Best Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Central Coast

Last verified 04/26

Looking for dog-friendly beaches on the Central Coast?

There are plenty of places with off-leash areas to choose from. Some have long surf beaches. Others sit near calm water and picnic areas.

These are my favourite dog-friendly beaches from south to north. I’ll share where your dog can run off-leash and what each place is like, based on my own visits with my dog.

On this page

1. Patonga Beach

Patonga Beach has a 500-metre off-leash area along the northern side of the beach, starting at the Boathouse Hotel. The water is calm and gentle, so it’s perfect for dogs who like to paddle or aren’t used to waves.

There’s lots of open sand for easy walks, and the quiet atmosphere makes it a relaxing place. You’ll find free off-street parking spots along Patonga Drive and Bayview Drive.

2. Pearl Beach

Pearl Beach has a 600-metre off-leash area that runs from the entrance of Pearl Beach Lagoon up to the northern end of the beach. The beach is quiet and stunning, making it a peaceful spot to walk your dog.

There’s a long stretch of sand with lots of space, and it’s less busy and noisy than larger beaches. You can park in the car park on Agate Avenue.

3. Umina Beach

Umina Beach has a 650-metre dog-friendly area that runs from the Berrima Crescent car park to the beach access track across the road from the Umina skate park. There’s a lot of space for dogs to run and play. The beach is flat and wide, making it easy to walk, and the water is usually calm, which is great for dogs that enjoy paddling.

Bins, parking, and access points are close by, so it’s convenient for regular dog walks.

4. Ettalong Beach

The stretch from Kourung Street to Augusta Street in Ettalong Beach is a well-marked, one-kilometre off-leash area for dogs. The water here is calm and shallow because it faces Broken Bay, making it safer and easier for dogs to swim or paddle.

There are toilets, cafés, and easy access from the foreshore, so you can walk your dog and take a break without leaving the area. You can grab a meal at The BOX on the Water, a waterfront restaurant that welcomes dogs. Off-street parking is available along Ocean View Road and The Esplanade.

5. Putty Beach

Putty Beach has a 600-metre off-leash area with tall sand dunes, making it a great spot for dogs to play. You can enjoy beautiful views at this beach. There’s a long, quiet stretch of sand where dogs can run and swim freely. Killcare Beach is next to Bouddi National Park, so dogs are not allowed there to help protect the local ecosystem.

If you want a coffee or a bite to eat, visit the Killcare Beach Kiosk at the southern end. Park in the lot to the left of Beach Drive as you head toward the Killcare Beach Surf Life Saving Club. There, you’ll find a hose, water bowls, a shower, and a dog bag dispenser.

6. Macmasters Beach

Macmasters Beach has an 800-metre off-leash area that’s a beautiful place to visit. The dog-friendly zone runs from 150 metres south of Copacabana Beach Surf Life Saving Club to 350 metres north of Macmasters Beach Surf Life Saving Club. This long stretch of sand is great for exercise, with lots of space for your dog to run and swim.

For something to eat, head to Macs Beach Cafe or Burnt Honey Bakery. You can park on Del Monte Place near the lagoon in Copacabana, or on Marine Parade in Macmasters Beach.

7. North Avoca Beach

The off leash area at North Avoca runs for 600 metres, starting at the Avoca Beach Shark Tower and ending at View Street. This area connects to the lagoon, so dogs can enjoy either calm water or the surf, depending on their energy. You can also walk into Avoca Beach Village with your dog and relax at one of the dog-friendly cafes.

You can park on Fiscus Avenue in Avoca Beach or on View Street in North Avoca.

8. Terrigal Haven

Terrigal Haven offers a large off-leash grassy area on the headland, so dogs can run freely and socialise without needing to stay on the sand. The open space, sea breeze, and coastal views make it a more relaxed alternative to busy beaches, and there are walking paths nearby so you can turn it into an easy coastal walk with your dog.

There’s a large carpark at Terrigal Haven.

9. Wamberal Beach

Wamberal Beach has a one-kilometre off-leash area starting at the Surfers Road beach access, just north of Terrigal Lagoon. After that point, dogs must be on a leash up to Painters Lane in Terrigal.

Dogs have plenty of room to run on the wide, open sand. Active dogs will enjoy the space, and they can play in the surf or in the calmer water near the lagoon. Parking is available on Surfers Road in Wamberal.

10. Forresters Beach

You can reach the off leash area at the northern end of Forresters Beach by taking the stairs at the end of Kalakau Avenue. The beach is wide and open, giving dogs lots of room to run.

There aren’t any toilets, bins, or water taps at the beach entrance. Make sure to bring your own water and take your rubbish home with you. You’ll find free on-street parking on Kalakau Avenue and in the nearby streets.

11. North Shelly Beach

North Shelly Beach has a 700-metre off-leash area that runs from Bombora View to Swadling Reserve at Toowoon Bay. There’s lots of space for dogs to run and play off-leash along the sand. It’s usually quieter than other beaches, so it feels calm and relaxed.

You can grab a coffee or a bite to eat at Munchas Cafe at Shelly Beach Surf Club. They are very welcoming to dogs. There’s plenty of free parking at the end of Bombora View and along Swadling Reserve Service Road. Public toilets are available at both car parks.

12. The Entrance North Beach

The off-leash area at The Entrance North is located north of the surf club from Wyuna Avenue to Stewart Street. The beach is wide and open, giving dogs lots of space to run. There aren’t any facilities at the entrance, so remember to bring your own water and bags.

13. Budgewoi Beach

The 500-metre off-leash area at Budgewoi Beach runs from the Ocean Street Beach Car Park in Budgewoi up to the Budgewoi Beach Southern Carpark, just north of the Lakes Beach Surf Life Saving Club.

There’s a wide, open stretch of sand where dogs can run and play freely. You can also park at Uwa Street, Coloma Street, or at the Budgewoi Beach Northern and Middle Car Parks.

A Few Rules Worth Knowing

Only certain sections of the beach are off leash areas, not the entire beach. Check the signs when you get there: green means off leash, amber means on leash, and red means no dogs allowed.
Even in off leash areas, keep your dog under control at all times and make sure they come when called.
Always clean up after your dog. Most beaches listed have dog bag dispensers nearby, but if you’re not sure, bring your own bags just in case.
Dogs are not allowed on patrolled beaches or in the flagged swimming areas at any time. Stay well away from the patrolled swimming zones.
It’s illegal to bring dogs into national parks or nature reserves in NSW, including Bouddi National Park and Wamberal Lagoon Nature Reserve.

Rules may change, so check the Central Coast Council website for the latest list of dog friendly beaches and off leash areas before you go.

Discover More

About the Author

Christine Lemieux is an independent digital publisher and the founder and editor of iCentralCoast, a local travel and lifestyle website covering the NSW Central Coast. She personally visits many of the places featured.