ENJOY THE SAND WITH YOUR PUP
North Palm BeachDOGS | BEACH | COMMUNITY
North Palm Beach
Plan of Management underway
The Governor Phillip Park Plan of Management — which includes the proposed off-leash dog trial at North Palm Beach — has been prepared by Northern Beaches Council and referred to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for review prior to public exhibition.
Following this process, the draft Plan of Management is expected to be reported to Council for public exhibition in 2026. Community feedback will be invited as part of that formal exhibition process.
This page will be updated as further information becomes available. For official timelines and exhibition details, Northern Beaches Council remains the primary source of information.
TRIAL DURATION
Trial Dates
To be confirmed in 2026.
WHEN TO GO
Trial Times
When the trial is approved, well-behaved off-leash dogs are likely to be welcome in the trial zone during the following hours:
-
Daylight Saving Time (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
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 proposed off-leash area at North Palm Beach would span approximately 400 metres.
Its northern boundary sits about 280 metres south of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, while the southern boundary is located roughly 300 metres north of the North Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. The western edge follows the eastern line of the dunes within Governor Phillip Park, and the eastern boundary extends 130 metres seaward from that point.
Designated access pathways are included in the concept plan to ensure safe and easy entry to the beach while protecting the surrounding dunes and vegetation.
Areas outside of the 400m 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 will be displayed on the signposts.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the trial start and end?
The trial will commence once the Plan of Management (POM) has been presented to Northern Beaches Council, formally adopted following a Council vote, and all necessary site preparations—such as signage, bins and access points—have been completed.
What are the off-leash trial hours?
When the trial is approved, well-behaved dogs are likely to be 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 proposed off-leash area at North Palm Beach would span approximately 400 metres.
Its northern boundary sits about 280 metres south of Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, while the southern boundary is located roughly 300 metres north of the North Palm Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. The western edge follows the eastern line of the dunes within Governor Phillip Park, and the eastern boundary extends 130 metres seaward from that point.
Designated access pathways are included in the concept plan to ensure safe and easy entry to the beach while protecting the surrounding dunes and vegetation.
Areas outside of the 400m 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 will be displayed on the signposts.
Council Trial Updates
POM IN PROCESS
The Governor Phillip Park Plan of Management, including the proposed North Palm Beach off-leash dog trial,
has been referred to NSW DPHI and is expected to be reported to Council in 2026.
GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK WORKING GROUP
A Working Group to advise on the Governor Phillip Park Plan of Management, which includes the North Palm Beach off-leash dog trial, was approved on 21 October 2025.
Plan of Management
GET THE DETAILS
Curious about the details behind the trial? Prepared by Northern Beaches Council, this plan outlines how the northern end of Palm Beach will be used, managed, and cared for during the trial.
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:
Past Events
21 OCT 2025 - COUNCIL MEETING: GOVERNOR PHILLIP PARK WORKING GROUP motion
6pm
Northern Beaches Council Chambers
A motion to create a Working Group to advise on the Governor Phillip Park Plan of Management, which includes the North Palm Beach off-leash dog trial, has been tabled by Cr Korzy. OUTCOME: carried as proposed.
GET IN TOUCH
Still looking for answers?
Contact us on Facebook, or send an email to us at pittwaterunleashed@gmail.com
