Godfrey's Beach Walk

Godfrey's Beach curves for about 1.1 kilometres beneath The Nut in Stanley, and its middle section is a signed off-lead zone. Because the beach faces east, it sits out of the westerlies that batter much of this coast.

Lead rules

Circular Head Council sets the zones. Dogs stay on lead coming in through Kings Park and down the southern access ramp.

The off-lead area starts on the sand beside 13 Green Hills Road and runs north to the rocky turning point, below the high-tide mark only. Dogs are not allowed north of the northern car turning point or east of the Kings Park ramp.

The walk

It is mostly a sand walk, with gravel, concrete and newer boardwalk around the foreshore and the base of The Nut. The cliffs of the old volcanic plug rise over the whole beach.

There is little shade on the sand, though Kings Park has trees and seating.

Max: Little penguins nest along here. Keep out of the rookery areas and hold the lead firmly around dusk.

Getting started

The large car park at the southern end, near Kings Park and the sailing club, is the natural start. Toilets and bins are close by, but bring water and a bowl for the dog.

Pair it with

Finish with a coffee at The Brown Dog in Stanley.

A lower tide gives the most sand for an off-lead run, and the sheltered aspect makes it a fair bet even when the westerly is up.