Visiting Clontarf Dog Beach with a Dog

Tucked away on the northern side of Sydney’s Middle Harbour near the Spit Bridge, Clontarf Dog Beach has long been one of my favourite dog-friendly beaches on the Northern Beaches, thanks to its calm and clean waters. However, the rules regarding this dog beach have recently changed – read on to find out more…

Location of Clontarf Dog Beach

Clontarf Dog Beach is located in Sydney, in the Northern Beaches suburb of Clontarf. Head north across the Spit Bridge and make a beeline for Clontarf Reserve.

The off-leash dog beach is located close to Clontarf Reserve, down the end of Sandy Bay Road. It is officially known as “Sandy Bay dog area” (or simply “Sandy Bay” on Google Maps) Previously, the off-leash area included the sand flat plus most of the adjacent grassy verge (see the old map).

However, during late 2024 following complaints from a local resident, it was discovered that the council technically only owns the land to the mean high water mark. So, the off-leash area has been greatly reduced to extend only to this point, excluding the water and the sand flats at low tide. See the below image of the new signs.

Sandy Bay Off Leash Map — The new boundary for the off-leash area

When I recently visited the beach in February 2025, there were still plenty of off-leash dogs on the beach, including in the water. (It was high tide to the sand flats were all covered.) I’m not sure whether the new rules will be enforced.

When Are Dogs Allowed on Clontarf Dog Beach?

Sandy Bay Dog Beach, or what remains of it, is still off-leash 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Feel free to visit the dog beach even during the middle of the day on weekends, when some other nearby dog beaches don’t allow dogs on the sand.

Tips for Visiting Clontarf Dog Beach

It’s best to visit Clontarf Dog Beach at or close to low tide. At high tide the beach almost disappears, but during low tide a large sand flat is uncovered, with some shallow pools of water.

Thanks to the shallow depths and calm harbour waters its perfect for smaller dogs or unconfident swimmers (even my short legged Schnitzel), while large dogs happily bound out into the deeper waters.

Sandy Cove in Clontarf — The shallow waters of Sandy Bay at medium tide

Sandy Bay Dog Beach at High Tide — High tide at Sandy Bay when the sand flats disappear

There are a few free parking spots at the end of Sandy Bay Road, but these are quickly snapped up, especially on weekends. Alternatively, there’s paid parking along the rest of Sandy Bay Road and adjacent to Clontarf Reserve.

Dog-Friendly Cafes Near Clontarf Dog Beach

In between Sandy Bay and Clontarf Reserve is the Clontarf Marina, home to the Sandy Bar Cafe. Dogs of all sizes and breeds are welcome to join you at the outdoor tables overlooking the water. Just keep your dog leash and barking to a minimum.

Sandy Bar Cafe View — Take a seat outdoors at the Sandy Bar Cafe

Lunch at Sandy Bar Cafe — Lunch at the Sandy Bar Cafe

The cafe is currently open daily for breakfast and lunch, with plans to extend their opening hours to the evening. Dog chews are available at the counter, plus I also spotted a dog water bowls and a dog mat in the corner of the deck.

What Else to Do Near Clontarf Dog Beach

The popular Spit Bridge to Manly Walk starts near Clontarf, passing right by Sandy Bay Beach. While parts of this walk are off-limits to dogs, due to it passing through Sydney Harbour National Park, it’s still possible to walk it with a dog to Manly, with some modification.

Alternatively, just walk the shorter 1km section to the Spit Bridge and then back to Sandy Bay Beach. Dogs are allowed along this pretty stretch as long as they stay on leash. Check out my notes amongst dog-friendly walks in Sydney.

Spit Bridge to Sandy Bay Track — A section of the walk between The Spit Bridge and Sandy Bay

Alternatively, just enjoy a shorter walk around the Clontarf area. At nearby Clontarf Reserve, dogs are not allowed on the beach, but they are allowed on the grass, either on-leash or off-leash.

Clontarf Reserve Dogs Prohibited on Beach — Dogs are not allowed on the sand anywhere else at Clontarf Reserve

Dogs are allowed off-leash from Monday to Friday outside of school holidays. Plus on Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and school holidays they are allowed off-leash before 10am and after 6pm during non-daylight savings time and after 8pm during daylight savings time.

Alternative Dog-Friendly Beaches

On the southern side of the Spit Bridge are two more small dog-friendly beaches, at Spit Reserve East and West. However, dogs are only allowed on the beach during the week, or before 9am or after 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays.

Check out the map on the Mosman Council website for the exact off-leash areas. Spit East Reserve is quite small, only between Sydney Harbour Kayaks and the restaurants to the south.

Spit West Reserve is much larger, extending around into Pearl Bay, but doesn’t always have a beach, as you can see in the photo below.

Spit West Reserve Steps — Dogs are allowed off-leash at Spit West Reserve during selected hours

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.