Northern Beaches Council will allow dogs off-leash access at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach from 14 October 2025 as part of a trial to enhance recreational opportunities for local dog owners, while balancing the needs of beachgoers and the local environment.

The decision to commence the trial follows a comprehensive environmental assessment and robust community consultation, to confirm a defined trial area that is well-managed and accessible, without compromising the interests of other beachgoers or the coastal habitat.

Mayor Sue Heins welcomed the start of the trial, saying, “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.”

To support the trial, Council has introduced new and enhanced signage specifying permitted off-leash times, safety protocols and responsible etiquette. Dog waste bag dispensers with bags will be provided to keep the area clean, and new fencing will help ensure dogs remain within the designated boundaries and to safeguard sensitive dunes and vegetation. Council Rangers will regularly monitor the site to ensure compliance.

The off-leash trial will operate from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026 in a defined trial area at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach, as indicated on Council’s website and on-site signage. During daylight savings time, dogs will be permitted off-leash in the trial area 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.

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 through on-site observations by our staff." Mayor Heins said.

Further information about the trial, including a map of the trial area are available on the Council’s website.