For the first time, Mona Vale Beach will welcome dogs off-leash within designated hours during a 12-month trial, offering a balance between recreation and beach conservation.
A Long-Awaited Win for Dog Owners
Mona Vale Beach will welcome dogs off-leash along its southern sands for the first time, giving local owners a long-awaited chance to enjoy the beach with their pets. A 12-month trial has been approved to balance recreational use with environmental protection.
The trial begins on 14 October 2025, with dogs allowed off-leash from 5:30 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm during daylight saving, and from 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm outside daylight saving. Dogs must stay in the designated southern section, where fencing and signage will guide responsible behaviour.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
For more than a decade, local dog owners and groups like Pittwater Unleashed have campaigned for timed access to ocean beaches. Thousands of submissions to the council over the years have shown strong community support for dogs on the sand. Advocates stressed the trial provides designated hours rather than unrestricted access, balancing the needs of pets and other beachgoers.
Environmental groups and residents have raised concerns about impacts on dune vegetation, shorebirds, seals, and public safety. The council’s plan includes fencing and signage to manage risks and guide responsible behaviour.
Learning from Past Trials
The Mona Vale Beach trial draws lessons from a similar program at Station Beach in 2019, which faced criticism from the NSW Land and Environment Court for lacking an Environmental Impact Study.
This time, the council has included environmental safeguards and a clear management plan as part of the trial to monitor impacts on wildlife and beach users, demonstrating a careful approach to recreational and ecological balance.
Community Engagement and Oversight
Councillor Joeline Hackman noted that the trial is designed to provide suitable times for dog walking while minimising disruption to other beach users and nearby residents.
The council will monitor compliance, environmental outcomes, and community feedback throughout the 12 months to inform future decisions regarding off-leash dog access.
Published 21-August-2025
