Sandbar Beach (also known locally as Cellito Beach) is a true coastal wilderness experience in Smiths Lake. If you and your dog love a rugged adventure away from the crowds, this timed off-leash area is the crown jewel of the MidCoast. You’ll have to tackle a bumpy dirt road and carry your own supplies, but walking down the rainforest boardwalk to reach the pristine white sand makes it absolutely worth the effort.
On This Page
Sandbar Beach Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: Wild, remote, and breathtaking. It feels like you’ve discovered a secret island.
- 🐕 Best For: Athletic dogs and adventurous owners who don’t mind a bit of a hike.
- Off-Leash Hours: Strictly timed: 5:00 am – 9:00 am and 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm.
- Fencing: Unfenced. A massive, open stretch of coastline.
- 🅿️ Parking: A dirt car park is available at the end of Sandbar Road, but you’ll want an SUV to handle the bumpy drive.
Beach Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- 850m of Freedom: During the permitted hours, your dog gets a huge, designated stretch of shoreline to sprint across the deep white sand and dive into the crystal-clear ocean.
- No Tap Water: This is a remote location with absolutely no fresh water. You must carry a large bottle in your backpack to wash the salt out of their mouth.
- Rainforest Sniffs: The 200-metre boardwalk down to the sand winds through ancient littoral rainforest, offering some incredible natural smells on the way in.
For the Humans
- Zero Amenities: There are no public toilets, no bins, and no lighting. You have to be completely self-sufficient and take all your rubbish back to town with you.
- The Boardwalk: The elevated timber boardwalk is beautifully shaded and makes the walk down to the beach a stunning experience in itself.
- Tough Drive: The dirt tracks getting here (like Possum Brush) get severely corrugated after rain. If you’re driving a low sedan, you might struggle. An SUV or 4WD is highly recommended.
Insider Tip: Because there is barely any cell reception and zero lighting, you do not want to be caught out here when the sun goes down. Keep a close eye on the time during your evening visit, and always pack plenty of dog waste bags because you won’t find a council dispenser within miles.
The Final Verdict
Sandbar Beach is an incredible, untamed wilderness. It strips away all the easy comforts like coffee shops and toilets, rewarding you with an uncrowded, pristine coastline. If you have the right car to handle the bumpy road and the preparation to carry your own water and waste, this is a spectacular morning or evening adventure on the Barrington Coast.
For more official information, visit the MidCoast Council website.
Sandbar Beach: FAQ
Q: What are the off-leash hours?
A: Dogs are allowed off-leash exclusively from 5:00 am to 9:00 am, and 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm daily.
Q: Are there any toilets or water taps at the beach?
A: No. It is a remote wilderness area with absolutely no municipal facilities. You must bring all your own water and carry out your waste.
Q: Do I need a 4WD to get there?
A: While a standard car can sometimes make it, the unsealed access roads are heavily corrugated. An SUV or high-clearance vehicle is strongly recommended.
