Bark at the Beach

Bark at the Beach is the local name for the off-leash stretch of McCauleys Beach in Thirroul, running between Thirroul Beach to the north and Sandon Point to the south. It is a full-length, 24-hour off-leash beach with a shallow lagoon at the northern end that suits nervous swimmers and puppies as well as strong ocean dogs.

The rules

Dogs are permitted off-leash along the entire beach at all times, provided they stay under effective voice control, and handlers must be at least 16 years old. Restricted breeds, declared dangerous or menacing dogs and dogs with contagious disease are not permitted in the off-leash area.

Dogs must not be allowed to chase wildlife or wander into the environmentally sensitive Sandon Point Aboriginal Place adjoining the southern end. Wollongong City Council lists this beach in its dog beaches and parks guide, so treat the council signage as the final word.

The water

The shallow creek lagoon at the northern end is the gentle spot for a first ocean paddle, while the open surf suits stronger swimmers. Go at low tide if you want to walk the full length of the beach and reach the rock platforms at either end. High tide narrows the sand considerably, and after heavy surf the beach can be uneven underfoot.

What's there

A dog wash station and water bowls are set up near the main entry points, along with council bag dispensers and bins. Benches and some shaded spots sit near the access tracks, though the beach itself is open and unshaded, so pack a hat in summer.

Max: keep clear of the dune line at the southern end near Sandon Point. It is a protected Aboriginal Place as well as a wildlife area, and it is easy to drift into without noticing on a big, open beach like this.

Getting there

The two main access points are Corbett Avenue at the northern end and Sandon Drive and McCauley Street at the south. Street parking at both is limited and fills fast on sunny weekends, so an early start pays off.

It is a 10 to 15 minute walk from Thirroul railway station via Station Street and McCauley Street, and the Illawarra Cycleway runs directly past, making it an easy stop on foot or by bike.

When to go

Early mornings before 8:30am or a low-tide late afternoon are the sweet spots, both for parking and for the widest stretch of sand. This is a good pick for dogs that want room to run and a calm lagoon for a first swim.

Finish with coffee at Two Mountains Merchant in the village, or keep heading south to Little Austinmer Beach for another swim.

More sand is on the New South Wales beach guide and the Thirroul destination page.