The most dog-friendly beach in Sydney’s East is Rose Bay Dog Beach. Officially known as the Rose Bay Foreshore, or simply “Rose Bay Beach” on Google Maps, this dog beach is the best spot to head with your pup for fun on the sand and swims in the harbour if you live in the Eastern Suburbs or inner suburbs of Sydney.
Location of Rose Bay Dog Beach
Rose Bay Dog Beach is located in the Eastern Suburb of Rose Bay, along the southern shore of Sydney Harbour. The off-leash section of beach is located in between Percival Park and Dumaresq Reserve.
Note that dogs are not permitted in Percival Park, so it’s best to access the beach from the end of Caledonian Road or the steps down from New South Head Road.
When Are Dogs Allowed on Rose Bay Dog Beach?
There are no time restrictions for dogs visiting Rose Bay Dog Beach, with dogs allowed off-leash all day long – part of what makes it such as great dog-friendly beach!
At the nearby Dumaresq Reserve, dogs are only allowed off-leash before 8:30am or after 4:30pm. However, whenever I’ve visited the dog beach, the sand in between the beach and the reserve has been underwater, so we have skipped entirely visiting the reserve.
To double check the latest rules, check the local council signs or check this page.
Tips for Visiting Rose Bay Dog Beach
It’s best to access Rose Bay Dog Beach from the end of Caledonian Road or the footpath down from New South Head Road (in between numbers 760 and 762).
Parking on the nearby streets can be tricky no matter what day of the week. Your best bet is probably the carpark nearby on Dover Road.
If your dog needs a wash after their outing to the beach, make a booking with Paw Stars, whose Rose Bay location is just metres from the end of the dog beach. Both a simple wash and blow-dry or a full groom is available, or simply pay for the self-service option to use their wash station, including shampoo, conditioner and dryer.
Dog-Friendly Cafes Near Rose Bay Dog Beach
There’s plenty of dog-friendly cafes nearby to head to before or after your time at the beach. Just a short walk away is Chargrill Charlie’s Rose Bay, ideal for a takeaway lunch, or sit at one of the dog-friendly tables outside.
For something fancier, head a little further away to Jezve Coffee, near the ferry wharf. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables (just not inside), with water bowls provided and QR codes to easily order on the tables. The cafe is also conveniently open until 6pm on weekends and 5pm on weekdays.
With a Turkish-influenced breakfast and lunch menu, I recommend the Çilbir poached eggs with Turkish bread on the side. There’s also a range of simple sandwiches. Turkish tea and coffee is available.
What Else to Do Near Rose Bay Dog Beach
As well as frolics on the beach, Rose Bay Beach is the perfect location for Stand-Up Paddleboarding. If you have your own board (or hire a dog-friendly one), head out supping with your pup!
Not far away from Rose Bay is the start of the Federation Cliff Walk. This 5km-long dog-friendly walk between Dover Heights and Watsons Bay is a fun outing with your pup, whether you complete the entire cliff-top walk or just one stretch. (Note that dogs are not allowed on the closer Hermitage Foreshore Walk, located in the Sydney Harbour National Park.)
During the summer months, the walk is best done during the cooler hours of the day. (There isn’t much shade.) Then, perhaps cool down at Rose Bay Dog Beach afterwards?
Alternative Dog-Friendly Beaches
There’s a second stretch of dog-friendly beach in Rose Bay at the western edge of the suburb. Known as “Bellamy Beach” on Google Maps, it’s adjacent to Rose Bay Park, in between the Rose Bay and Point Piper marinas. However, dogs are meant to remain on leash both in the park and on the beach.
Two other small beaches in the Eastern Suburbs that also allow dogs on them are Kutti Beach in Vaucluse and Lady Martin Beach in Point Piper. However, dogs need to remain on leash, and parking is difficult at both beaches.
For the latest off-leash areas in the area, check out the Woollahra council website. In 2023 there was a review to potentially increase the number of off-leash beaches in the area, but nothing has still changed.
You May Also Like
- Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Sydney
- Dog-Friendly Beaches in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney
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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.