Mona Vale Beach Now Has an Off Leash Dog Beach Trial

What's the Trial?

Northern Beaches Council resolved on 19 August 2025 to trial an off-leash dog area on Mona Vale Beach South. The trial officially started on 14 October 2025 and runs for 12 months through to 13 October 2026.

The off-leash area covers a roughly 300-metre section at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach, sitting below the existing off-leash dog exercise area at South Mona Vale Headland Reserve. The trial makes Mona Vale the first ocean-facing beach on the Northern Beaches to allow dogs, and only the second in all of Sydney — alongside Greenhills Beach in Cronulla.

Off-Leash Hours

The trial operates during morning and evening windows only. Dogs are not permitted on the beach outside these times.

During daylight saving (AEDT): 5:30am–10am and 5pm–9pm, Monday to Sunday.

During standard time (AEST): 6am–10am and 4pm–7pm, Monday to Sunday.

Outside of these hours, dogs are prohibited in the trial area entirely. Dogs also remain banned from all other sections of Mona Vale Beach at all times.

How to Get There

Access the trial area via two pathways leading down from South Mona Vale Headland Reserve. Dogs must be kept on-leash on these access paths — you can only let them off once you're on the designated beach area.

Signage is in place at the site showing the trial boundaries, approved hours and a map. Dog waste bags are available at dispensers near the bins at the top of the access paths, but there are no bins or bags on the beach itself — so take bags with you and dispose of waste in the bins provided back up in the reserve.

Rules to Know

There are a few key rules to follow during the trial:

• Clean up after your dog — always.
• Keep your dog on-leash on the access pathways.
• Watch your dog at all times and make sure they're not rushing at or harassing other people or dogs.
• No more than four dogs per person.
• The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards — swimming is at your own risk.
• Fencing has been installed to protect the adjacent vegetated dunes, so keep your dog within the designated area.

Council Rangers do patrol the beach and can issue fines. Having a dog on the beach outside the permitted area or times can result in $660 in combined fines. Not picking up after your dog carries a $275 fine, and a dog without a collar and name tag is $180.

What Happens After the Trial?

At the end of the 12-month trial, Council will evaluate the results and present a report. The evaluation will consider community feedback, compliance data, ranger reports, and observations from weekly Council staff visits.

If Council doesn't resolve to continue the arrangement, dogs will once again be prohibited from the area. In other words — there's no guarantee it becomes permanent, so it's worth supporting the trial by following the rules and providing positive feedback to Council if you'd like to see it stick.

You can send feedback to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au.

It's also worth noting that Council is investigating a second potential off-leash dog trial at Palm Beach North (Governor Phillip Park), though that proposal hasn't commenced yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my dog swim in the ocean during the trial?

Yes, dogs can enter the water within the designated trial area during the approved off-leash hours. However, the beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, so ocean swimming is at your own risk — for both you and your dog. Be mindful of surf conditions and your dog's swimming ability.

Are there facilities on the beach for dogs?

There are no bins, bag dispensers, or water stations on the beach itself. Dog waste bags and bins are available up at the South Mona Vale Headland Reserve at the top of the access paths. Bring your own water, bags and anything else you'll need.

Can I visit outside the off-leash hours with my dog on a lead?

No. During the trial, dogs are prohibited from the trial area entirely outside the designated hours — even on a lead. Dogs also remain banned from all other parts of Mona Vale Beach at all times.

Is there another off-leash area nearby if I miss the hours?

Yes. The South Mona Vale Headland Reserve, located directly above the beach trial area, is an existing off-leash dog park. The Northern Beaches has over 30 off-leash areas in total — check the Northern Beaches Council website for a full list.

How can I help make this trial permanent?

Follow the rules, keep the beach clean, and provide positive feedback to Council. Email your experience to council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au. Community support and responsible use will be key factors in the evaluation.