The Esplanade via Oak Park

This is a 6.4 km foreshore walk through Bundeena, the village sitting inside the Royal National Park on the southern shore of Port Hacking. One fact decides everything about walking a dog here: the Royal National Park surrounds Bundeena on every landward side and prohibits dogs completely, so the whole walk has to stay on Sutherland Shire Council land inside the village.

The rules. Dogs on lead at all times along The Esplanade and through the village streets and reserves, under Sutherland Shire Council. Step off council land into the national park and you are in a no-dogs area, and that covers every walking track leaving the village. Dogs are also not permitted on Jibbon Beach or within ten metres of playgrounds. Horderns Beach has a council-designated off-leash area, but it runs to posted times and seasonal restrictions, so read the sign at the beach rather than assuming.

The walk. Flat and easy, 6.4 km, about an hour and a half at a dog's pace. It runs from the ferry wharf along The Esplanade past Horderns Beach on a mix of paved path, sandy edge and quiet residential street, with calm water views across Port Hacking to Cronulla the whole way. Oak Park sits on the far side of that water at Cronulla, reached by the ferry rather than on foot.

Water. Bubblers with dog bowls at Horderns Beach and in the public reserves along the foreshore. Port Hacking here is sheltered and flat, which is why the beach suits dogs that are unsure about surf.

Hazards. The main risk is a boundary rather than a bite. The national park edge is not fenced and not always obvious, and penalties apply. Beyond that it is heat and a lack of shade on the open foreshore through summer.

Getting there. The ferry from Cronulla Wharf to Bundeena carries dogs on lead, which makes it the good option and a small outing in itself. Driving means Bundeena Drive through the Royal National Park, and your dog stays in the car for that stretch. Parking is free on Brighton Street and the surrounding residential streets, and it fills on summer weekends.

Nearby with the dogs. Bundeena Beach Cafe is the local stop with outdoor tables. On the Cronulla side of the ferry, Makers Daily and LOAF Cronulla both take dogs outside, and Quest Cronulla Beach or Rydges Cronulla Beachside are the closest dog-friendly beds.

When to go. Weekday mornings, early. Summer weekends bring swimmers and picnickers onto the same small foreshore and the parking goes first. Good for nervous swimmers, since the Port Hacking water here stays flat.

Sources

• Horderns Beach dog off-leash area, Bundeena - Sutherland Shire Council · www.sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au
• The Esplanade via Oak Park, New South Wales, Australia · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.