Dog Parks in Northern Beaches
Northern Beaches Dog Parks: The 2026 Off-Leash Guide
Finding the right spot for a salty zoomie or a secure run on the Northern Beaches can be a mission. In 2026: the region offers 31 exercise spots across Avalon Beach: Manly: Mona Vale: and Forestville. Whether you need a fenced puppy play area for a high-energy rescue or a dog-friendly walking trail for a quiet morning stroll: we have the ground-level details on parking headaches and local safety. Curated by the Sydney Dog Parks Team: we check the fences so you don’t have to.
Navigate This Guide
Northern Beaches Dog Park Map
Use our custom map to locate every leash-free reserve on the peninsula. Blue pins represent the fully fenced facilities: while Orange pins indicate unfenced beaches: lagoons: and timed ovals. Click any pin to see the address and our full review.
Fenced Dog Parks: Alphabetical by Suburb
If you have an escape artist or a pup that needs a secure environment: these are the officially fenced dog parks on the Northern Beaches for 2026. Every link below leads to a detailed review of the safety: terrain: and vibe of that specific park.
- Avalon Beach: Avalon Beach Reserve (Central Avenue)
- Avalon Beach: Hitchcock Park (Etival Street, Small Dog Section Only)
- Fairlight: LM Graham Reserve (Odawara Cl)
- Forestville: Purple Poppy Dog Park (Forestville Ave)
- Mona Vale: Mona Vale Beach South Trial (Narrabeen Park Parade)
- North Manly: Hinkler Park (Pittwater Rd)
Top Rated Fenced Parks
Hinkler Park (North Manly)
📍 Address: Pittwater Rd, North Manly NSW 2100
Hinkler Park is a unique leash-free reserve because it is fully fenced right up to the edge of the water. It is the perfect place to build your dog’s confidence for a swim without worrying about them running into traffic on Pittwater Road. While it lacks a complex canine agility course: the combination of grass and safe water access is a winner. Just be prepared for a very muddy dog if it has rained recently: as the lagoon banks hold onto water for days.
Insider Tip: Parking is very limited on the main road: so try to find a spot in the side streets earlier in the morning. Don’t forget a thick towel: the lagoon sand is dark and clings to long coats!
LM Graham Reserve (Fairlight)
📍 Address: Odawara Cl, Fairlight NSW 2094
Known by locals as the go-to spot for socialisation: this is a huge and secure leash-free reserve. It is entirely fenced with double-gated airlocks: making it one of the safest spots for a fenced puppy play area session. The park is famous for its massive shade trees and friendly community vibe. Once your dog is leashed after their run: follow the back gate out for a beautiful dog-friendly walking trail that leads directly down to Fairlight Beach.
Insider Tip: Use the car park on Griffiths Street for the easiest access. The “regulars” here are very friendly: making it a great spot if you are looking to socialise your dog with well-behaved locals.
Splash & Swim: The Best Beaches & Lagoons
Rowland Reserve (Bayview)
📍 Address: Pittwater Road, Bayview NSW 2104
If your pup was born for the water: Rowland Reserve is the premier off-leash dog beach in the region. It features a massive grassy paddock that opens directly onto the sandy flats of Pittwater. It is 24/7 off-leash: so you don’t have to check the clock. It is unfenced and very social: so only bring dogs with reliable recall. The water is calm and shallow: which makes it a safe swimming spot for small dogs and puppies who might be afraid of the ocean surf.
Insider Tip: Beware of the unique parking rules! Council beach permits do NOT work here: you must pay at the meter. Arrive at low tide to get the most sand for running: as high tide covers most of the beach area.
Northern Beaches Dog Park FAQ
Q: Which Northern Beaches dog park is best for small dogs?
A: Hitchcock Park in Avalon Beach is the top pick: it features a dedicated: fully fenced enclosure specifically for small or shy dogs. LM Graham Reserve in Fairlight is also a great: secure option for all sizes.
Q: Are there any dog parks with water and toilets?
A: Yes! Major hubs like Rowland Reserve: LM Graham: and North Harbour Reserve all offer public toilets and water stations for your pup. Smaller reserves like Progress Park require you to bring your own supplies.
Q: What are the best dog-friendly swimming spots?
A: For calm water: head to Rowland Reserve or Manly Lagoon. For surf: check out the 2026 trial at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach: but check the specific timed hours before you arrive.
🐶 Browse All Northern Beaches Off-Leash Areas Below ↓
Looking for a specific local run? From the quiet “sniffaries” of Newport and Seaforth to the massive ovals in Frenchs Forest: we have reviewed every spot. For official updates on rule changes: we recommend checking the Northern Beaches Council website.
Northern Beaches is home to 31 dog parks where you and your pup can enjoy some outdoor time together. 8 of the parks are fully fenced, providing a secure environment for your dog to play off-leash, while 23 are unfenced. 30 of these parks are off-leash. For smaller or more timid dogs, 1 of these parks provide a separate area for their safety and enjoyment. 26 parks have water facilities available for dogs.
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