Council has approved a 12 month off-leash dog trial on Mona Vale Beach (south) as outlined below.
Trial period
The trial will run 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 will be installed at the site with information about the trial including maps and the approved times and days.
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.
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 will be at South Mona Vale Headland to provide information about the trial and responsible dog ownership at the following times and days:
- 7am - 10am Tuesday 14 October 2025
- 7am - 10am Saturday 18 October 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?
Over the coming weeks Council will 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 will also be displayed on signs at the trial area.
What information will be displayed on signs at the site?
Prior to the start of the trial signs will be 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
Will Council's Rangers be patrolling the trial area?
Yes, Council's Rangers will patrol Mona Vale Beach including the trial area.
Does Council supply dog waste bags?
Yes, dog waste bags will be 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. We will install additional dog waste bag dispensers next to the 3 rubbish bins located in the reserve and at the top of the 2 access pathways to the trial area prior to the trial start date.
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?
At the end of the trial period:
An analysis of the data collected and an evaluation of the trial will be presented to Council for consideration. Council's staff will visit the trial area weekly to collect the data required for the evaluation of the trial.
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.
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 update to reflect the approved current trial hours.