The southern end of Ettalong Beach is an off-leash beach on the calm waters of Broken Bay, running about 1 km along the foreshore from Kourung Street south to Augusta Street. It’s open 24 Hours, 7 Days on the Central Coast, with cafes and public toilets a short walk away on The Esplanade.
Ettalong Beach: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Relaxed and social, with calm bay water and plenty of sand.
- Best For: Dogs of all sizes who like the water. The calm bay water suits less confident swimmers.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days in the designated zone.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, as it’s an open beach.
- Parking: Can be busy. Street parking is available on The Esplanade, Ocean View Road and nearby side streets.
Beach Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Unfenced Beach: This is an open beach, so your dog needs reliable recall.
- Designated Zone: The off-leash area runs along the foreshore from Kourung Street south to Augusta Street. Check the green signs at each access point.
- Calm Bay Swimming: The sheltered water of Broken Bay is usually calm and shallow, so it’s easy for dogs to paddle and swim.
- Bring a Bowl and Bags: Pack water, a portable bowl and your own Poo Bags.
For the Humans
- Foreshore Facilities: Public toilets, cafes and shops are along The Esplanade, a short walk from the sand.
Insider Tip: Don’t confuse this beach with the fenced Ettalong Oval dog park nearby. They’re separate off-leash areas. The Kourung Street access is the easiest way onto the northern end of the off-leash zone.
The Final Verdict
Ettalong Beach is one of the easier dog beaches on the Central Coast, mainly because of its calm water. With cafes and toilets a short walk from the sand, a longer visit is comfortable. Parking can be tight on busy days, so arrive early in summer.
For more official information, visit the Central Coast Council website.
Ettalong Beach: FAQ
Q: Is all of Ettalong Beach off-leash for dogs?
A: No. Only the designated section of foreshore from Kourung Street south to Augusta Street is off-leash, 24 Hours, 7 Days.
Q: Is the water rough at Ettalong Beach?
A: Usually not. The beach faces Broken Bay, so the water is generally calm and sheltered, which suits dogs that like to swim.
Q: Are there toilets and cafes nearby?
A: Yes. Public toilets, cafes and shops are along The Esplanade, a short walk from the off-leash area.
