27 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars & Walks in Central Coast (NSW)
NSW Central Coast is evidently one of the best dog friendly beach destinations in the country. Plenty of off leash beaches to choose from, dog friendly cafes and bars and stunning dog friendly hikes and walks to explore.
Take a lead and plenty of water and let’s go and explore the 27 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars and Walks in Central Coast.
But let’s first have a look at some of the amazing dog friendly accommodation available in the area.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
Tatala
North Avoca
Beautiful beach views in popular North Avoca location. Tucked away in the trees and just a short 15 minute walk to North Avoca Beach, this beautiful dog friendly accommodation will get those holiday vibes humming. With easy access to North Avoca, Avoca and Terrigal you won”t be short of activities. Enjoy the rolling surf, golden sands and tranquil lagoon at North Avoca Beach. Take an easy walk along the sand to Avoca for more cafes, restaurants and boutique shops. When the sun goes down, head over to Terrigal for beautiful beach bars and a fantastic selection of restaurants.
Wisteria Cottage
Copacabana Beach
You’ll love this place because of the location and the relaxed tranquil feel that fills you with quiet as soon as you enter the gate. The cottage is ideal for couples, families (with kids), and furry friends. The garden is fully enclosed as well as the courtyard with BBQ and outdoor setting. The beach just 100m away is also off leash dog friendly heading south towards MacMasters Beach.
There are 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom in this single level cottage. 1 queen bedroom with built in robe, 1 double room and 1 bunk room with 1 set of bunk beds and 1 king single. All bed and bath linen is supplied as well as tea and coffee and bathroom essentials.
MacMagic
MacMasters Beach
Simplistic and cosy! This dog friendly beach accommodation has all you need and nothing you don’t. The cottage is perfect for those who want to recharge their battery or those who would like a romantic hideaway.
It is a cute little stand alone cottage within walking distance to our fantastic surf beach. Take a leisurely stroll through the bush track for a great coffee at out local beach kiosk Barefoot, or a slightly longer walk to Loos Loos coffee shack where you can also purchase the morning paper. Local shops at Kincumber are a 15min drive or main shopping centre at Erina is 30 min drive.
Or……just close the gate, chill on the deck and read a book whilst sipping a beverage in your own world. Fully fenced yard makes it a pawfect getaway with your furry friend.
Killcare Beach Pad
Killcare
This dog friendly Beach Pad has a sense of calm and practicality as soon as you enter. Adorned with beautiful artworks and thoughtful touches you will feel apart of the beautiful surrounds in no time. Just a 5 minute walk to the beach and the cafes, restaurants and boutique shopping of Hardys Bay – this is the perfect place to base yourself for your beach retreat.
The Bearhouse
Pretty Beach
Beach accommodation offering the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The Lobster Beach walking track can be accessed from the rear garden, and you’ll find yourself in a sheltered bay fringed with stunning natural bushland.
Brimming with old world original features, rustic charm and quirky corners renowned architect David Boyle cleverly combines the cosiness of yesteryear with the luxury of open plan alfresco living/dining in this relaxed coastal home. Surrounded by willow trees and wild flowers, you’ll find it hard not to unwind. Take a nap in the hammock, dive into a good book while the kids muck around after the beach in the outdoor bath under the stars.
Bangalow Beach House
Ettalong Beach
Welcome to the pet & dog friendly Bangalow Beach House in Ettalong, where the sun, sea, and serenity await you. This charming beach cottage exudes island-inspired charm with its furnishings, setting the stage for your next relaxing coastal get-a-way.
With three cozy bedrooms that comfortably sleep six, it”s perfect for families seeking a beach escape, friends looking for a catch-up, or couples yearning for a romantic getaway. Inside, you”ll find relaxed living area, dining for 6, 1 bathroom, and for your convenience, an additional shower is tucked away in the external laundry.
The real gem of this beach house is its prime location. Just a short stroll away, you”ll discover all that Ettalong has to offer. Sink your toes into the sandy shores, explore the shops, savor a meal at the local cafes and restaurants, catch a movie at the nearby cinema, or embark on a scenic ferry ride – it”s all within easy stroll.
Dog Friendly Beaches
1. Patonga Beach
Patonga
Dogs are allowed to run on this gorgeous dog beach between Brisk Street and Jacaranda Ave. Great spot for a swim and play and afterwards having a drink at The Boathouse Hotel Patonga.
2. Avoca Beach
North Avoca
Stunning off leash beach to go for a run or play with your pooch. Tails are guaranteed to go crazy when your pup gets his/her paws on the soft sand.
3. Wamberal Beach
Wamberal
Probably one of the best off leash beaches in the Central Coast to go with your dog. This 24h off leash beach in Wamberal is a great spot to play, run, swim and meet new friends.
4. North Shelly Beach
Toowoon Bay
North Shelly Beach is a gorgeous dog friendly beach for your pooch to run along and have a swim. Afterwards head to a dog friendly cafe, Muncha’s for breakfast, lunch or coffee.
5. Hams Beach
Caves Beach
If you are travelling to the northern parts of the Central Coast, Hams Beach is a great stop to make with your pup. Access to this 24h dog friendly beach is off Mawson Close, covering that part of the reserve between the Hams Beach car park and the ocean.
6. Blacksmiths Beach
Blacksmiths
Blacksmiths dog off leash beach is part of Nine Mile Beach extending from the beach car park off Awabakal Avenue, northerly to the Belmont Golf Club boundary. Leash free at all times.
Dog Friendly Cafes
7. Jasmine Green Park Kiosk
Sydney Avenue, Umina
Located in a serene park setting right next to the Dog Beach, dog friendly cafe Jasmine Greens is a relaxing dining destination boasting a kiosk and party venue. We use the very best ingredients with a strong focus on using locally sourced, chemical free & free-range ingredients. We’re the perfect destination for a convivial meal with family and friends.
Our venue is also available to hire for private functions and we can provide off-site licensed catering services. Don’t forget to get one of the delicious Kangaroo Chews for your furry friend from the bar.
8. Lords of Pour
199a Ocean View Road, Ettalong Beach
Beautiful dog friendly cafe just a block from the beach. Popular with locals and visitor with their furry friends. Great coffee and selection of brekkie favourites and even Roo Chews for the furry customers.
9. Gnostic Mana
31 The Boulevard, Woy Woy
Lovely shaded courtyard with water bowls and free organic dog treats is waiting for furry friends at dog friendly Gnostic Mana. The staff is trained in belly rubs too! Even an occasional complimentary piece of bacon might be offered if parents allow. After lunch, you can enjoy a beautiful walk along the water on The Boulevarde to Lions Park.
10. Macs Beach Cafe
100 Marine Parade, MacMasters Beach
Macs Beach Cafe is a pawfect dog friendly cafe at MacMasters Surf Life Saving Club House. Stunning views, friendly staff and great coffee makes Macs Beach Cafe an ideal place to relax with your pooch after a morning walk on the beach (look for the signs for off leash areas on MacMasters Beach as the part in front of the SLSC is not off leash but you need to make your way further north). Treats also available for the furry customers.
11. Avoca Sands Cafe
85 Avoca Drive, Avoca Beach
Avoca Sands is a beachfront dog friendly cafe in the beautiful Central Coast location. Whether it is coffee, breakfast, lunch or drinks you are after, this licensed cafe has it all sorted for you, including treats for the furry customers. Dogs are always warmly welcome on the outdoor seating areas with plenty of shade available during the warm summer days.
12. Like Minds
352 The Round Drive, Avoca Beach
Like Minds is an old corner store turned into a vibrant dog friendly cafe. With beautiful wholesome food and great community vibes, Like Minds has become a locals favourite cafe in Avoca. Dogs are always welcome on the outdoor seating area and they also have some yummy Kangaroo treats available for the furry customers.
13. Bellyfish Cafe
112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal
Bellyfish is a family run dog friendly cafe which has evolved from small beginnings and grown into a bustling, beachside eatery where you will find quality coffee by Sydney’s finest Single O, all day brunch & takeaway options. Bellyfish was established in 2008 by father and son team Steve and Mitch Jury, in 2023, Mitch handed the reins to his Head Chef, Max Lukeman who now owns and runs the cafe with his wife, Naomi. You can still find Steve behind the coffee machine most mornings! Dogs are always welcome at the beautiful outdoor seating area and they also have treats available for the furry customers.
14. Green Tangerine
393 The Entrance Road, Long Jetty
Green Tangerine is a dog friendly cafe located in Long Jetty NSW. High quality Meals, and the best coffee sourced from The Little Marionette in Sydney. Dogs are welcome on the covered outdoor outdoor seating area and they also have some treats available for the furry customers.🐶
15. The Estate Eatery
3 Tumbi Creek Road, Berkeley Vale
The Estate Eatery is a dog friendly cafe in Berkeley Vale. Great selection of breakfast and lunch classics and of course coffee, smoothies and shakes. Worth dropping by with your furry friend (treats available for the furry customers). There is also a grooming salon right next door in case your pooch is in need of a tidy up. Brenden and the team are always happy to see the pups visiting them before or after the haircut.
16. Lou’s Cafe
309 Main Road, Toukley
Lou’s Cafe is a dog friendly cafe in the heart of Toukley. Great outdoor seating area at the front of the cafe is a pawfect spot to enjoy a coffee, breakfast or lunch with your pooch. Menu has all your brekkie & lunch classics from burgers and wraps to salads and fritters. Dogs are always warmly welcome (be ready for heaps of pats) and they also have treats available for the furry customers.
17. The Island Cafe
69 Bungary Road, Norah Head
Beautiful dog friendly cafe in a picturesque small town of Norah Head. Great coffee, delicious meals and of course treats for the furry customers who are always welcome on the outdoor seating area (the best spot in the house if you ask us).
Dog Friendly Pubs & Bars
18. Terrigal Hotel
176 Terrigal Drive, Terrigal
Terrigal Hotel has a proud history as the hub of the local community. The Hotel as something for everyone – from delicious food offerings with the ocean views in the Lagoon Bistro to the fantastic cocktails made fresh by the friendly staff. Dogs are allowed to join owners for a bevvy or two in the front bar area or there is plenty of shaded seating outdoors with magnificent water views.
19. Block ‘n’ Tackle Brewery
11/13 Cochrone Street, Kincumber
This dog friendly Central Coast brewery and cellar door at Kincumber is the ideal spot to meet with friends and chill with your canine companion while enjoying a tasting sample of the fresh beers available – either by the glass, or by grabbing a tasting paddle to sample the range. Dogs are allowed inside but they have to be kept on a leash and preferably sit with owners near the door.
20. Fires Creek Winery
192 Wattle Tree Road, Holgate
The vegan-friendly & dog-friendly winery opened its cellar doors in December 2003 to offer a seasonal variety of boutique fruit flower and herb wines on the Central Coast. There is limited cover in the outside area but dogs are welcome to join owners for a tasting in the Cellar Door as long as they are kept on a lead.
21. Bay Road Brewing
89 Donnison Road, Gosford
Located in the centre of Gosford, this dog friendly brewery is all about good times and good beer. Try a tasting of their craft beers inside with your pup or head outside. The seating area out the front has sun/rain cover and a water bowl can be brought over for your thirsty pup.
22. The Boathouse Hotel Patonga
Patonga
Dog friendly pub, The Boathouse Hotel Patonga is located in the idyllic coastal town of Patonga on the NSW Central Coast, surrounded by the Hawkesbury and Brisbane Waters National Park. This newly renovated pub is a great place to relax after swimming and playing with your dog at the dog friendly Patonga Beach.
23. Wyong Milk Factory
141 Alison Road, Wyong
Come by and enjoy exciting food, an eclectic mix of old favourites, local and craft beers or perhaps one of their many fine wines. Dog friendly cafe / bar Wyong Milk Factory have superb menus and a daily choice of black board specials, all offering local produce. Head to the shaded front outdoor area with your dog and laze away a sunny afternoon.
24. The Sunken Monkey Hotel
207 The Entrance Road, Erina
Dog friendly cafe / bar The Sunken Monkey Hotel in Erina is a fresh, contemporary venue dedicated to creating memorable experiences for the people of the Central Coast and beyond. Dogs can sit with owners outside on the waterfront as long as they are well-behaved and kept on a lead at all times.
Dog Friendly Hikes & Walks
25. Strickland State Forest
Strickland
There are several dog friendly walks in the Strickland Forest to choose from. Strickland Falls Track from the Banksia picnic area to the Strickland Falls includes a fantastic variety of forest scenery.
Cabbage Tree Trail is a 1.7km loop walk that starts in the dry eucalyptus forest and descends to areas of lush forest, filled with cabbage tree palms and ferns.
Arboretum Track goes past some of the oldest and most beautiful trees on the Central Coast including 150-year-old Australian Red Cedars, Bunyas and Hoop Pines.
26. Hunter Lookout
Olney
This 5.6km loop track starts from the Hunter Lookout picnic area and follows the Great North Walk around the edge of the ridge via the Macleans Lookout, Rocky Creek gully and the cliffs around the eastern edge of the ridge. You and your pup will love the great views across the valley and much of the Hunter to the north.
27. Abbotts Falls
Martinsville
This 7km stretch of path kicks off at the Pines Picnic Area and winds its way down through gullies of blue gums and rainforests to Abbotts Falls Lookout before looping back up. This is a great place to cool off with your pup on a hot Summer’s day.
If you are after a shorter walk with your dog The Pines Walking Track is an excellent alternative. Set under beautiful tall pine trees, this 1km loop walks alongside Dora Creek through beautiful greenery and foliage, and past a small rock pool.