River Road Reserve

Calm river water and a 24-hour off-lead zone are the draw at River Road Reserve, a grassy foreshore curving around the Shoalhaven River at Shoalhaven Heads.

Off-lead rules

Shoalhaven City Council lists the reserve as a dog off-leash area, and it is open around the clock along the river and sand spit. Pick up after the dog and take the bag to a bin.

The walk

Grass foreshore runs beside the river, with a concrete shared path along River Road. Pelicans and spoonbills work the shallows, so keep an eye on bird-keen dogs.

Access is about 200 metres north of the surf club, and some southern entries have short flights of steps.

Swimming, shade and water

Pepsi: The river is calm enough for a proper paddle, so this is a lovely spot for dogs still finding their feet in the water.

Shade is thin on the sand, though grassy pockets nearby have trees. Fresh water is reported near the northern end, but carry some for the dog anyway.

Pair it with

Gaffer Atlas Dog Park and the Shoalhaven Heads Off leash dog park are both close by for a change of scene.

When to go

Because it is open 24 hours, an early morning or evening visit avoids the heat on the exposed shoreline. Water-loving, high-energy dogs get the most out of it.