Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
A 24-hour off-leash grass reserve and dog-swimmable lagoon are the standout features of Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve, a long, narrow park on Carrington Parade in Curl Curl. Dogs are banned from the ocean sand where the lagoon meets the surf, and rangers patrol the boundary.
Best for
About Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
Off-Leash Dog Area at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve has an off-leash area that runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across its grass reserve and lagoon. The lagoon is usually calm and flat, giving dogs a natural spot to swim and cool off. The off-leash zone ends where the lagoon reaches the ocean sand, and dogs are strictly prohibited on Curl Curl ocean beach. Council rangers patrol this boundary and issue fines to owners who cross it. The park is not fully fenced, with no boundary fences along Carrington Parade or the lagoon edge, so dogs need reliable recall. Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve has no small dog area, and its fully fenced area and agility equipment are also unavailable.
Walking Trails and Wildlife at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve has winding trails for walking, running and jogging, including a scenic walk with views near Curl Curl Beach. The trails pass habitat for wildlife including wallabies, possums, birds, lizards and snakes, so visitors are advised to stay on the designated paths. The dunes between the reserve and the ocean beach are a protected wildlife habitat, and dogs are kept off them along with the beach.
Facilities at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
Visitor tips for Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
- ✓Bring your own dog bags, as the bins may not always be easy to reach.
- ✓Keep dogs out of the lagoon for a few days after storms, since stormwater collects in the basin after heavy rain; check Beachwatch or council signage first.
- ✓Be cautious with dogs of unknown temperament, as not all visiting dogs are friendly or well socialised.
Getting to Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
The reserve is at 79 Carrington Parade, Curl Curl NSW 2096, between Dee Why and Freshwater Beach. Parking is in a dedicated council car park off Carrington Parade, where metered paid parking applies, while vehicles displaying a Northern Beaches Council parking permit park free. The car park bays fill completely on sunny weekend mornings.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Curl Curl
- 📍Curl Curl Beach (beach, about 200 m)
Frequently asked questions about Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve
Can I take my dog to Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve in Curl Curl?
Yes, dogs can run off-leash around the grass reserve and in the lagoon at any hour. They are not permitted on the ocean beach or the dunes.
Is there an off-leash dog area at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve?
Yes, the grass reserve and lagoon form an off-leash area open 24 hours a day. The area is not fully fenced, so dogs need reliable recall.
Is Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve good for small dogs?
The park has no dedicated small dog area. Owners of small dogs should keep close watch given the unfenced grass and lagoon edge.
Are there toilets and change rooms at Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve?
Public toilets are located near the car park entry, alongside outdoor freshwater rinse-off showers beside the amenities block.
Is Flora and Ritchie Roberts Reserve safe to visit at night?
The reserve is open 24 hours a day, but it has no night lighting.