Dog-Friendly Walks on the Northern Beaches (and Where Dogs Can't Go)

Quick answer: the best dog-friendly walks on the Northern Beaches are council trails, not national parks. Try the Narrabeen Lagoon Trail, the Manly Dam bushland tracks, the Manly Scenic Walkway between Federation Point and Delwood Beach, and the formal tracks on Dee Why Headland — all with dogs on a lead. Dogs aren't allowed in national parks (including Garigal, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Sydney Harbour National Park) or in Council's strictest wildlife protection areas.

On-lead walks where dogs are welcome

1. Narrabeen Lagoon Trail

An 8.4km shared loop around the lagoon with no steps, bridges and lots of access points (Jamieson Park, Berry Reserve, Middle Creek Reserve). Northern Beaches Council says dogs are allowed on the trail on a lead, but are prohibited from several wildlife protection areas along the way, so follow the signs.

2. Manly Dam bushland tracks

A big bushland reserve around Sydney's largest freshwater lake. Council allows dogs on-lead on the bushland tracks and trails, but not in the picnic areas, internal roads, car parks or the lake itself. Dogs are also kept out during fox-baiting periods, so check the signs at the entrance.

3. Manly Scenic Walkway: Federation Point to Delwood Beach

Council lists this section as on-lead on formal paths. Don't continue the full walk to the Spit: parts of the Manly to Spit route run through Sydney Harbour National Park, where dogs aren't allowed. For an off-lead run nearby, North Harbour Reserve in Balgowlah is a council off-leash area.

4. Dee Why Headland formal tracks

Council lists Dee Why Headland/Escarpment as on-lead on formal, council-maintained tracks, with coastal views. Stay on the paths.

5. Manly to Queenscliff footpath, plus Lagoon Park

Dogs can't go on Manly, Queenscliff or Shelly beaches, but a leashed walk along the footpath is fine. Finish at the off-leash lagoon reserves at Queenscliff and Curl Curl for a paddle.

Where dogs aren't allowed

National parks: Garigal (including the Bantry Bay trails), Ku-ring-gai Chase (including Barrenjoey Lighthouse) and Sydney Harbour National Park. NPWS doesn't permit pets, on or off lead, apart from certified assistance animals.
Council wildlife protection areas where dogs are banned at all times, including Dee Why Lagoon Wildlife Refuge, Warriewood Wetlands, Long Reef Aquatic Reserve, Bangalley Headland Reserve and Manly Peace Park.
Patrolled ocean beaches such as Manly, Dee Why, Collaroy and Narrabeen.

Check Council's declared wildlife protection areas page for the full list.

Trail safety tips

Carry water for you and your dog, especially in summer.
Check for paralysis ticks after bush walks. See our Northern Beaches tick guide.
Watch for snakes on warm days and keep your dog on the track.
Keep ID on the collar. An AirTag adds a backup if your dog slips the lead, though updates depend on nearby iPhones, so busy trails work better than quiet ones.

Heading out? Keep your dog's AirTag secure with a Pawfetchers waterproof AirTag holder (AirTag sold separately). For off-lead spots, see our Northern Beaches off-leash guide.