A 12-month trial for an off-leash dog area at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach will start on 14 October 2025, so dogs and their owners will be able to enjoy this stretch of sand during specific times and days. 

Before deciding on this trial, Council did a deep dive into environmental impacts and listened closely to community feedback to make sure the needs of beach visitors and the surrounding natural environment are still looked after.

To help the trial run smoothly, Council will put up new signs showing the rules, approved times, and safety reminders. They’ll also add dog waste bag stations to keep the area tidy and the environment protected. Fencing will be set up to keep dogs in the right spot and away from sensitive dunes and plants, plus Council Rangers will swing by regularly to keep an eye on things.

The trial runs from 14 October 2025 through 13 October 2026, just on a specific southern stretch of Mona Vale Beach (a map will be shared on the Council website and on local signage). During daylight savings, dogs can be off-leash from 5.30am to 10am and again from 5pm to 9pm every day. Outside of daylight savings, those times shift to 6am-10am and 4pm-7pm. Dogs can’t be in the trial area off-leash outside those hours, and they’re not allowed anywhere else on the beach at any time.

This trial is designed to give local dog owners more chances to enjoy the beach while keeping the coast safe and beautiful for everyone. The Council will keep tabs on how it all goes by gathering compliance data and will put together a report at the end of the trial to help decide on the future of off-leash access here.

If you’re after more details, including a map and the Plan of Management, keep an eye on the Council’s website in the coming weeks.