Dog owners in Sydney’s northern beaches can now access a section of Mona Vale Beach for a 12-month off-leash dog trial. Starting Tuesday, October 14, dogs can roam freely in a designated southern area of the beach during specific hours.
Read: Mona Vale Beach to Welcome Off-Leash Dogs in New 12-Month Trial
The trial has been designed with measures to balance access for dogs with the protection of beachgoers and the local environment. The off-leash zone is located at the southern end of the beach, with new fencing installed to protect sensitive dunes and vegetation.
Signage highlights access hours and responsible pet ownership, while dog waste bag dispensers along tracks leading to the beach near Mona Vale Golf Course encourage cleanliness. Council rangers will make regular patrols to monitor compliance throughout the trial period.
Off-leash hours
Off-leash hours have been defined to provide times when dogs can access the beach off-leash. During daylight saving, dogs are allowed off-leash from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 pm, while in standard time the hours shift to 6:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Outside these times, dogs must remain on a leash, and the northern end of the beach remains off-limits throughout the trial.
Mayor Sue Heins said the trial aims to create welcoming spaces for all residents while maintaining the beaches’ safety and natural environment. She encouraged dog owners to stick to the designated times, remain within the boundaries, and clean up after their pets to ensure the trial runs smoothly.
The trial allows dog owners designated times to access the beach off-leash. Dogs can run, swim, and socialise freely within the allocated zone, while council monitors how off-leash access affects the environment, including sand dunes and local wildlife, as well as other beach users.
Northern Beaches Council will collect data on compliance and environmental impact throughout the trial, which will guide future decisions regarding off-leash areas. If the trial proves successful, there is potential for extending off-leash provisions to nearby areas, including the northern end of Palm Beach.
Read: Mona Vale Surf Lifesaver Honoured as Northern Beaches Emergency Volunteer of the Year
During the trial, dogs and their owners can use the designated southern area of Mona Vale Beach. The designated hours allow dogs off-leash access in the early morning and evening. With clear guidelines in place and cooperation from the community, the trial offers a structured opportunity for locals to enjoy the beach responsibly alongside their pets.
Published 14-October-2025
