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Mona Vale is one of the northern beaches' most popular surf destinations — and as of October 2025, it became the first ocean-facing beach on the northern beaches to allow off-leash dogs, through a council-approved trial. It's a genuine development worth knowing about if you're a dog owner in the area.
IN SHORT:
Dogs are permitted at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach during restricted hours only, as part of a Northern Beaches Council trial running from October 2025 to October 2026.
Off-leash access applies before 10am and after 5pm during daylight saving, and before 10am and after 4pm in winter. The rest of the beach remains off-limits at all times. Rowland Reserve at Bayview (4km north) offers all-day off-leash access as an alternative.
The Mona Vale Beach Dog Trial — What It Means and Where It Applies
In October 2025, Northern Beaches Council approved a 12-month trial allowing off-leash dogs on a designated section of Mona Vale Beach South. The trial section is approximately 300 metres long at the southern end of the beach, close to the existing Robert Dunn Reserve off-leash dog area on the headland above.
This makes it the only ocean-facing off-leash dog beach on the northern beaches — a significant change for the region. The trial is clearly signed at the beach, with markers showing the northern boundary of the off-leash zone and the access paths.
Time restrictions apply. During daylight saving hours, off-leash access runs from 5:30am to 10am and again from 5pm to 9pm. During winter months, hours shift to 6am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. Outside these times, standard restrictions apply and dogs are not permitted on the beach.
The trial is scheduled to run until October 2026, after which Northern Beaches Council will assess whether to make it permanent.
Last verified: Northern Beaches Council, 2025. Always check your local councils website for current rules before visiting.
Planning Your Visit to Mona Vale Beach with a Dog
The trial section at Mona Vale Beach South is accessed via the southern end of the main car park. Dogs must be leashed on the access paths and are only permitted off-leash within the designated beach section — signage at the beach makes the boundaries clear. The section ends at the cliffs between Mona Vale and Warriewood beaches to the south.
For all-day access without time restrictions, Rowland Reserve at Bayview is 4km north and one of the best off-leash dog areas on the northern beaches. It's off-leash all day on Pittwater — a calmer, harbour environment compared to the ocean conditions at Mona Vale.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed at Mona Vale Beach?
Yes — partially, and with time restrictions. A trial off-leash section operates at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach from October 2025 to October 2026. Dogs are permitted off-leash during morning and evening sessions only. The rest of the beach remains off-limits at all times. Always check Northern Beaches Council's website for current hours before visiting, as trial conditions may change.
What are the off-leash hours at Mona Vale Beach?
During daylight saving, the off-leash section is open from 5:30am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm. During winter, hours are 6am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm. Outside these windows, the beach is closed to dogs entirely. Dogs must remain leashed on the access paths to and from the beach.
Where exactly is the off-leash section at Mona Vale Beach?
The off-leash trial section is at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach, below the Robert Dunn Reserve headland. Access is from the southern end of the main Mona Vale Beach car park. The section is approximately 300 metres long and is clearly signed at both ends. Dogs are not permitted north of the marked boundary.
Will I be fined for bringing my dog to Mona Vale Beach outside the trial hours?
Yes. Outside the designated off-leash hours, standard Northern Beaches Council rules apply and dogs are not permitted on the beach. Fines can be issued under the NSW Companion Animals Act 1998. The trial section is also only at the southern end — dogs on the main beach at any time are in breach of council rules.
What is the best all-day dog-friendly alternative to Mona Vale Beach?
Rowland Reserve at Bayview (4km north) is off-leash all day, every day, with Pittwater water access, grassy space, and good facilities. It's the most popular all-day dog beach on the northern beaches and a straightforward option if the Mona Vale trial hours don't suit your schedule.
What should I bring when taking my dog to the beach in Sydney?
Bring fresh water and a collapsible bowl — dogs shouldn't drink saltwater or harbour water in large quantities. A long-line lead is worth having at beaches with time restrictions so your dog can still move freely when required. Pack poo bags, a dry towel, and reef-safe sunscreen for light-coated dogs on hot days. Most Sydney dog beaches have limited shade, so early morning or late afternoon visits are better in summer.
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