Ready for a break from city life? With its endless sandy spots and foodie options, pet parents and anyone house sitting on the Central Coast will be happy to know there’s plenty to keep them busy! So, whether you’re a Central Coast sitter or live in the area, here’s your guide to navigating the dog-friendly Central Coast.
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Umina Beach, Central Coast
Dog-friendly beaches, Central Coast
First stop – Central Coast dog beaches! We’ll be taking you on a coastal tour, starting at the southern tip and making our way north to highlight some of the best sandy spots that welcome pups.
Patonga Beach
Your furry friend can romp and play on the sand between the jetty and the sign for Meroo Avenue. The water here is typically calm and clear, making it the ideal place for a quick dip.
Location: Patonga NSW 2256, Australia
Pearl Beach
Just a hop, skip, and a jump away, Pearl Beach has beautiful views of Broken Bay. There’s plenty of off-leash space for your furry friend to run around here, just keep an eye out for strong currents and big waves.
Location: Pearl Beach NSW 2256, Australia
Umina Beach
The off-leash area of Umina Beach is located just in front of the NRMA Ocean Beach Holiday Resort. It’s popular with pups and their pawrents, and the shallow water is perfect for paddling in.
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Macmasters Beach to Copacabana Beach
There’s heaps of off-leash space on both of these beautiful beaches – just avoid areas with signs saying ‘dogs prohibited’. Cockrone Lagoon is a popular place for swimming, but maybe give it a miss after heavy rain when it can be quite polluted.
Location: New South Wales 2251, Australia
Avoca and North Avoca Beaches
Pups are permitted off-leash in the area north of the Shark Tower up to View Street on North Avoca Beach (follow the signs). The sea is clean, the beach is quiet, and furry friends can join the surfers in the waves.
Location: Avoca Beach NSW 2251, Australia
Terrigal Beach
Although this beach can get quite crowded at weekends, it’s a great place to take the pup for a walk on quieter days. Keep an eye out for whales out to sea!
Location: New South Wales 2260, Australia
North Shelly Beach Dog Beach
Further up the coast, this popular surf beach has a dog-friendly off-leash section at the bottom of the stairs. There’s always plenty of friendly furries to meet and free parking nearby.
Location: Toowoon Bay NSW 2261, Australia
Budgewoi Beach
The ruggedly beautiful Budgewoi Beach is located on the edge of Lake Munmorah and has plenty of space for furry friends to run to their heart’s content.
Location: Budgewoi NSW, Australia
Dog-friendly cafes, Central Coast
Many cafes along the Central Coast have outdoor seating areas where furry friends on a leash are welcome to join their humans. Here’s a long list of tried and tested favorites.
Patonga & Pearl Beach
- The Boathouse Hotel Patonga: 6/8 Patonga Dr, Patonga NSW 2256, Australia
Umina & Ettalong Beach
- Jasmine Greens Kiosk: Peninsula Recreation Precinct, Sydney Ave, Umina Beach NSW 2257, Australia
- Hatters Tea House: 281 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257
- Coast 175: Unit 1/175 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257
- Lords of Pour: 199a Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257, Australia
Woy Woy
- Gnostic Mana: 31 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy NSW 2256, Australia
- Link and Pin Cafe: 18A Railway St, Woy Woy NSW 2256, Australia
- One Lucky Duck: Unit 6/13 The Boulevarde, Woy Woy NSW 2256, Australia
Empire Bay
- Impact Plants Nursery & Cafe: 7 Poole Cl, Empire Bay NSW 2257, Australia
Davistown
- The Little Teapot: The Littleteapot, 8 Davistown Rd, Davistown NSW 2251, Australia
MacMasters Beach & Copacabana
- Macs Beach Cafe: 100 Marine Parade, MacMasters Beach NSW 2251, Australia
- Burnt Honey Bakery: Shop 1/224 Del Monte Pl, Copacabana NSW 2251, Australia
- The Bees Knees Eatery: SHOP 2/216 Del Monte Pl, Copacabana NSW 2251, Australia
- Artie's Place: Copacabana NSW 2251, Australia
Avoca Beach
- The Point at Avoca Beach: 10 Vine St, Avoca Beach NSW 2251
- Like Minds: 352 The Round Dr, Avoca Beach NSW 2251, Australia
Kincumber
- Kincumber Post Cafe: 123 Avoca Dr, Kincumber NSW 2251, Australia
Erina / Erina Heights
- Glee Coffee Roasters: 4/490 Central Coast Hwy, Erina Heights NSW 2260, Australia
Terrigal
- Island Time Espresso Bar: 104 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia
- Bellyfish Cafe: Shops 3 & 4/112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia
- Freestate: 4/42-44 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia
- Luna: 2/112 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia
Wamberal
- The Village Emporium: 762 The Entrance Rd, Wamberal NSW 2260, Australia
- The Pantry: Shop 5/960 The Entrance Rd, Forresters Beach NSW 2260, Australia
Holgate
- Bamboo Buddha Cafe: 221 Wattle Tree Rd, Holgate NSW 2250, Australia
Gosford
- Tommy’s Cafe: 1a Gertrude Pl, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
- Three Trees Cafe: 16 Laycock St, North Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
- Fahrenheit Cafe: 7 Wells St, East Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
Point Clare
- Fair Cravin’ Cafe: 209 Brisbane Water Dr, Point Clare NSW 2250, Australia
Bateau Bay
- Local Hero Coffee Brewers: 562B The Entrance Rd, Bateau Bay NSW 2261, Australia
- Cafe Mocha: 1/103 Bateau Bay Rd, Bateau Bay NSW 2261, Australia
- Bateau Beach Cafe: 61 Bateau Bay Rd, Bateau Bay NSW 2261, Australia
Shelly Beach
- Munchas Cafe and Catering: Ground Floor Surf Club Shelly Beach, Shelly Beach Road, Shelly Beach NSW 2261, Australia
Long Jetty
- Green Tangerine: 393 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty NSW 2261, Australia
- Cafe 2261: 352 The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty NSW 2261, Australia
- Komuniti: 310A The Entrance Rd, Long Jetty NSW 2261, Australia
Toowoon Bay
- Flour and Co: 88 Toowoon Bay Rd, Toowoon Bay NSW 2261, Australia
Toukley
- Blackfinn Espresso: 283 Main Rd, Toukley NSW 2263, Australia
Budgewoi
- The Anchor Lakes Beach: Lakes Beach SLSC, Lot 525 Budgewoi Rd, Budgewoi NSW 2262, Australia
Dog-friendly pubs, Central Coast
Looking for a classic Aussie experience with your best bud? These Central Coast pubs and breweries are ready to roll out the welcome mat (and maybe a water bowl or two) for you and your furry companion.
Bay Rd Brewing
No less than 18 taps are available to taste at this dog-friendly brewery, which hosts different food trucks over the weekend.
Location: 89 Donnison St, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
Empire Bay Tavern
Good quality modern pub food is served on the dog-friendly verandah, alongside a great selection of beer and wine.
Location: 1 Poole Cl, Empire Bay NSW 2257, Australia
The Sunken Monkey
Delicious food, drinks, and live music in a dog-friendly venue by the river? We’re sold!
Location: 207 The Entrance Rd, Erina NSW 2250, Australia
Block ‘n’ Tackle Brewery
Grab a pint of home-brewed cider and something from the food truck at this dog-friendly brewery, located in Kincumber.
Location: 11/13 Cochrone St, Kincumber NSW 2251, Australia
Hardy’s Bay Club
A great spot for an afternoon meal or a drink, sit back and enjoy some live music here with your furry friend beside you.
Dog-friendly restaurants, Central Coast
Had your fill of breakfast/brunch menus? Check out these restaurants for a bite to eat in the evening.
The BOX on the Water
Dog-friendly, delicious cocktails, and generous portions of tasty seafood make this a top choice for locals and visitors alike.
Location: The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257, Australia
The View Pizza
Grab a takeaway pizza and head down to the harbor to enjoy food with a view and your pooch by your side.
Location: 58 Araluen Dr, Killcare NSW 2257, Australia
Wyong Milk Factory
Pizzas, burgers, and classic plates of meat and fish are served in this casual, dog-friendly eatery.
Location: 141 Alison Rd, Wyong NSW 2259, Australia
Terrigal Haven viewpoint
Dog-friendly walks, Central Coast
While national parks are off-limits for pooch pals, there are still plenty of dog-friendly hikes on the Central Coast.
Arboretum Track, Strickland State Forest
Various dog-friendly paths wind through five square meters of forest, with a creek running through it if your furry friend wants a dip. The popular Arboretum Track is 2.3 km and takes you through red cedar trees and across a suspension bridge.
Length: 2.3 km
Location: Strickland Forest Rd, Somersby NSW 2250, Australia
Terrigal Haven walk
Stretch those legs on a short dog-friendly walk around the headland – be sure to take in the views from the Skillion vantage point before heading into the dog park.
Length: Short
Location: 2 Scenic Hwy, Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia
The Esplanade
Stroll along this beachside path between Ettalong Beach and Umina Beach, where Fido can cool off in the water at the off-leash area.
Length: 4.5 km
Location: 50-45 The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257, Australia
Gosford Waterfront
Take a walk along the waterfront park at Gosford, which is designed to be a reflection of the surrounding nature.
Length: Short
Location: Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
Kincumber to Saratoga
Join the path to Saratoga at the bottom of Carrak Road. It takes you along the banks of Kincumber Broadwater – just be sure to listen out for cyclists sharing the path!
Length: 3.7 km
Location: Kincumber NSW, Australia
Other things to do and dog-friendly places, Central Coast
Beyond beautiful beaches and delicious brews, the Central Coast offers a whole host of other dog-friendly adventures!
Go to the Bark Park festival
Good food, beer, music, and dogs come together in this annual pawty, which is free to enter!
Cost: Free
Date & time: TBC
Location: Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
Shop for treasure in Avoca Beachside Market
This award-winning event happens every 4th Sunday of the month. Over 100 stalls pop up along the seafront at Avoca Beach, selling everything from handmade skincare products to fresh fruit and veg.
Location: Avoca Dr, Avoca Beach NSW 2251, Australia
Make friends at Tuggerah Dog Park
Wondering what to do with a dog on the Central Coast? Go to one of the off-leash parks, obviously! Here, there are three large fully fenced areas, each with its own shelter and seats, plus a tap with bowls for pups to drink from.
Location: 105 Church Rd, Tuggerah NSW 2259, Australia
Play fetch at Kariong Dog Park
Just on the edge of the Central Coast area is this large grassy field, complete with a dam to swim in.
Location: Kariong NSW 2250, Australia
Wander around Mataram Ridge Park
Keep Fido on the leash unless in the designated doggy area, and enjoy a stroll through this peaceful little park.
Location: 61 Mountain View Dr, Woongarrah NSW 2259, Australia
Visit Colongra Bay Reserve, Lake Munmorah
Paved walking trails hug the south edge of the lake, with a BBQ area in the east and secluded bushland trails to the west.
Location: 2 Colongra Bay Rd, Lake Munmorah NSW 2259, Australia
Macmasters Beach, Central Coast
Tips for pet parents on the Central Coast
Know the beach rules
The Central Coast is home to many dog-friendly beaches, but regulations vary. Some are off-leash at specific times or in designated areas, while others require leashes. Check the local council website before heading to the sand to avoid fines and make sure everyone has a good time.
Be prepared for the bush
If you want to explore beautiful places like Strickland State Forest, remember that these are natural environments. Keep Fido on the leash, watch out for wildlife, stick to marked trails, and be especially mindful of ticks.
Plan ahead for time away
If you’re planning a trip away, find a verified, 5* sitter who’ll take care of your furry family at home. Sort your pet care as soon as your trip’s booked to travel with total peace of mind – it’s the best-kept secret in pet parenthood!
Tips for pet sitters on the Central Coast
Respect national parks
Pups aren’t generally allowed in NSW National Parks, including the beautiful Bouddi National Park. Plan walks accordingly and stick to the designated dog-friendly areas around the park’s perimeter if you want to enjoy the coastal views.
Visit dog-friendly eateries
The Central Coast has a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and breweries that welcome well-behaved dogs, often with outdoor seating. Look for water bowls outside establishments, or simply ask the staff.
Explore the Central Coast as a pet sitter
Instead of visiting the Central Coast as a tourist, why not experience living like a local by becoming a dog sitter? You’ll get to stay in a real home and care for a local pup, giving you a true taste of life for the people (and pets) who live here.
