Council has approved a 12 month off-leash dog trial on Mona Vale Beach (south) as outlined below.
Trial period
The trial runs from 14 October 2025 to 13 October 2026.
Trial area
The off-leash dog trial area on Mona Vale Beach (south) can be viewed on this map.
There are 2 pathways to access the trial area from the South Mona Vale Headland Reserve Dog Off-leash Area. For everyone's safety, dogs are required to be on-leash on these pathways.
Signs have been installed at the site with information about the trial including maps and the approved times and days.
Please be advised that Mona Vale Beach (south) is not patrolled by lifeguards and entering the ocean is at your own risk.
Trial times and days
Dogs are permitted off-leash during the trial period in the trial area at the following times and days:
- 5.30am - 10am and 5pm - 9pm, Monday to Sunday (AEDT - Australian Eastern Daylight saving Time)
- 6am - 10am and 4pm - 7pm, Monday to Sunday (AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time)
At all other times during the trial period, dogs are prohibited in the trial area.
Dogs remain prohibited at all times on Mona Vale Beach outside of the trial area.
See the FAQs for information about why these trial times were chosen.
Provide feedback or contact Council
If you would like to provide feedback on the trial, please email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Any dog related incidents can be reported on our online form. Urgent or dangerous matters should be reported immediately (within 24 hours of the incident) directly to the Rangers by calling 1300 434 434 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
On-site education sessions
Council's Rangers have conducted 3 on-site education sessions at South Mona Vale Headland providing information about the trial and responsible dog ownership since the trial started.
Two further education sessions are scheduled for:
- 8:00am - 10:00am Tuesday 9 December 2025
- 8:00am - 10:00am Tuesday 23 December 2025
Keep an eye out here for more sessions during the trial period.
Dog owner etiquette
When bringing your dog/s to the off-leash trial area it is important to remember:
- you must clean up after your dog
- you must observe your dog at all times and ensure it is not rushing at, or harassing other people or dogs
- a person cannot have more than 4 dogs with them
- to be mindful of other people who are also using enjoying the area.
You can read more about dog etiquette on Council’s Dogs and Dog Off-leash Areas webpage.
How will the trial be managed?
The trial will be run in accordance with the:
- Council's Dog Control Policy
- Mona Vale Beach (south) Dog Off-leash Area - Review of Environmental Factors 2025
- Mona Vale Beach (southern end) Plan of Management 2025
- Companion Animals Act 1998
History
On 19 August 2025 Council resolved to conduct a dog off-leash area trial at Mona Vale Beach (south).
View the:
- Council Report Item 11.4 pg. 68
- Council Minutes Item 11.4 pg. 20
For more history on the development of the trial and background information, visit the Project Page.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How are the vegetated dunes and the flora and fauna being protected?
Council has install fencing to prevent dogs from entering adjacent vegetated dunes while allowing movement of small terrestrial fauna.
How will people know where the boundaries of the trial area are?
The map of the trial area can be found here and is also displayed on signs at the entry to the trial area.
What information is displayed on signs at the site?
Signs have been installed at the trial site with information including:
- the rules for use of the trial area including the permitted times
- maps of the trial area
- dog owner etiquette
- boundaries of the trial area
- that dogs are to be on-leash on the 2 access pathways
- a QR code to this webpage
Missing or damaged signs can be reported to Council by contacting customer service on 1300 434 434 or email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Why are there time restrictions for the trial?
The trial times were selected to ensure the trial area:
- can be shared between users, with designated times for those who are happy to use the area when dogs are permitted and those who prefer to use the area when dogs are prohibited
- is open during periods assumed to be popular for dog walking, i.e. before and after school, and before and after standard work hours
- has limited access in the evening to minimise noise and for beach safety.
These days and times will be reviewed as part of the trial evaluation.
Why do dogs need to be on-leash on the two paths to the off-leash trial area?
Dogs are required to be on-leash on the two paths between South Mona Vale Headland and the trial area on Mona Vale Beach (south) for the safety of other people on these paths.
Why are only Daylight Savings trial hours displayed on the signs?
To make the information on the signs clearer only the approved trial hours for the time of year will be displayed. When Daylight Savings ends on Sunday 5 April 2026 the signs will be updated to reflect the approved current trial hours.
The trial hours can be found here.
Will Council's Rangers and other staff be visiting the trial area?
Yes, Council's Rangers will patrol Mona Vale Beach including the trial area for compliance. Other Council staff will visit the trial area at least twice a week during the trial period (including some weekend days) to monitor the trial, collect data for the trial's evaluation and to report any maintenance required.
Does Council supply dog waste bags?
Yes, dog waste bags are provided at the South Mona Vale Headland Reserve Off-leash Dog Area which is the access point to the Mona Vale Beach (south) trial area. Dog waste bag dispensers have been installed next to the 3 rubbish bins located in the reserve and at the top of the 2 access pathways to the trial area.
Please take dog waste bags with you to the beach and ensure you dispose of your dog's waste in the bins provided. You are responsible for cleaning up after your dog.
Dog waste bags and bins will not be available on the beach.
If dog waste bags have run out please contact customer service on 1300 434 434 or email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
Are there any other off-leash dog areas nearby?
Yes South Mona Vale Headland Reserve Off-leash Dog Area is located adjacent to the trial area.
Council provides an additional 30 dog off-leash areas and you can find out more on Council's Dogs and Off-leash Areas webpage.
How do I contact the team managing the trial?
The Open Space Planning Team is managing the trial. You can contact us by calling customer service on 1300 434 434 and ask to speak to the team or via email council@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au
What will happen at the end of the trial period and how will the trial be evaluated?
An evaluation of the trial will be presented to Council. The evaluation will include an analysis of the:
- community feedback received including via email, letter and social media
- compliance actions taken by Council
- data collected about the trial during weekly visits by Council staff
- trial parameters including times and days.
Unless Council resolves to do otherwise, at the end of the trial period, dogs will be prohibited in the trial area 24 hours a day, seven days a week in accordance with the approved Council policy that applies at that time.
Does Council have plans for off-leash dog trials on any other beaches?
Council is investigating a proposal for an off-leash dog trial at Palm Beach (north) at Governor Phillip Park. For further information and to keep up to date with this project please visit the Governor Phillip Park Plan of Management Your Say Project page. This proposed trial has not commenced.
What fines apply to the trial area?
There are multiple fines that can apply for a variety of offences under the Companion Animals Act 1998. The following fines reflect the base penalties for dogs that are not restricted breeds or have not been declared menacing or dangerous dogs:
- A person with a dog on the beach outside the permitted area or times is liable for two fines:
- owner/in charge of dog not under control in public place - $330
- owner/in charge of dog in prohibited public place - $330
- A person with their dog off-leash on the 2 paths between South Mona Vale Headland and the trial area during the trial permitted times is liable for the fine:
- owner/in charge of dog not under control in public place - $330
- A person who does not pick up after their dog on the beach or any other public place is liable for the fine:
- not immediately remove dog faeces from public place - $275
- A person with a dog without a collar and name tag on the beach or any other public place is liable for the fine:
- dog not wear collar and name tag - $180
Multiple fines can be issued if multiple offences are committed. It is possible, for example, for a person with two dogs on the beach outside the prescribed area to be liable for $1320 in fines.