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City of Wollongong

Dog Beaches and Parks

Dogs and their owners can enjoy many beaches and parks across Wollongong.

Rules for dog beaches and parks are explained below.  You should also check the signs at each beach or park, and make sure you follow the general rules that apply to all dogs.

All areas are randomly patrolled by Council's Animal Compliance Officers (previously called Rangers). Fines can be issued to people with dogs who do not follow the rules.

Use the link below to see a map of our dog beaches and parks. Colour-coded zone information will be shown as you zoom in.

Dog beaches and parks online map

You can also download a PDF map below

Map of dog beaches and parks  PDF, 683.35 KB

Please note, maps are provided to give you general information only. You should always check and follow any signs at the beach or park.

Dogs are not allowed in red zones at any time.

Red zone beach areas include:

  • Coledale
  • Headlands
  • Austinmer
  • Sandon Point (note that Sandon Point Beach is an orange zone)
  • part of Puckeys
  • North Wollongong
  • Wollongong Harbour
  • City Beach
  • Port Kembla
  • Windang
  • All rock platforms
  • Lifeguard patrol zones marked by red and yellow flags. This includes the entire beach area from the dunes to the water.
  • Within 100 metres of a lifeguard patrol zone.
  • Any other beaches that aren't orange or green zones.

Always check signs at each beach for more detailed information about zones.

Dogs are allowed in orange zones at set times, but they must stay on a leash.

Dogs can visit orange zone beaches:

  • In summer (start of September school holidays to Anzac Day) before 9am and after 6pm
  • In winter (the rest of the year) before 9am and after 4pm.

Orange zone beaches include:

  • part of Stanwell Park Beach
  • Coalcliff
  • Scarborough / Wombarra
  • Brickyard Point
  • Thirroul
  • Sandon Point Beach
  • Bulli
  • Woonona
  • part of Bellambi Beach
  • Corrimal
  • Towradgi
  • part of Fairy Meadow Beach
  • Fisherman's Beach.

Always check signs at each beach for more detailed information about zones.

Dogs are allowed off-leash at any time in green zones.

Your dog must stay on a leash going to or from a green zone. This includes all pathways leading to green zone beaches.

Green zone beaches include:

  • part of Stanwell Park Beach
  • Sharkeys
  • Little Austinmer
  • McCauley's
  • part of Bellambi Beach
  • East Corrimal
  • part of Fairy Meadow Beach
  • part of Puckeys
  • Coniston
  • MM Beach
  • Perkins.

Always check signs at each beach for more detailed information about zones.

Dogs are not allowed on rock platforms at any time. This applies whether the rock platform is at a green, orange or red zoned beach.

Rock platforms are considered wildlife protection areas under our Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy PDF, 2129.95 KB. They're home to a range of marine life, as well as shorebirds such as the Pied Oystercatcher (endangered) and Sooty Oystercatcher (vulnerable).

As well as the endangered and vulnerable wildlife found on rock platforms (red zones for dogs), there is a range of marine animals you or your dog may find on the beach.

For your dog's safety, please keep them away from all marine animals, even if they're dead. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Puffer fish (these are poisonous)
  • Other fish, or parts of fish
  • Marine birds
  • Jellyfish
  • Blue bottles.

We currently have six off-leash dog parks at:

  • Proud Park, Helensburgh
  • Figtree Oval, Figtree
  • Riley Park, Unanderra
  • King George V Oval, Port Kembla
  • Reed Park, Dapto (fenced)
  • Eleebana Reserve, Koonawarra.

Dogs need to stay on a leash at all times going to or from off-leash parks.

At all off-leash beaches and parks, dogs must be under the control of someone aged 16 years or older who:

  • Is competent, and can control the dog by voice or in another way
  • Makes sure the dog doesn’t attack any wildlife, including birds
  • Carries a bag suitable to pick up dog poo
  • Removes any dog poo and puts it in a suitable bin.

We provide bins and bags for dog poo near many off-leash areas as a courtesy. If bins or bags are not available, you are still responsible for dealing with your dog’s poo.

Dogs are not allowed in off-leash areas if they are a restricted breed or have been declared dangerous.

The general rules for all dogs also apply in off-leash areas.

Remember, anyone supervising a dog is legally responsible for their behaviour of the dog.

If you are not on private property or in one of the zones described above, then you are in a public space.

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when in a public space. The general rules for dogs also apply in public spaces at all times.

You can report an attack or other dog-related problem to us online or by calling (02) 4227 7111.

Please note, horses are not allowed on any of our beaches. You can read about other beach rules on our Beaches page.