favourite Sydney dog-friendly beaches and watering holes.

Sirius Cove

Take your dog to this protected beach in Mosman, popular with families. A sandy bay, a body of water and a grassy area behind with a children’s playground is enough to keep everyone entertained for a few hours. The shallow waters are good for timid dogs to take a dip in before drying off in the shade. Monstera is just over on the wharf and serves Ona coffee.

Off leash hours:
Mon to Fri, all day.
Sat, Sun and public holidays, before 9am and after 4pm.

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Silver Beach

At Bonna Point Reserve, between the third and fourth jetties at Silver Beach Kurnell, dogs can roam free without a leash at all times. You’ll enjoy views of a wide stretch of ocean overlooking Botany Bay while your dog splashes in the water and runs along the sand. Grab a coffee at Silver Beach Cafe.

Off leash hours:
Daily, all day.

Greenhills Beach

Located to the north of Wanda in Cronulla, Greenhills Beach welcomes dogs and dog lovers to its wide stretch of sand and grassy dunes. Although it is not a patrolled swimming area, enjoy the relative quiet – dawn is a particularly beautiful time to go. For a morning coffee, head to Blackwood Pantry. It serves coffee from Mecca as well as a rotating selection of single-origins from local and interstate roasters.

Off leash hours:
During daylight savings: daily, before 10am and after 4pm.
Non-daylight savings: daily, before 10am and after 3pm.

Rowland Reserve

Although technically not a beach, your dog can run free in the park and take a swim at Rowland Reserve in Bayview, on the northern beaches. You’ll have access to the water, sand and grassed oval, where your dog can hang out with others from the area and play a game or two of catch. Drive into Newport for a selection of places to grab a coffee or lunch – our pick is Queen Ester, where house-made falafels and a truly excellent sabich star.

Off leash hours:
Daily, all day.

Dumaresq Reserve

Take in the unbeatable views of Sydney Harbour while your dog runs around on the grass area of Dumaresq Reserve before having a swim at Rose Bay. Though a small area, your pooch will have access to sand at low tide, and there’s a lovely community of dog owners that will keep you coming back.

Off leash hours:
Daily, before 8.30am and after 4.30pm.

Horderns Beach

One of Bundeena’s most popular beaches lets your dog wander free and swim in the clear waters. Horderns Beach has large areas of sand, and you can cool off under the refreshing waves.

Off leash hours:
September to April: Mon to Fri, before 8.30am and after 4.30pm.
May to August: daily, all day.

This article first appeared on Broadsheet on February 26, 2016. It was updated on January 3, 2025, to reflect current information.