Mona Vale Beach (South)

ENJOY THE SAND WITH YOUR PUP

DOGS | BEACH | COMMUNITY

Cleared For Launch

The Mona Vale Beach (South) off-leash trial was approved by Northern Beaches Council on 19 August 2025, following strong community support for more shared spaces where dogs and their humans can enjoy the outdoors together.

On this page, you’ll find details about the trial duration, hours, and zone, along with FAQs to help you make the most of the trial period and handy links to the official trial webpage and the Council’s Plan of Management.

TRIAL DURATION

Trial Dates

The 12-month trial begins on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, and runs through to Monday, 13 October 2026.

Throughout the trial, Council will monitor activity, collect feedback and review how the space is working for everyone.

There are also Meet The Ranger sessions planned throughout the trial on Mona Vale Headland (Robert Dunn Reserve). Details below.

WHEN TO GO

Trial Times

Well-behaved off-leash dogs are welcome in the trial zone during the following hours:

SUMMER Daylight Saving Time (AEDT): 5:30 am – 10:00 am and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
WINTER Standard Time (AEST): 6:00 am – 10:00 am and 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Please remember — dogs are not permitted in the trial zone outside these times or outside the designated trial zone at any time.

WHERE TO GO

Trial Zone

The trial zone covers the 300m southern section of Mona Vale Beach, roughly between the two beach access paths from Mona Vale Headland (Robert Dunn Reserve).

Dogs must be on leash on the access paths between the Headland and the beach.

Dogs must remain within the signed boundaries (area outlined in red). They are not permitted on any other part of the beach at any time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the trial start and end?

The 12-month off-leash trial at Mona Vale Beach (South) begins on 14 October 2025 and runs until 13 October 2026. Council can choose to make beach access permanent.

What are the off-leash trial hours?

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.

Where is the trial zone?

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.

Is the trial area just for us and our dogs?

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.

What rules apply during the trial?

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.

Are there poo bags and bins on the beach?

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.

Can I let my dog swim?

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.

Who will monitor the trial?

Council Rangers will be conducting regular patrols, providing education, answering questions, and collecting feedback. Community observations will also inform the trial’s review.

How can I share my feedback?

You can provide feedback directly through the Council’s trial webpage.
Pittwater Unleashed also welcomes community comments, photos, and stories that highlight positive examples of responsible shared use - you can contact us on Facebook or by emailing us.

What happens after the trial?

Council will review the results, feedback, and ranger observations before deciding whether to make off-leash access permanent, adjust the conditions, or discontinue it.

How can I help the trial succeed?

It's simple:

Follow the hours and boundaries.
Keep your dog under control and be respectful of others.
Model good behaviour — pick up after your dog and encourage others to do the same.
Share your experience and support the trial online and in person.

Together, we can show that shared beaches really do work for everyone.

What if I need help during the trial?

If you have any concerns, see unsafe behaviour, or just want to ask a question, please reach out to the Northern Beaches Council Rangers. They’re there to help, answer questions and keep the trial running smoothly.

You can contact the Rangers by calling 1300 434 434, or report issues online via the Council website at any time.

If you see the Rangers out on patrol, say hello — they’re always happy to chat and hear how things are going.

Council Trial Info

KEEP UP TO DATE

Stay up to date with official trial information direct from Northern Beaches Council — including updates, feedback opportunities, and Ranger contacts.

Find out more

Plan of Management

GET THE DETAILS

Curious about the detail behind the trial? Prepared by Northern Beaches Council, this plan outlines how the southern end of Mona Vale Beach will be used, managed, and cared for during the trial.

Find out more

Get Involved

Being part of the Pittwater Unleashed community is about more than loving dogs. It’s about using shared coastal spaces responsibly and helping access arrangements work well for everyone.

Stay informed, understand how the trial operates, and play your part by following the rules and being considerate of other beach users.

You can keep up to date by following Pittwater Unleashed on Facebook and Instagram, and by checking the Northern Beaches Council trial webpage for official updates.

Want to know more about Pittwater Unleashed? Find out more here:

WHO WE ARE

Important Dates

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FROM 14 OCT 2025 - OFF-LEASH DOG TRIAL SUMMER HOURS

14 October 2025 – 4 April 2026

5.30am – 10am and 5pm – 9pm

Mona Vale Beach (South)

It’s on! Bring your best beach manners and help make this shared-use trial a success. Remember: Scoop the poop, share the sand, and stick to the boundaries and times.

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FROM 5 ApriL 2026 - OFF-LEASH DOG TRIAL winter hours

5 April 2026 – 13 October 2025

6am – 10am and 4pm – 7pm

Mona Vale Beach (South)

When daylight saving time ends and the clocks roll back, the off-leash hours will shift to the winter schedule. Keep enjoying the beach with your best manners — scoop the poop, share the sand and stay within the zone and times.