Be it an off-leash beach or a salon that specialises in peti-cures, the options for dog-friendly activities in the Sutherland Shire are endless. Here are six of the best ways to coddle your canine.
Lose the lead at Greenhills Beach
The Sutherland Shire has a sizeable population of dogs. Hit the sand at Greenhills Beach and you will see many of them, dutifully trotting alongside their owners. After you’ve indulged your dog, the best post-walk activity is converging at The Top Shop for cup- and puppocinos. If you’re lucky you might even spot Giotto, the skateboarding Aussie bulldog.
Good to know: Dogs are allowed on the beach during non-daylight savings from 3pm to 10am and during daylight savings time from 4pm to 10am.
Silver Beach is gold for doggos
Take your pooch to the western end of Silver Beach where dogs are allowed off the leash between the third and fourth rock groynes. The dog-friendly zone is next to Bonna Point Reserve car park and to the right of the Bonna Point Boat Ramp. This protected pocket of the Sutherland Shire is known as Kurnell Dog Beach and popular for its calm, shallow waters.
Good to know: There are no time restrictions on dogs being on the beach or off-leash. Time your run so you can visit Cook at Kurnell for a coldie or a cocktail post-mooch.
Hit up Helena Street Reserve
This small fenced off-leash dog park has shaded area and seating and is split in two sections so there’s a divide between large and small dogs. The Helena Street Reserve recently underwent some upgrades and the improvements include a new walking path and additional shelter. Want to meet some fellow dog owners? The Bourke Street Bakery al fresco seating.
Good to know: Pamper your pooch and order pastries with a puppocino on the side.
Take your pooch for a paddle
Those sniffing around for new activities to entertain their dogs should book in a kayaking session at the Boatshed Woronora. The boat shed, which has an onsite café, lets dogs take to the water in kayaks, which is very much a thing in the active outdoorsy Sutherland Shire. The owners of the café are dog people, so they will also accommodate your pup after your paddle.
Good to know: The café has an outdoor area so customers can bring their furry friends.
The Ridge
Pack a Frisbee and a pocketful of Smackos, both considered essentials for an outing to the excellent off-leash area in Barden Ridge. The park is near to The Ridge netball courts and the perfect spot for admiring the passing pup parade. Ensure your dog’s accessories are on point by stopping off at Pooch and Hound in Gymea on the way and picking up some merch for your mutt.
Good to know: Press paws at The Local Pantry which makes puppocinos for four-legged patrons.
Go to Gymea for a grooming session
Make like Paris Hilton and book a pampering session for your poodle, which you must then carry around in an oversized tote for effect. Just 4 Paws in Engadine and Gymea have a curated selection of grooming products that will help your dog demand attention from passers-by. They say a lot of dogs resemble their owners, so go ahead and book that matching mullet.
Good to know: Bangor Tavern has a dog-friendly beer garden.
For a list of the many dog friendly cafes, restaurants, bars in the Shire click here.
Written by Carla Grossetti, an award-winning local journalist. Follow her food and travel adventures at @food.travel.stories on Instagram. To read more of Carla’s stories, visit carlagrossetti.com
