Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve on Carrington Parade in Curl Curl is a 24 Hours, 7 Days off-leash reserve bordering Curl Curl Lagoon. The unfenced grass field gives dogs room for long ball throws before heading straight into the shallow lagoon water for a swim. Because the entire park is open to Carrington Parade and the water, dogs must have reliable recall.
Flora and Ritchie Roberts: A Snapshot
- The Vibe: The reserve has high-energy coastal activity from dawn. Ball-chasers sprint across the grass, and swimming dogs pack the lagoon shallows. Crowds build quickly on sunny weekends.
- Best Feature: Direct access to the calm waters of Curl Curl Lagoon. Dogs can paddle and swim without dealing with ocean surf.
- The Rules: 24 Hours, 7 Days off-leash across the grass reserve and in the lagoon. Dogs are strictly prohibited on Curl Curl ocean beach and the surrounding sand dunes.
- Fencing: Unfenced. The grass field has no boundary fences along Carrington Parade or the lagoon edge. Dogs need reliable recall before unclipping.
- Parking: Dedicated council car park off Carrington Parade. Paid parking applies, but Northern Beaches Council parking permits are valid. Bays fill completely on sunny weekend mornings.
- Insider Tip: Check Beachwatch water quality reports after heavy rain. Stormwater runoff collects in the lagoon basin, so keep dogs out of the water for a few days after storms.
The Rules of the Reserve: Know Your Zones
Northern Beaches Council enforces strict boundaries at this site. Knowing where the off-leash area starts and ends helps you avoid on-the-spot council fines.
- The Off-Leash Zone: The open grass field of Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve and the waters of Curl Curl Lagoon are designated 24 Hours, 7 Days off-leash. Dogs can run across the turf and swim in the lagoon without a leash.
- The No-Go Zone: Dogs are strictly prohibited on Curl Curl ocean beach at all times. The off-leash boundary ends where the lagoon reaches the ocean sand. Council rangers patrol this boundary regularly and issue fines.
- Protect the Dunes: The coastal dune system between the reserve and the ocean beach is a protected wildlife habitat. Keep your dog out of the dunes to protect native vegetation and nesting birds.
Parking & Amenities
- Parking: Dedicated council car park off Carrington Parade. Metered paid parking applies, but vehicles displaying a Northern Beaches Council parking permit park free. The car park fills early on sunny weekends.
- Rinse-Off Showers: Outdoor freshwater showers and wash-down taps sit next to the public amenities block. Walkers use these to wash sand and salt off coats and paws before loading dogs into the car.
- Public Toilets and Water: Public toilets, drinking taps with dog bowls and poo bag dispensers sit near the car park entry.
- Nearby Cafes: PICO at 43 Carrington Parade provides outdoor tables, shade and dog water bowls. The Beach Eatery at South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club has outdoor seating overlooking the ocean for a takeaway coffee with your dog on a leash.
The Verdict, and What’s Nearby
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve: The Final Verdict
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve is a practical choice for dogs that love flat-water swimming and wide turf sprints. The shallow lagoon provides a sheltered paddle away from ocean breakers, and the wash-down showers make clean-up straightforward. The lack of fencing along Carrington Parade means dogs that bolt or chase birds must be monitored closely, and dogs must stay strictly off the ocean beach.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Cafes
Head south along Carrington Parade with your dog on a leash for post-walk coffee. PICO at 43 Carrington Parade offers shaded outdoor tables, fresh water bowls and takeaway breakfast options. Further south, The Beach Eatery at South Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club provides outdoor oceanfront seating and a takeaway coffee counter for walkers with dogs on a leash.
For more details on tide times, water quality reports and nearby walking tracks around Curl Curl Lagoon, view our Complete Guide.
Flora & Ritchie Roberts Reserve: FAQ
Q: Can my dog go on the main Curl Curl ocean beach?
A: No. Dogs are strictly prohibited on the main ocean surf beach and the sand dunes at all times. The off-leash area covers only the grass reserve and the waters of Curl Curl Lagoon. Council rangers patrol the beach boundary and issue fines.
Q: Is the lagoon always safe for swimming?
A: The lagoon water is usually calm and flat. However, urban stormwater collects in the basin after heavy rainfall. Check the Beachwatch website or council signage before letting your dog swim after storms.
Q: Is parking free at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve?
A: No. The council car park off Carrington Parade is metered paid parking. Vehicles displaying a valid Northern Beaches Council parking permit park free.
