After more than a decade of campaigning, the southern stretch of Mona Vale Beach is set to remain a haven for local dogs and their owners as local official moves to extend its popular off-leash trial.
The current trial began on 14 October 2025 and was originally slated to wrap up on 13 October 2026. However, Northern Beaches Council officials are now seeking to keep the area open to pets until 13 October 2027. The proposal aims to give the local government more time to study how the beach is used while preventing any sudden loss of access for the community. The rules for the beach stay the same, including strict time slots and the boundaries of the off-leash zone.
When the trial first kicked off in mid-October 2025, crowds arrived before dawn to be among the first to experience the new freedom. For many residents, the change was a long-awaited relief, as the area previously lacked any ocean-side spots where dogs could run freely.
Local advocacy group Pittwater Unleashed, which led the push for access for over eleven years, noted that the change was a significant milestone for pet owners in the region.
The project required a significant financial commitment to ensure the local environment remained protected. The Council spent more than $50,000 on fencing to shield nearby dunes and native plants, along with another $7,000 for bins and signage to encourage responsible pet ownership. These measures were put in place to address concerns raised by some local representatives, who were initially worried about the impact on the beach’s natural state and the risk of poor behaviour from pet owners.
The Council is maintaining a firm approach to ensuring the beach stays clean and safe for everyone. Rules for the trial depend on the season, with access permitted between 5:30 am and 10 am, and 5 pm to 9 pm during daylight saving months. During the cooler months, the window shifts to 6 am to 10 am and 4 pm to 7 pm. Those who fail to follow the regulations face fines of up to $330.
By keeping the trial going for another year, the Council hopes to gather better data on how well the community manages these shared spaces before making a permanent decision.
Published Date 07-July-2026
