Boambee off dog lead beach

Boambee Beach is a long open-ocean stretch on the southern edge of Coffs Harbour, off-leash along its run from Corambirra Point down to Boambee Creek. It is wide and sandy, shared with joggers, horse trainers and four-wheel drivers, and the southern end has a sheltered tidal creek for calmer water play.

The rules

Dogs are off lead but must stay under effective voice control or supervision at all times. Keep them off the dunes and away from shorebird nesting areas, and do not let them wander into the adjacent parks where leads are required. This is also a vehicle beach, so watch for moving traffic on the sand.

Bring your own waste bags, as supplies at the access points can run out, and pack out what the bins do not catch.

The water

The open beach faces the ocean and is unpatrolled, so read the swell before letting a keen swimmer loose. The creek mouth at the southern end runs strong tidal currents, and an outgoing tide is the one to avoid crossing. The shallow water near Boambee Creek Reserve is the gentler option for paddlers.

Max: vehicles share this sand. If your dog is reactive to cars, come early before the 4WD traffic builds.

Getting there

For the northern end, take Hogbin Drive to the Gallows Beach car park near Corambirra Point. For the southern end, Sawtell Road drops you near Boambee Creek Reserve, which has a playground, BBQ shelters, toilets and picnic areas. A designated 4WD access point sits on the beach itself.

While you're out there

The North Wall Beach Off-Leash Area near the Coffs Creek mouth is the other big off-leash sand option in town, and the Thompsons Road Reserve Fenced Dog Park covers the secure-fence case. Village Pantry is an easy dog-welcoming coffee stop back in town.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quietest window. Weekends, school holidays and sunny afternoons get busy with joggers and horse trainers as well as dogs. The creek end suits a gentler outing, the open beach a proper run.

More options are on the New South Wales beaches guide and the Coffs Harbour destination page.