Finding the right spot for a salty zoomie or a secure run on the Northern Beaches can be a mission. In 2026 the region has 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’ve got the ground-level details on parking 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 the map below to find every leash-free reserve on the peninsula. Blue pins mark the fully fenced facilities, and orange pins show the unfenced beaches, lagoons and timed ovals. Click any pin for the address and our full review.
Fenced Dog Parks: Alphabetical by Suburb
If you’ve got an escape artist or a pup that needs a secure space, 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 feel of that 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 an unusual leash-free reserve because it’s fully fenced right up to the water’s edge. That makes it a good place to build your dog’s confidence for a swim without worrying about them bolting onto Pittwater Road. There’s no canine agility course here, but the mix of grass and safe water access works well. Just expect a muddy dog after rain, since the lagoon banks hold water for days.
Insider Tip: Parking on the main road is very limited, so try the side streets earlier in the morning. Bring a thick towel too, as the dark lagoon sand clings to long coats.
LM Graham Reserve (Fairlight)
📍 Address: Odawara Cl, Fairlight NSW 2094
Locals know this as the go-to spot for socialisation, and it’s a big, secure leash-free reserve. It’s fully fenced with double-gated airlocks, which makes it one of the safer options for a fenced puppy play area session. It’s known for its large shade trees and friendly crowd. Once your dog’s back on the leash after a run, head out the back gate for a dog-friendly walking trail that leads straight down to Fairlight Beach.
Insider Tip: Use the car park on Griffiths Street for the easiest access. The regulars are friendly, so it’s a good spot if you want 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 pick of the off-leash dog beach spots in the region. A large grassy paddock opens straight onto the sandy flats of Pittwater, and it’s off-leash 24/7, so there’s no clock to watch. It’s unfenced and very social, so only bring dogs with reliable recall. The water is calm and shallow, which makes it a safe swim for small dogs and puppies that aren’t ready for ocean surf.
Insider Tip: The parking rules here are different. Council beach permits don’t work, so you pay at the meter. Come at low tide for the most sand to run on, as high tide covers most of the beach.
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, with a separate fully fenced enclosure just for small or shy dogs. LM Graham Reserve in Fairlight is another secure option that suits all sizes.
Q: Are there any dog parks with water and toilets?
A: Yes. Larger hubs like Rowland Reserve, LM Graham and North Harbour Reserve all have public toilets and water stations. Smaller reserves like Progress Park need 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, try the 2026 trial at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach, but check the timed hours before you go.
Browse All Northern Beaches Off-Leash Areas Below ↓
Looking for a specific local run? From the quiet “sniffaries” of Newport and Seaforth to the big ovals in Frenchs Forest, we’ve reviewed every spot. For official updates on rule changes, check the Northern Beaches Council website.
Area Overview
Northern Beaches is home to 31 dog parks where you and your pup can enjoy the outdoors. 8 of the parks are fully fenced, while 23 are unfenced. 30 of these parks allow dogs off-leash. For smaller pups, 1 location features a dedicated separate small dog area. 26 parks have water facilities available. 23 parks provide poo bag dispensers for your convenience.
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