Nobbys Beach

Nobbys Beach is Port Macquarie's dedicated off-leash dog beach: a sheltered 400-metre stretch of sand at 71 Pacific Drive, tucked between Nobby Head to the north and the rocks at the southern end of Flynns Beach. Dogs can run and swim off lead here around the clock, and the beach sits right on the scenic coastal walk.

The rules

The off-leash zone runs between the northern side of Nobby Head and the southern rocky boundary of Flynns Beach, under Port Macquarie-Hastings Council's dog-friendly areas. Off-lead means under effective control, so a dog that will not come back when called goes back on the lead.

Keep dogs clear of any patrolled swimming area, stay 10 metres from playground equipment, lead up through the car park and paths outside the boundary, and pick up after your dog.

The water and terrain

The headlands make this a calm, contained beach compared with the open surf stretches further along, which suits a first ocean swim. Low tide opens a wide band of firm sand for ball games, high tide squeezes it back, and shade is limited so the sand heats up in summer.

Pepsi: the sheltered water here is a brilliant first swim for a dog still working out whether it likes the ocean. Gentler than the surf beaches, and easy to wade in with them.

Getting there

From the town centre take Lord Street to Pacific Drive, about five minutes out. The small car park off the reserve fills fast on summer mornings and weekends, so arrive early or plan on surrounding streets.

Close by with the dogs

Sandbox near Flynns Beach is a short walk for coffee with sandy paws, and the fenced run at Stuart Park Fenced Dog Park covers the no-recall days.

For a bed nearby, Macquarie Barracks Motor Inn takes dogs about ten minutes away. More sand sits on the NSW dog friendly beaches guide and the Port Macquarie destination page.

When to go

Aim for a low-tide weekday morning for the most sand and the fewest crowds, and give a new dog the quiet hours rather than a school-holiday afternoon. Bring your own water and check the sand against your hand before letting a dog charge around on hot days.