Taking your dog for a walk is one of the easiest (and happiest!) ways to keep them fit, healthy and content. And being by the ocean is pretty great for our wellbeing – so it make sense to combine them! Luckily the Central Coast is spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful and accessible beach walks for both you and your pup… walkies, anyone? If you’re ready to get sandy, and maybe a little salty, we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Central Coast.
To make things easier for dog owners, Central Coast Council has rolled out a new signage system across local beaches and reserves. Keep an eye out for the coloured signs: green means go (designated off-leash areas), amber means on leash, and red means no dogs allowed. Simple, clear, and super handy when you’re out and about with your pup.
Best Off-Leash Beach Walks for Your Dog 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 in the middle 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 Central Coast. The off-leash section of this beach stretches from the access point via Surfers Lane 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 Copacabana 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. North Shelly Beach
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 around to Toowoon Bay, dogs will have to go back on the lead.
6. Ettalong Beach
Peninsula doggies are very spoilt for choice, and plenty of our four-legged friends love Ettalong Beach! The beach itself is dog-friendly south of Bangalow Street, with clear signage so you can double-check where and when pups are allowed. A lot of fun for dogs who like water as the ocean here is pretty calm with plenty of room to roam, and that incredible view across to Wagstaffe. Grabbing a coffee to-go from Lords of Pour or Innerglow Kiosk is always nice for a pit-stop!
7. Ocean Beach, Umina
A bit further down you’ll find a dedicated off-leash section at the southern end of Ocean Beach. This stretch is perfect for water-loving dogs who enjoy a splash and a run, with smaller waves that tend to be kid- and pup-friendly. It’s a popular pick before or after the heat of the day.
8. Pearl Beach
This is a truly stunning dog beach, allowing an off-leash run at the northern end. 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.
9. Davistown
A bit of a secret dog beach can be found at the far end of the Illoura Reserve 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, with toilets and picnic facilities back around towards the ferry wharf.
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 to the south that is dog-friendly. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Norah Head rockpool, around towards Gravelly Beach. 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.
11. Lakes Beach, Budgewoi
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 Budgewoi Beach Northern Car Parks – other parts of this area do not allow dogs.
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12. 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.
13. Patonga Beach
Not only is Patonga Beach dog friendly between Brisk Street and Jacaranda Avenue – you’ve also got the wonderful Boathouse Hotel Patonga at the 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).
14. The Entrance Beach North
This 500 metre stretch of sand is a great off-leash dog beach running south from Wyuna Avenue to Stewart Street, with access at the end of every road in between.
15. Avoca and 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.
Human-Friendly Things to Remember
1. Dogs are prohibited and must not enter schools or be within 10 metres of any children’s playground or playing apparatus. This also applies to public bathing or sporting recreation areas. Dogs are prohibited from areas sectioned off for the protection of wildlife. 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, and come back to you when called. 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.
5. Many of the dog-friendly beaches on the Coast are unpatrolled, so be extra cautious around the water, especially with kids and dogs who love a swim. Always check conditions before heading in.
Happy walking!
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Dog-Friendly Bushwalks on the Central Coast
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