Collers Beach

Collers Beach is a small, sheltered sandy cove between Mollymook and Narrawallee on the NSW South Coast, and it is off leash 24 hours a day, all year. Calm water, easy access and no time restrictions make it one of the most reliable dog beaches in the Shoalhaven, especially if your mornings and evenings do not fit a timed leash schedule.

Leash status

Under Shoalhaven City Council rules the off-leash access runs around the clock with no seasonal limits, provided your dog is under the control of a competent person at all times. The designation covers Collers Beach itself; adjoining Mollymook Beach requires a lead at all hours, so keep an eye on the boundary. Standard council rules apply: pick up immediately, dogs need a collar with current contact details, and declared dangerous or menacing dogs are barred from off-leash areas.

Water and terrain

The cove is sheltered, with calm, shallow water that suits paddlers and dogs alike, plus rock shelves and rock pools along the edges that give a curious dog plenty to investigate. It is a shared beach, not a dogs-only zone, and families come here for exactly the same calm water. The sand is soft underfoot and the walk down from the car park is easy, with none of the steep access that plagues some South Coast coves.

Max: the 24/7 rule is generous but under control is what council actually polices. If your dog's recall falls apart around other dogs and kids, keep the lead on until it doesn't.

Getting there and parking

Access is off Golf Avenue in Mollymook, with a signed road leading to a small car park at the top of the beach track. The car park includes public toilets and a shower, and it fills early on summer weekends, so aim to arrive before mid-morning between November and March. You can also walk or ride in on the coastal path that connects Mollymook Beach to Narrawallee.

Worth knowing

There are waste bins near the car park but no cafe or kiosk on the sand, so bring your own water and shade. Shade on the beach itself is limited to the natural cover at the top of the cove. The adjacent headland reef, known locally as Golfy, draws surfers, so keep an eye on where the boards launch if your dog likes to swim out.

When to go

Early morning is the quietest and coolest window, and the low light makes the cove at its best. Summer school holidays bring families to the same calm water, so the shoulder seasons are more relaxed if your dog needs space.

While you're out there

The Milton Park fenced dog park a short drive inland is a secure option if the tide or the swell closes the beach down, and Westmark Milton is a dog-friendly base for a longer South Coast stay.

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