Overview
The balmy season is here, and we're ready to prance about in sparkling waters with an enthusiastic doggo by our side. If you're lucky enough to have (or have mates with) a fur baby, it's that time of year to plan outdoor adventures aplenty. And, with the scorching Sydney days upon us, you'll need to seek out swimming spots for you and your best mate.
Luckily, we've got you covered. Here are five dog-friendly beaches where you can swim with your pooch. Think shallow and sheltered bays, seaside reserves and gorgeous coves — all of which permit your pup to frolic about unleashed. Grab your four-legged friend, smother some sunscreen on your schnoz and head for these Sydney gems.
ROWLAND RESERVE, BAYVIEW
Go for a frolic at Rowland Reserve, where water access is legally permitted to your off-leash pooch at all times. There's a big sandy spit, and the water's pretty shallow, so your pup won't find itself (literally) in the deep end. But make sure you pay attention to the designated dog-friendly areas at this reserve, which surround the dog park zone — otherwise you could be up for a hefty fine. We suggest making this dip the start or finish of a walk between Rowland Reserve and Church Point, which spans about five kilometres and offers scenic views aplenty.
HORDERNS BEACH, BUNDEENA
Horderns Beach is a stunning little spot, nestled within a sheltered bay in the sleepy suburb of Bundeena. Sitting at the edge of the Royal National Park, we suggest taking the lovely ferry ride across from Cronulla to reach these shores — yep, the ferry is also dog-friendly. In summer, Horderns is ideal for a twilight dip with your puppo; from September to April, dogs are allowed off-leash Monday to Friday before 8.30am and after 4.30pm. If you're into winter dips, off-leash rules apply at all times May to August too. But be sure not to venture into the national park while you're here, as dogs are prohibited there.
Matt Jones via Unsplash
SPIT RESERVE, MOSMAN
Set at the start of the Spit to Manly walk, Spit Reserve is a picturesque bayside park where doggos are welcomed with open arms. Let your pup roam leash-free while you lounge in the grass, go for little coastal bushwalk or wade into the water to cool down. You and your fur baby can explore both Spit West and East Reserves — with off-leash permitted all day Monday through Friday and before 9am or after 4pm on weekends and public holidays. If you're feeling like a bigger walk is in order, make your way from the reserve over Spit Bridge and on towards Manly. Along the way, you'll hit a few more dog-friendly beaches where you and your doggie can cool off.
For the full low-down of where you can take your dog in Mosman, head here.
CLONTARF RESERVE, SANDY BAY
If you do plan to conquer the Spit to Manly walk with your pooch, stop by Clontarf Reserve for a dip during your hike. Be sure to head straight for the designated off-leash dog beach, as you'll need to keep your pup on a lead until you get there. The beach is just 150-metres long and the bay is rather sheltered and shallow — let's call this one more of a wading opportunity than a full-blown swim — so it's perfect for dogs (and people) who aren't regular Dwayne Johnsons in the waves. When you're not swimming with your doggo, enjoy a BYO picnic under one of the reserve's many trees.
Danny Butler Photography via Flickr
SIRIUS COVE, MOSMAN
At this well-frequented dog beach, you'll spot battalions of boisterous pooches retrieving tennis balls from the waves. Dogs are allowed at Sirius Cove off-leash on weekdays at all times and on weekends/public holidays before 9am and after 4pm. At high tide, it's a great chance for both of you to take a dip, and you can make a whole afternoon of it here. Paddle around the yachts with your sea pup, then enjoy use of the barbecues and picnic tables in the shade. Your dog can also be exercised off-leash in the adjoining park, so you can enjoy your picnic while your puppo explores or lounges comfortably at your feet.
For the full low-down of where you can take your dog in Mosman, head here.
Not feeling a dip, but still want to soak up some balmy hang time with your pup? Try one of Sydney's best dog parks.
Top Image: Joseph Pearson