Dogs on Long Beach
Dogs are welcome at Long Beach - but their presence is subject to a strict set of rules with which both residents and visitors are expected to comply.
Know the regulations governing where dogs are permitted and where they are prohibited!
Dogs are PERMITTED on the beach from the Bay Road car park West towards Square Head. Dogs may be exercised off-leash in this area, but must at all times be under effective control of their owners.
Dogs are NOT ALLOWED on the beach East from the car park to the end of Bay Road. Heavy fines can be imposed on owners who take their dogs onto the beach in this zone.
Dogs are also NOT ALLOWED in the Murramarang National Park or Cullendulla Nature Reserve (which includes Square Head).
Dogs must be kept on a leash when on public property other than the afore-mentioned Western end of Long Beach.
Refer to the map above to eliminate any uncertainty regarding permissable access on Long Beach!
For comprehensive information on the Council regulations affecting the management of dogs at Long Beach, refer to the Eurobodalla Shire Council's "Companion Animal Management Plan - 2018".
Importantly:
Pick up your dog's droppings and dispose of them in the bins provided. The Community Association funds waste bags for those who do not bring their own bags with them - available from dispensers at the Bay Road Car Park and at two of the other entry points to the beach along Sandy Place. Contributions to this maintaining this service are greatly appreciated and can be easily made via this link to the donations page. It all helps to ensure Long Beach always remains a dog-friendly beach.
Owners must maintain effective control of their dog at all times. Do not allow your dog to approach people or other dogs unless and until they have given their consent.
Be aware of the life-threatening risk that ticks can pose, protect your dog with appropriate anti-tick treatments and check regularly for any ticks that your dog may have been picked up.
Effective Control:
When in the public realm all dogs must be under effective control at all times, even when on the dogs-allowed off-leash section of the beach.
Having effective control of a dog means an owner can prevent the dog from approaching other animals or people by either:
restraining the dog using a leash or by holding or confining the dog; or
having the dog in sight, with the dog faithfully responding to the owner's commands.
Please do not allow your dog to approach a person, or another dog, without checking first. The beach is to be shared by all users. Some dogs need more space, even from other friendly dogs. Dogs needing space may be young and in training, recovering from injury or illness, nervous, in season, or just old and grumpy ... but these dogs are entitled to use the beach as much as any other dog.
NSW Legislation provides for significant penalties if a dog rushes at, attacks, bites, harasses or chases any person or animal, whether or not any injury is caused. Significant penalties (between $1320 and $11,000) can apply, depending on the circumstances.
For more information, or concerns about dogs not under effective control, Council’s rangers can be contacted on 02 4474 0109 or via email to rangers@esc.nsw.gov.au
Owners who regularly bring their dogs to Long Beach can ask to join the Long Beach Dog Walkers Facebook page that is maintained for the benefit of regular dog walkers. Note that mandatory joining questions must be answered satisfactorily to become a member.