Central Coast Council provides a range of places where dogs can be exercised, while also managing some areas where access is restricted. These restrictions help protect sensitive wildlife and vegetation, preserve natural environments, and recognise that not everyone feels comfortable around dogs.
The good news is there are plenty of spaces across the municipality where dogs are welcome — whether that’s enjoying a walk on leash or having a run and play off leash in designated areas. By knowing where dogs are allowed and following the rules in each location, you can help keep our shared spaces safe, respectful, and enjoyable for everyone.
Before heading out, please take a moment to check the rules for the area you’re visiting and look for signage at access points. Dog access arrangements are in place to balance exercise and enjoyment with community safety, shared use, and environmental protection.
If you’re unsure whether dogs are permitted in a particular location, refer to the maps below or read the Dog Management Policy for full details. By exercising your dog responsibly and following the rules in each area, you’re helping to keep Central Coast’s beaches, reserves and public spaces welcoming for everyone.
For more information or assistance, contact Council’s Customer Service team on 6429 8900.
On-Leash Areas
For a dog to be considered under effective control in an on-leash area, the leash must be no longer than two-metres in length and be handheld by a person who is able to control the dog.
Midway Beach East of Creamery Road | On-Leash Area |
Preservation Bay Beach Sand area only | On-Leash Area |
Penguin Beach From east of Johnsons Beach Road to Lions Park | On-Leash Area |
West Ulverstone Beach From east of Westland Drive to Queen Street | On-Leash Area |
Picnic Point Beach From East of Picnic Point to the Leven River | On-Leash Area |
Turners Beach From east of Turners Beach Road to the Forth River | On-Leash Area |
Off-Leash Areas
Off-leash dog areas enable dogs to stretch their legs all year round. Your dog is still required to be under effective control – ie. Under your watch and returns when called.
Watcombe Beach From east of Lions Park | Off-Leash Area |
Western end of Buttons Beach From Leven River to west of Victoria Street | Off-Leash Area |
Eastern end of Buttons Creek Beach From west of Buttons Creek to the turning circle | Off-Leash Area |
Western end of Turners Beach From east of Claytons Rivulet to west of Turners Beach Road | Off-Leash Area |
Leith Beach From east of the Forth River | Off-Leash Area |
Ulverstone Dog Park | Off-Leash Area |
Penguin Dog Park | Off-Leash Area |
Dog-Free Areas
To protect sensitive wildlife and vegetation, preserve natural environments, and recognise that not everyone feels comfortable around dogs there are some areas where dogs are not permitted.
Sulphur Creek Beach West of Creamery Road through to Howth | Dog Free Area |
Johnsons Beach Sand and playground area only | Dog Free Area |
Western end of West Ulverstone Beach From Three Sisters Goat Island Nature Reserve to West of Westland Drive | Dog Free Area |
Buttons Beach Between Victoria Street and Buttons Creek | Dog Free Area |
Fishponds From the turning circle to the Fishponds | Dog Free Area |
Dogs are not permitted within any Council sportsgrounds, schools, shopping centres and playgrounds.
Contact Us
We look forward to working together to create a safer, healthier, and more compassionate community for pets and their owners. For more information about responsible pet ownership, dog management policies, or any other pet-related inquiries, please contact the Development Support team.