The northern end of Forresters Beach is a dog off-leash stretch of wide golden sand on the Central Coast, backed by low dunes covered in coastal groundcover. It’s reached by the stairs at the end of Kalakau Avenue, the surf is good for a run and a splash and there are no facilities, so come prepared.
Forresters Beach: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Wide, clean and relaxed, with dunes, a rocky headland and surf rolling in.
- Best For: Dogs of all sizes who like a flat-out run on the sand and a splash in the waves.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days on the designated northern section of the beach.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced open beach.
- Parking: Usually easy, with free on-street parking on Kalakau Avenue and nearby streets.
Beach Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Unfenced Beach: This is a wide, open ocean beach, so it only suits dogs with reliable recall.
- Designated Zone: The off-leash area is the northern end of the beach, reached by the stairs off Kalakau Avenue.
- Sand and Rocks: Firm, wet sand along the water’s edge is ideal for running. At the northern end, a flat rock platform runs out from the headland, with rock pools at low tide.
- Drinking Water and Poo Bags: None on the beach. Bring water, a bowl and your own Poo Bags.
For the Humans
- No Facilities: There are no public toilets, showers, bins or taps at the access point for the dog section.
Insider Tip: The surf can be rough, and the waves break over the rock platform on bigger days, so check conditions before letting a small or nervous dog into the water. With no bins at the access point, carry your used Poo Bags home.
The Final Verdict
Forresters Beach is a good open-sand run for dogs who love the beach, with plenty of room to run and play. You need to bring everything with you, but for a beach-loving dog with reliable recall it’s worth the trip.
For more official information, visit the Central Coast Council website.
Forresters Beach: FAQ
Q: Is all of Forresters Beach off-leash for dogs?
A: No. Only the northern section is an off-leash area, open 24 Hours, 7 Days.
Q: Is there fresh water available for dogs?
A: No. There are no taps or fountains on the beach, so bring your own water and a portable bowl.
Q: Are there any facilities like toilets or bins?
A: No. There are no public toilets or bins at the access point to the off-leash area, so take all waste with you.
