Pet-Friendly NSW | Dog-Friendly Beaches Central Coast

Welcome to your one-stop shop to pet-friendly NSW. Here we explore some of the state’s most popular destinations and their dog-friendly places.

Whether your New South Wales house sitting adventure is just starting or you’re making a handy guide for your New South Wales pet sitter, don’t move an inch!

Here you’ll find a complete guide to pet-friendly New South Wales - scroll to find a list of dog-friendly beaches, pubs, restaurants, cafes and hikes in the state’s most populated destinations.

Pet-friendly NSW beaches

There’s nothing quite like letting your furry friend run free by the beach, so let’s explore the dog-friendly beaches NSW state has to offer.

Dog-friendly beaches Sydney

Each beach in Sydney has their own rules around access for dogs. So, always plan your trip ahead and check the area your furry friend is allowed in. Remember to always clean up after your dog, and only let your pooch off the leash if you can keep them under control. For more local Sydney recommendations, head to our handy guide to dog-friendly Sydney.

Kutti Beach. New South Wales 2030, Australia
Sandy Bay. New South Wales 2093, Australia
Silver Beach. Kurnell NSW, Australia

Pet-friendly NSW pubs

Want somewhere to kick back and relax after a long walk at a local dog-friendly beach in NSW? Not to worry - below find a list of the best-reviewed dog-friendly pubs in Sydney, Newcastle, Byron Bay, Central Coast and Wollongong.

These dog-friendly locations are a great spot to share with your NSW pet sitter if they’re new to the area, but it’s worth sharing the local restrictions. Many dog-friendly pubs will only allow dogs in outdoor areas, away from dining zones, so always double check when planning your day out.

Dog-friendly pubs Sydney

The Beresford

This dog-friendly spot is known for its vibrant atmosphere, woodfired pizzas and pasta dishes. Sit in the lantern-lit patio area with your pooch to wind down after a long beach walk.

Location: 354 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

The Carrington

Looking for a super laid-back Sydney pub? Head to The Carrington which serves up burgers, fries and even doggy dinners!

Location: 565 Bourke St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

The Warren View Hotel

If you’re on the lookout for reasonably-priced traditional pub grub, look no further than The Warren View Hotel and enjoy the spot’s mostly covered outdoor area.

Location: 2 Stanmore Rd, Enmore NSW 2042, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs Newcastle, NSW

Queens Wharf Hotel

Love a sea view? Head to the Queens Wharf Hotel for their taco specials and a cold beer.

Location: 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

Money Penny

Head to Money Penny in NSW’s Newcastle - a dog-friendly bar that serves up well-reviewed pizzas and burgers.

Location: 1 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

The Happy Wombat

Is craft beer your thing? Head to The Happy Wombat on Hunter Street with your furry friend in tow.

Location: 575 Hunter St, Newcastle West NSW 2302, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs Byron Bay

Treehouse Byron Bay

Head to this boho-style Byron Bay bar for a choice of global cuisine and chilled-out vibes.

Location: 25 Childe St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

The Roadhouse Byron Bay

Pop along to this relaxed, dog-friendly spot in Byron Bay and choose from an impressive range of tap beers and global eats.

Location: 6/142 Bangalow Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

North Byron Hotel

Make your way up to north Byron for a well-reviewed, dog-friendly pub, a decent beer selection and classic pub food.

Location: 61 Bayshore Dr, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs Central Coast

Kincumber Hotel

Tuck into bistro food at this dog-friendly watering hole and get together with friends at their trivia nights.

Location: 6 Carrak Rd, Kincumber NSW 2251, Australia

The Box on the Water

If you’re house sitting in New South Wales and want to try local, Australian fare, head to The Box on the Water and soak up the sea views.

Location: The Esplanade, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257, Australia

Bay Road Brewing

Serious about beer or just fancy trying a new cold one with your pooch by your side? Head to Bay Road Brewing in Central Coast.

Location: 89 Donnison St, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia

Dog-friendly pubs Wollongong

North Wollongong Hotel

Find screens for live sports and a huge beer garden, perfect for hanging out with your furry friend.

Location: 3 Flinders St, North Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Dagwood

If you love trying new bites from around the world, head to Dagwood for street food and relaxed vibes.

Location: 19 Market St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine

Serious about beer and looking for a Wollongong microbrewery that’s dog-friendly? Look no further than Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine for unique brews.

Location: 81 Meadow St, Tarrawanna NSW 2518, Australia

Pet-friendly New South Wales restaurants

Need somewhere to refuel with your furry companion? Get clued-up on the restaurants near you that welcome dogs, and be prepared for local spots to have restrictions in place. According to Food Standards Australia New Zealand, businesses are allowed to permit dogs in outdoor dining areas, but are under no obligation to do so. Your best bet is to plan your meal ahead and double check the restaurant will allow your furry friend to come along.

Dog-friendly restaurants Sydney

The Grounds of Alexandra

Love a restaurant with a bit of history? Head to The Grounds of Alexandria - a former pie factory for homely fare.

Location: 7a/2 Huntley St, Alexandria NSW 2015, Australia

Three Blue Ducks

If grilled meats and seasonal produce is your thing, check out Three Blue Ducks on Dunning Avenue.

Location: 1/85 Dunning Ave, Rosebery NSW 2018, Australia

The Golden Sheaf

Tuck into gourmet grub and relax in The Golden Shead’s beer garden with your furry friends right by your side.

Location: 429 New South Head Rd, Double Bay NSW 2026, Australia

For more local Sydney recommendations, head to our guide to dog-friendly Sydney.

Dog-friendly restaurants Newcastle, NSW

The Falcon

If nachos and burgers are your thing, head to The Falcon for a cold one with your canine companion.

Location: 10 Pacific St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

Modus Merewether

Whether it’s burgers, wings or a simple weekday lunch you’re after, Modus Merewether will have you covered.

Location: 20 Merewether St, Merewether NSW 2291, Australia

Scottie’s

Is seafood your thing? Kick back and relax in Scottie’s outdoor area and tuck into a local catch.

Location: 36 Scott St, Newcastle East NSW 2300, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants Byron Bay

No Bones

Need somewhere that’s both dog-friendly and vegan? Head to No Bones and choose from a range of scrumptious plant-based plates.

Location: 11 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

Bang Bang

Is Asian food your thing? Check out Bang Bang, and choose from Thai curries, sticky pork belly and stir fry.

Location: 4/1 Byron St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

The Hut

For a spot that caters for both vegans and meat eaters, head to The Hut for Italian-inspired, upmarket fare.

Location: 471 Friday Hut Rd, Possum Creek NSW 2479, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants Central Coast

Saddles Mount White

If you live in Australia’s Central Coast or you’re house sitting in New South Wales, check out Saddles Mount White if you’re after a dog-friendly place to eat. Go for breakfast, lunch or dinner and relax with your furry friend by your side.

Location: 20 Ashbrookes Rd, Mount White NSW 2250, Australia

Chop N Grind

For a low-key spot serving up burgers, wraps and bowls, pop along to Chop N Grind to dine with your canine pal.

Location: 3/98 Terrigal Esplanade, Terrigal NSW 2260, Australia

The Settler’s Tavern

Head to this spot’s dog-friendly verandah for well-reviewed menu choices and a relaxed atmosphere.

Location: 2 Hely St, West Gosford NSW 2250, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants Wollongong

Lux Bistro Bar

Pop along for breakfast, lunch or dinner and choose from an eclectic menu with your furry pal in tow.

Location: 19 /110/114 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Bull & Bear Cafe

Yet another dog-friendly restaurant that serves up three meals a day! Head along and choose from a Spanish-inspired menu.

Location: 2A Victoria St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Bombora Seafood Restaurant

For harbour views, organic meat choices and staff that’ll welcome your furry friend, check out this spot on Endeavour Drive.

Location: 2 Endeavour Dr, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Pet-friendly cafes NSW

As we’ve mentioned, dogs are not generally allowed to access indoor dining areas in Australia, and the restrictions in New South Wales are no exception. So, even when it comes to tracking down your local pet-friendly cafes, call ahead if you plan on stopping.

Dog-friendly cafes Sydney

Naked Brew. 110 Swanson St, Erskineville NSW 2043, Australia
Cafe Bones. Hawthorne Canal Reserve Hawthorne Canal Reserve, Leichhardt NSW 2040, Australia
The Flying Bear. 76 McDougall St, Kirribilli NSW 2061, Australia
Dachshund Coffee. Shop 4/66 Gladesville Rd, Hunters Hill NSW 2110, Australia
Pebble & Bark. Joynton Park, Zetland NSW 2035, Australia

For more local Sydney recommendations, head to our guide to dog-friendly Sydney.

Dog-friendly cafes Newcastle, NSW

The Wickham Boatshed. 91 Hannell St, Wickham NSW 2293, Australia
Ka-fey Cafe. Hunter Street Mall, 148 Hunter St, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
The Beehive Honeysuckle. Shop 3/15 Honeysuckle Dr, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
Cafe Inu. 43 Denison St, Carrington NSW 2294, Australia
Autumn Rooms. 127 Darby St, Cooks Hill NSW 2300, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes Byron Bay

The Top Shop. 65 Carlyle St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Folk Byron Bay. 1/399 Ewingsdale Rd, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Bali Bagus Cafe. 3/14 Bay St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Wide Open Road Cafe. 3/7 Lawson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia
Dip Cafe. Shop 1/21/25 Fletcher St, Byron Bay NSW 2481, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes Central Coast

Bamboo Buddha Cafe and Nursery. 221 Wattle Tree Rd, Holgate NSW 2250, Australia
Tommy’s Cafe. 1a Gertrude Pl, Gosford NSW 2250, Australia
Coast 175. Unit 1/175 Ocean View Rd, Ettalong Beach NSW 2257, Australia
Flour & Co. 88 Toowoon Bay Rd, Toowoon Bay NSW 2261, Australia
Duck Duck Moose. B/7 Alison Rd, Wyong NSW 2259, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes Wollongong

Lili J. Unit 1/156 Corrimal St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Diggies Cafe. 1 Cliff Rd, North Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Buck’s Cafe. 11 Stewart St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Lower East Cafe. 70 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia
Lee and Me. 87 Crown St, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Dog-friendly hikes NSW

Before we get into our handy list of the dog-friendly walks NSW has to offer, it’s worth noting the restrictions around taking dogs to the state’s national parks. According to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, dogs are not generally allowed in NSW national parks and reserves. The parks are home to native Australian plants and animals, which is why it’s so important to check which spots local to you are dog-friendly when planning a day out with your furry friend.

So without any further ado, let’s explore a few of the dog-friendly walks NSW has to offer - scroll for parks, beaches and popular walking trails.

Dog-friendly walks Central Coast

Strickland State Forest. Strickland Forest Rd, Somersby NSW 2250, Australia
Avoca Beach. Avoca Beach NSW 2251, Australia
Wamberal Beach. New South Wales 2260, Australia

Dog-friendly hikes Sydney

Walk from Bondi Beach to Coogee

Enjoy this route’s coastal scenes along the way and walk or run with your furry friend for company.

Length: ≈5km

Start location: Bondi Beach NSW 2026, Australia

Western Sydney Parklands

With over 5000 hectares to explore, you aren’t short of places to walk your dog in Western Sydney Parklands. Keep your furry friend on a leash, or head to Shale Hills Dog Park or Warrigal Dog Run and Bungarribee - the park’s two off-leash areas.

Location: Wallgrove Rd, Eastern Creek NSW 2766, Australia

Manly to Shelley Beach

Want a slightly shorter walk, or somewhere scenic to get your pooch out of the house when you don’t have much time? If you live anywhere near Manly Beach, walk 1km to Shelley.

Length: ≈1km

Start location: Manly Beach, New South Wales, Australia

Dog-friendly walks Byron Bay

South Golden Beach. Pacific Esplanade, South Golden Beach NSW 2483, Australia
New Brighton Beach. New South Wales, Australia
Brunswick Heads. S Beach Rd, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483, Australia

Dog-friendly hikes Newcastle, NSW

Walk Bathers Way

If you’re looking for dog-friendly walks in Newcastle, NSW that are along the coast, you’ve got to experience Bathers Way. Start in Merewether Beach and walk just under 5km to Nobby’s Beach.

Length: ≈5km

Start location: Merewether Beach, New South Wales, Australia

King Edward Park

If you’re looking for good places to go with dogs that don’t require you to follow a loop, head to Newcastle’s King Edward Park and walk to the top end of the park to find the off-leash zone.

Location: Reserve Rd, Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia

Blue Gum Hills Regional Park

Explore the park’s rolling hills with your leashed four-legged friend, and be sure to avoid the children’s play areas.

Location: Minmi NSW 2287, Australia

Dog-friendly walks Wollongong

Puckey’s Estate Nature Reserve

Explore the dunes, wetlands and oak forest with your furry pal on a leash at this coastal nature reserve in Wollongong - the perfect dog-friendly place in NSW to get into nature with your pooch.

Location: Fairy Meadow NSW 2519, Australia

Walk the Blue Mile Pathway

Leashes at the ready! Begin at Stuart Park and walk for up to three hours to Wollongong Golf Club. Soak up the coastal views and stop at a dog-friendly restaurant along the way.

Location: Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia

Sea Cliff Bridge Walk

Head to one of Wollongong’s most iconic landmarks - Sea Cliff Bridge - and enjoy the walk that connects Clifton and Coalcliff.

Location: Lawrence Hargrave Dr, Clifton NSW 2515, Australia

Tips for pet parents

Live in New South Wales with your canine companion? Well it’s safe to say you’re surrounded by places to eat and beaches to let your pooch run free. To keep your furry pal happy while you’re both in and out of New South Wales, follow our tips below.

Call ahead. There are restrictions around bringing dogs into dining areas in many of Australia’s restaurants, pubs and cafes. So, always call ahead to double check the spot you want to visit is still dog-friendly.
Follow local beach restrictions. Most of the time, not all parts of a beach are dog-friendly, so before letting your pup run free, check the local guidance.
Plan ahead for your holiday. Want to keep your furry friend just as happy when you’re both at home and away? Well as vets agree pets are happier at home, consider welcoming an in-home NSW pet sitter next time you’re planning a trip. Click below to find out how it works.

How to connect with pet sitters in NSW

How it works

Tips for pet sitters

Fancy discovering some of Australia’s most breathtaking coastlines with a furry friend by your side? Follow our tips below for exploring New South Wales through house sitting.

Ask for pet parent recommendations. While house sitting in New South Wales, ask the pet parents for their local tips on where to eat with your new furry pal, and where they enjoy local walkies.
Keep your pooch pal on a leash. Unless it’s a designated off-leash zone, you’ll likely need to keep your new pet pal on the leash. So, avoid fines and keep your canine companion safe by keeping them on a leash, unless rules specify otherwise.
Get your NSW house sitting adventure started. So, want to experience New South Wales and make new furry friends along the way? Exchange loving pet care for a place to stay by exploring the house sits in NSW - click below to find out how it works.

How to find house sits in NSW