Mona Vale Beach (South) on Narrabeen Park Parade in Mona Vale is running a 12-month off-leash trial from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026. The marked 300-metre zone gives dogs legal access to ocean waves on the Northern Beaches for the first time. Off-leash hours run strictly during morning and late-afternoon windows. Temporary fencing protects the dunes, but the beach opens directly to the surf and the prohibited main beach to the north.
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Mona Vale Beach (South): At a Glance
- The Vibe: High energy down on the sand. Dogs sprint straight into the breakers and chase balls along the tide line. You need to keep an eye on the swell and make sure your dog stays south of the boundary markers.
- Best For: Strong swimmers that can handle dumping waves, and dogs with reliable recall that won’t bolt north onto the prohibited main beach.
- Off-Leash Hours: Time-restricted with seasonal changes. Daylight Saving: 5:30am to 10:00am and 5:00pm to 9:00pm daily. Standard Time: 6:00am to 10:00am and 4:00pm to 7:00pm daily. Dogs are prohibited outside these hours.
- Fencing: Partially fenced. Temporary post-and-wire fencing protects the sand dunes and marks the southern boundary, but the ocean side and northern boundary remain wide open.
- Parking: Paid ticket parking along Narrabeen Park Parade and in the southern headland car park. Northern Beaches Council parking permit holders park for free; everyone else pays the hourly meter rate.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Ocean Surf: Dogs get open ocean waves and hard-packed wet sand to run on. The shore break dumps hard here and rips run along the bank, so keep a close watch if your dog isn’t a strong swimmer.
- Sand Sprints: You get 300 metres of sand between the boundary markers for throwing a ball and running off-lead.
For the Humans
- Trial Rules: Council rangers patrol the area regularly. Dogs must stay south of the trial markers and leave the sand as soon as the off-leash window ends. The rest of Mona Vale Beach remains strictly off-limits to dogs at all times.
- Poo Bags and Bins: Council bag dispensers and rubbish bins sit near the access paths on Narrabeen Park Parade. Carry spare bags in case the dispensers run empty on weekend mornings.
- Toilets and Showers: Public toilets and open-air beach showers sit a short walk north near the surf club pavilion. There are no water taps down on the sand, so pack a fresh water bottle for your dog.
- Zero Shade: The beach offers no shade or wind protection. Come early in summer before the sun heats up the sand.
Insider Tip: Rinse the salt and sand off at the showers near the surf club before you put your dog back in the car. If you’re chasing a coffee afterwards, walk up to The Brightside at the surf club, or head one block inland to The Armchair Collective on Darley Street East where they leave dog bowls out by the outdoor tables.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Cafes
You can grab a coffee with your dog on-leash within a short walk of the sand:
- The Brightside (Mona Vale SLSC): Sits right at the surf club on Surfview Road, just north of the dog zone. You can sit with your dog on-leash at the outdoor tables facing the promenade.
- The Armchair Collective (Darley Street East): Located one block back from the beach at 9A Darley Street East. Shaded footpath tables and dog water bowls make it an easy post-swim breakfast stop.
The Final Verdict
The only legal spot on the Northern Beaches where your dog can swim in ocean surf. The time windows are tight and rangers will fine anyone outside the markers, but for dogs that live to chase waves, it beats flat lagoon water every day of the week.
For more official information, visit the Northern Beaches Council website.
Mona Vale Beach (South): FAQ
Q: When does the Mona Vale Beach off-leash dog trial start?
A: The 12-month trial runs from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026.
Q: Can I take my dog to any part of Mona Vale Beach?
A: No. Off-leash access applies only to the marked 300-metre strip at the southern end. Dogs are banned from every other part of Mona Vale Beach.
Q: What are the off-leash hours during the trial?
A: During daylight saving, hours are 5:30am to 10:00am and 5:00pm to 9:00pm daily. Outside daylight saving, hours shift to 6:00am to 10:00am and 4:00pm to 7:00pm daily.
Q: Are there dog-friendly cafes near South Mona Vale Beach?
A: Yes. The Brightside has outdoor seating at the Mona Vale surf club. The Armchair Collective on Darley Street East also welcomes dogs on lead at shaded pavement tables.
