Dogs and their owners can enjoy many beaches and parks across Wollongong.
Rules for dog beaches and parks are explained below and in our Dogs on Beaches and Parks Policy PDF, 48909 KB.
All areas are randomly patrolled by Council's Animal Compliance Officers. Fines can be issued to people with dogs who do not follow the rules.
Know where your dog can go
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 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. You should also check the signs at each beach or park.
Off-leash areas
We have dedicated beaches and parks where your dog can be off-leash and run free.
At all off-leash locations, 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 as a courtesy near many off-leash areas, but if these aren't available you are still responsible for dealing with your dog's poo.
- Follows the general rules that apply to all dogs.
Dogs that are a restricted breed or have been declared dangerous are not allowed in off-leash areas.
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.
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.
On-leash areas
Many outdoor areas can be enjoyed with your dog on-leash.
Please note: if your dog is off-leash in one of these areas, you could be fined.
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 must be kept on a leash at all times when in a public space.
This includes all spaces except private property and the following areas where different rules apply (see the information on this page for more details):
- Green zone beaches
- Off-leash dog parks
- Red zone beaches
- Rock platforms.
The general rules for dogs also apply in public spaces at all times.
Places where dogs are not allowed
There are some places where dogs are not allowed:
- Within 10 metres of a children’s play area
- Within 10 metres of an area where food is prepared or eaten, except at cafes or restaurants that allow dogs in outdoor dining areas
- School grounds
- Child care centres
- Rock platforms, ocean or rock pools and many beaches. See below for details.
- Wildlife protection areas
- Any public place that has a sign saying dogs are prohibited. This can include shopping centres, sportsgrounds, pools, parks and more.
You can be fined if your dog is in a ‘dogs prohibited’ area, regardless of whether your dog is on- or off-leash.
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 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, 48909 KB. They're home to a range of marine life, as well as shorebirds such as the Pied Oystercatcher (endangered) and Sooty Oystercatcher (vulnerable).
Tips for enjoying outdoor spaces with your dog
You can also visit these pages to learn more about being a responsible dog owner:
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.
Wherever you are outside, always keep a close eye on your dog and make sure they're not picking up or eating any food or rubbish left in public spaces. These could be serious hazards and may cause injury, illness or even death.
Please also help keep our outdoor spaces clean by picking up your rubbish, your dog's poo, or uneaten treats intended for your dog.
Report a problem
You can report an attack or other dog-related problem to us online or by calling (02) 4227 7111.