Northern Beaches Council has endorsed a 12-month trial to allow dogs off-leash at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach at specific times, beginning 14 October 2025. This initiative delivers on the community’s request for more dog-friendly spaces while balancing the needs of beachgoers and the local environment.

The decision follows a thorough environmental assessment and extensive community consultation where the feedback was overwhelmingly supportive of an off-leash area in this location for responsible pet access to the beach.

To support the trial, Council will implement new and enhanced signage detailing permitted times, safety protocols, and responsible etiquette. Dog waste bag dispensers will be installed to help keep the area clean and protect the natural environment. New fencing will ensure dogs remain within designated boundaries and away from sensitive dunes and vegetation, and Council Rangers will regularly monitor the trial area to ensure compliance.

 The off-leash trial will operate from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026 a specific part of the southern end of Mona Vale Beach (which will be presented on a map on Council’s website and on signs on-site). During daylight savings time, dogs will be permitted off-leash from 5.30am to 10am and from 5pm to 9pm daily while during standard time hours will be 6am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm daily. Dogs are not permitted in the trial area outside these times. Dogs remain prohibited at all times on Mona Vale Beach outside the trial area. 

Mayor Sue Heins said the trial represents a significant step in providing more quality recreational opportunities for local dog owners. “We are committed to creating welcoming spaces for all residents while protecting our beautiful beaches and local environment. This trial is about finding the right balance through clear guidelines, strong safeguards, and ongoing monitoring.”

Throughout the trial period, Council will collect data on compliance with results reported to Council at the end of the trial to guide future decisions and investigations regarding ongoing off-leash provisions.

"This is an opportunity for our community to demonstrate how much we value and can share our open spaces responsibly. We will be closely monitoring the trial both through on-site observations and observations of the community." Mayor Heins said.

Further information, including a map of the trial area and details of the adopted Plan of Management, will be available in the coming weeks on the Council website.