A time-restricted off-leash trial at the southern end of Mona Vale Beach (approx 300m zone), directly below the Robert Dunn Reserve headland cliff stairs. Council originally launched a 12‑month trial in October 2025 to create a rare ocean-facing off-leash surf beach on the Northern Beaches—after positive community feedback (560+ submissions in favour), the trial was officially extended for a further 12 months on 23 September 2026. It now runs until 13 October 2027, giving the community two full years of structured off-leash coastal access while Council evaluates environmental impact, compliance, and dune protection outcomes.

The 300m trial zone sits between the southern rock pool wall and the rocky headland boundary at the base of Robert Dunn Reserve—staying inside this band is critical because anywhere else on Mona Vale Beach is on-lead or fully prohibited for dogs at all times. The trial is also the only Council-managed off-leash area on an actual ocean beach north of Manly Lagoon, so demand is high during approved windows and the sand fills up quickly with both dogs and families.

Because the beach trial sits directly below the headland stairs, many local owners combine their visit: start with a 20-minute grassy zoomie session in South Mona Vale Headland (Robert Dunn Reserve, 24/7 off-leash, no time restrictions) while the sun rises, then walk down the shared stairway together to the beach trial exactly at the 5:30am (or 6am non-DST) approved start time for a post-run paddle and swim before the beach is returned to general public use at 10am. Expect Ranger patrols, mandatory bag stations, and temporary fencing markers to clearly show the trial boundary.