Silver Beach - Dog Beach section

Silver Beach runs for kilometres along the Botany Bay side of Kurnell, but only one small patch of it is off lead: the council-designated section between the third and fourth rock groynes at the Bonna Point end. That boundary is the whole story of this listing. Get it right and you have one of the Shire's best bay beaches for dogs; drift past a groyne and you are technically in on-leash territory.

Leash status

Sutherland Shire Council allows off-lead access at all hours, but only within the marked area between the third and fourth groynes, to the right of the Bonna Point boat ramp. Dogs stay on lead walking in and out of the zone, on all Bonna Point Reserve paths, and everywhere else along Silver Beach. Effective voice control applies within the section, clean-up is on you, and declared dangerous or menacing dogs are not permitted. Read the council signage on arrival; the groyne markers, not the water's edge, are what define the limits.

Water and terrain

The bay gives calm, shallow water with minimal surf, better for a paddle than a proper swim. Low tide opens up more firm sand between the groynes and the widest play space, while high tide compresses the beach against the rocks. Kitesurfers work this bay on windy days, so give their lines and boards a wide berth near the water.

Getting there and parking

Take the M5 and Captain Cook Drive out to Kurnell, then follow Prince Charles Parade to the Bonna Point Reserve car park at the end. The large free car park sits directly beside the off-leash section, with bins on site. By public transport, catch the train to Cronulla and the 987 bus to Kurnell. Shade is limited on the sand, so bring your own shelter and water in the warmer months.

When to go

Weekdays and low tide are the quiet combination, giving the most room inside the designated section. Weekend mornings bring the regular crowd and the car park fills early. In summer, early morning also keeps everyone off hot sand.

While you're out there

Two dog-tolerant coffee stops sit within easy reach: Silver Beach Cafe, Post Office & Newsagency and Milkhouse Kurnell, both happy to see dogs at the outdoor tables.

More options are on the New South Wales dog beaches guide and the Kurnell destination page.