The sandy shore of Spit East Reserve in Mosman is a popular off-leash dog beach on the harbour, just south of Spit Bridge. Dogs can swim off-leash all day on weekdays, and before 9am or after 4pm on weekends and public holidays. It’s a busy, social spot, so expect company on a sunny afternoon.
Spit East Reserve: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Busy, energetic, and social, a harbour beach scene with plenty going on.
- Best For: Confident, water-loving dogs, and owners happy to share the beach with a crowd.
- Off-Leash Hours: Off-leash all day on weekdays. Before 9am and after 4pm on weekends and public holidays.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced, with open access to the harbour.
- Parking: A large on-site paid car park is available, but it fills up very quickly on sunny days.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Calm Harbour Swimming: The sheltered beach provides calm, shallow water that’s great for a dog paddle and swim.
- Sandy Beach Fun: The beach offers a good stretch of sand for running and playing fetch during off-leash hours.
- Water Bubblers & Showers: Fresh water bubblers and showers are available, great for a post-swim rinse-off to get rid of sand and salt.
For the Humans
- Off-Leash Hours: Dogs can swim off-leash all day on weekdays. On weekends and public holidays, it’s before 9am or after 4pm only.
- Good Amenities: This is a busy recreation spot with public toilets, picnic tables, and nearby cafes for a post-walk coffee.
- Bring Your Own Bags: There are no poo bag dispensers. You must bring your own bags to keep the beach clean.
- No Lighting: The beach itself is not floodlit, so it’s best enjoyed when there’s daylight.
Insider Tip: The Spit is home to two off-leash areas, East and West. If one side looks crowded from the car park, take a short walk under the bridge to check the other, you might find it’s much quieter.
The Final Verdict
Spit East Reserve is a well-equipped dog beach with a social atmosphere and a good harbour swim. Weekday visits are the simplest, off-leash all day with no complications, while weekends mean working around the 9am and 4pm cut-offs and a busy car park. The unfenced water means it’s best suited to confident, well-behaved dogs.
For more official information, visit the Mosman Council website.
Spit East Reserve: FAQ
Q: Can my dog swim off-leash at Spit East Reserve on weekdays?
A: Yes, dogs are permitted off-leash on the beach all day, every weekday, with no time restrictions.
Q: What are the off-leash hours on weekends and public holidays?
A: Dogs are off-leash before 9am and after 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Outside those hours, dogs must be on-leash.
