Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the trial zone only during the following times:

• During Daylight Saving (AEDT): 5:30 am – 10:00 am and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
• Outside Daylight Saving (AEST): 6:00 am – 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

At all other times, dogs must remain off the beach.

The 300m designated off-leash area is located on the southern end of Mona Vale Beach, extending roughly between the two access paths from Mona Vale Headland (Robert Dunn Reserve). Dogs are allowed in this area only during the trial hours. It remains a shared zone.

Areas outside of the 300m zone, including surf-patrolled zone and dunes, are not part of the trial area — dogs are not permitted there at any time.

A detailed map of the zone is displayed on the signposts.

No — the 300 m off-leash zone is for everyone to enjoy. You’ll be sharing the sand with walkers, swimmers, kids and other beach lovers, so please be considerate, keep your dog under control, and help make the space welcoming for all.

All existing Council dog ownership rules apply, including:

• Dogs must be under effective control at all times.
• Owners must scoop the poop, share the sand, and stick to the boundaries.
• Dogs must be on a lead on the access paths.
• Aggressive or uncontrolled behaviour is not acceptable.
• Dogs must be registered, microchipped, and wearing a collar with an ID tag.

These rules help ensure everyone can enjoy the space safely.

There are no facilities on the beach; however, Council has installed extra poo-bag dispensers and bins on the headland at the main access points. Please stock up before you hit the sand or make sure your dog has “taken care of business” beforehand.

Under no circumstances should poo bags be left on the beach or in the dunes. If you spot any that have been missed, please lend a hand and scoop the poop – it helps keep the beach clean and the trial running smoothly for everyone.

Yes — dogs may swim within the designated trial zone during off-leash hours. Always keep an eye on surf conditions and your dog’s behaviour, and remember that other beach users and wildlife share the space too.

We started in 2014, when locals came together to advocate for fair, shared access to beaches and open spaces for responsible dog owners. Since then, we’ve grown into a connected community working collaboratively with Council and residents to make off-leash beach access a reality.

We don’t make policy — the community does. Our role is to help bridge the gap between residents and Council by sharing accurate information, supporting responsible dog ownership, and encouraging constructive community input. When the community speaks up respectfully and in numbers, change happens.

There are lots of ways to help! Like and follow us on Facebook and Instagram, come along to Ranger sessions, speak up at Council meetings, or simply use the beach responsibly. You can find more ideas on our Get Involved page.

Our biggest milestone has been helping to secure community support for the Mona Vale Beach (South) off-leash trial, approved by Council in August 2025. It’s a big step toward proving that shared spaces can work beautifully when everyone plays their part.

We’re a volunteer community group, so while we don’t collect donations, your support through sharing posts, showing up, and using the beaches responsibly is what really keeps us going.

We do our best to keep our website current, but for official updates, visit the Northern Beaches Council Off-leash Dog Trial webpage or call the Open Space team on 1300 434 434. You’ll also find real-time updates on our Facebook and Instagram pages.