Full List of Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Central Coast

For all those who love getting their feet (or paws) wet, the Central Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful and accessible beach walks for both you and your pup (or the w-word, for any doggies listening). If you’re ready to get sandy, and maybe a little salty, here are all the dog-friendly beaches on the Central Coast…

Best Beach Walks for Your Pup on the Central Coast

1. Forresters Beach

A secret, dog-friendly gem on the Central Coast is this stunningly blue and off-leash beach at the far end of Forries, with access found at Henry Street, south to the Crystal Street beach access. Dogs are not permitted south of the Crystal Street beach access.

2. Wamberal Beach

For a nice salty splash, Wamberal offers one of the best dog-walking spots on the Coast. The off-leash section of this beach stretches from the access point via Surfer’s Road, Wamberal, to the north of Terrigal Lagoon, after which it is an on-lash zone until Painter’s Lane in Terrigal. With free parking and dog dispensers, you can relax in comfort whilst watching the doggos pick between the lagoon or the surf for a swim. Then afterwards you might want to check out Lagune Artisan to get a delicious Coastie-approved coffee and focaccia.

3. Copacabana Beach to Macmasters Beach

Perhaps the most popular dog beach on the Central Coast. No matter what time of day or what time of year, the beach run from Copacabana to Macmasters Beach is always busy with plenty of dogs. The northern end of the beach is not dog-friendly however so the best place to park is close to the Copa lagoon.

4. Terrigal Haven

If your pup’s a social butterfly who likes their walks to comprise mostly of catching up with friends, then Terrigal Haven is the place to be. The dog social capitol of the Coast, this large grassy headland area offering views of the sea and the Skillion is completely off-leash, and is near-always filled with furry friends to play with. For a dip afterwards, head down to the small beach down below, though be wary that Terrigal Beach itself around the corner has prohibited dogs.

5. Shelly Beach North

Here’s you’ll find pretty easy access to the beach and parking, with Shelly Beach North being suitable for young kids and fur babies. This section of the beach is off-leash, however if you want to walk the entire stretch to Toowoon Bay, pups will have to go back on the lead.

6. Ettalong Beach

Peninsula doggies are very spoilt for choice. Ettalong Beach is dog-friendly and many of our four-legged friends love this one! The beach is well sign posted with the rules, so be sure to check them out. But, southward past Bangalow Street towards Umina is dog-friendly, with a completely off-leash section further down. A lot of fun for dogs who like water as the ocean here is pretty calm. Grabbing a coffee to go from either Lords of Pour or Innerglow Kiosk is always nice for a pit-stop!

7. Pearl Beach

This is a truly stunning dog beach, allowing an off-leash run at the northern end of the beach. The 400m off-leash section starts at the most northern point and runs down to the Agate Avenue carpark. This beach is also a great one for your dog to go for a dip in, as the waters are generally quite calm.

8. Lakes Beach

For runners and their best friends, Lakes Beach has got to be the best for those after a decent workout. The 600m long area is all off-leash and is the perfect place for a really long dog walk. But it is super important to stay within the bounds of Ocean Street and the Northern Car Parks – other parts of this area do not allow dogs.

9. Davistown

A bit of a secret dog beach can be found at the far end of the off-leash dog park in Davistown. Entry can found at Malinya Road. In the summer months, it’s also not a bad spot to swim for us humans.

10. Norah Head Beach 

Is Norah Head Beach dog friendly? Most people think it isn’t. But if you follow the cliff edge as if you are going to Norah Head Lighthouse, there is a stretch of the beach that is dog-friendly. It is about a 10 minute walk from Norah Head rockpool. It’s where you’ll find doggo parents having a beach day, usually with little kids as there’s plenty of rock pools to splash about in on a hot day.

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11. Killcare and Putty Beach

There’s a four kilometre dog-friendly area found off Beach Drive at Killcare. How to get there? Turn left on the sand and head north to about halfway along the beach.  But something to remember: This is close to the entrance for Bouddi National Park and dogs are prohibited from this area to protect the ecosystem.

12. Patonga Beach

Not only is Patonga Beach, located between Brisk Street and Jacaranda Avenue, dog friendly – it also includes the wonderful Boathouse Hotel Patonga at it’s end. A great spot for lunch after a walk or swim in the area. You can even take the ferry to Palm Beach with your pooch ($20 return and dogs travel for free).

13. Avoca & North Avoca Beach

This is dog beach heaven. The Avoca lagoon and surrounding beach is off-leash and pups absolutely love swimming through the calm lake. You can also park right next to the dog area.

14. Ocean Beach, Umina

Head over to the very southern end of Ocean Beach at Umina and it’s an incredible off-leash area that’s also pretty kid friendly due to the waves being a little smaller. As always, however, keep an eye on both littlies and dog when wading into water as this area is not patrolled.

15. The Entrance Beach North

This 500 metre stretch of sand is a great off-leash dog beach that can be accessed via Wyuna Avenue, with the dog beach area running all the way to Stewart Street.

Human-Friendly Things to Remember

1. Dogs are prohibited and must not enter any children’s playground or playing apparatus, within 10 metres. Or enter public bathing or sporting recreation areas. Dogs are prohibited from area sectioned off for the protection of wildlife. And all dog beach action should be specially designated as an off-leash exercise area
2. When enjoying off-leash areas, all animals must always be under effective control of a competent person. You can be fined if you have more than four dogs per person in an off leash area
3. While dogs are allowed on designated beaches and reserves unleashed, you, the owner, are liable if your dog attacks another person or animal, or causes a nuisance to people on the beach.
4. Always Pick Up the Poo! It’s absolutely essential to always pick up dog poo and dispose of it properly. It’s a no brainer really.

Happy walking!

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Make magical memories to treasure forever with your four-legged family members