It doesn’t matter what the weather is, the four-legged members of your family still need to stretch their limbs and test their sniffing skills.
And, what better place than the dog beaches in Newcastle!
So, grab the leash and a poop-bag and let’s go and explore some of the Hunter’s best spots for beach ‘”walkies”.
LAKE MACQUARIE
Blacksmiths Beach – Awabakal Avenue, Blacksmiths. Dogs can run free of leashes at this popular stretch of Nine Mile Beach all year round. Entry is via the beach car park off Awabakal Avenue, northerly to the Belmont Golf Club boundary.
Hams Beach – Located on the southern side of Swansea Heads, north of Caves Beach. Access to this dog-friendly quiet beach is via Mawson Close.
Booragul Foreshore Reserve – Again, it’s not a beach, but it does sit on the water’s edge. Around the bend from popular Warners Bay, this lakeside reserve offers space to run and jump small waves.
Redhead Beach – One of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in the region offering miles of sand and big waves for brave canines to explore. Just remember dogs are only permitted from Second Creek heading south, and anywhere along Nine Mile Beach.
NEWCASTLE
Stockton Beach – It might be small but that makes it one of the more quieter dog beach in Newcastle, perhaps better suited to the ‘mini’ pooches among us.
Horseshoe Beach – When it comes to off-leash play, this beach is a favourite for dogs and their owners. Located close to the heart of the city, between beach and harbour, Horseshoe is perfect for pets all year round.
King Edward Park – Coming under the sub-heading of ‘parks with beach views’ this iconic Newcastle landmark offers off-leash play and plenty of space to run, all with a magnificent backdrop, ocean breezes and shady trees, a playground and barbecues.
Dixon Park Reserve – If you want beach views without the sand, here’s another option close to the beach but not on it. Merewether’s Dixon Park is a great spot for people-watching too.
Carrington – A great option if you’re looking for shallow waters, limited sand, a grassed area and no need for a leash.
PORT STEPHENS
Bagnalls Beach – Located in Corlette, Bagnalls Beach is one of the best “beginner” beaches for pooches, with dogs able to wade and explore the salt water at low tide safely.
Shoal Bay Beach – Accessible all year round for off-leash walking and swimming.
Boat Harbour – Dogs welcome off-leash on the beach from May to September and on the beach between 5pm and 9am on-lead between October and April.
Birubi Beach – A stunning beach allowing pets the opportunity to explore on or off-leash at different times of the day and year (check signage).
Tomaree Penninsula – Salamander Bay, off Foreshore Drive and Soldiers Point Road are both beach areas offering on-lead space for your pooch to explore.
Mallibula – Part of Tanilba Bay, Mallibula offers off-leash space for dogs to run free.
Kooindah Park – is completely off-leash all day. Located adjacent to Henderson Park which boasts an impressive children’s playground and swimming beach.
For more like this:
- Your guide to markets in our region
- What’s On in our region
- Your guide to accommodation in Newcastle
- Things to do in Newcastle
Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, real estate, entertainment, lifestyle and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
