Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve is a bushland reserve at Myola Road, Newport NSW 2106, on the south-eastern tip of the Barrenjoey Peninsula. Its standout feature is Bungan Beach, a 600m beach between Bungan Headland and Mona Vale Headland, set within a Wildlife Protection Area where dogs must be on a leash at all times.
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About Betty Morrison Reserve
Bungan Beach at Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve includes Bungan Beach, which is 600m long and runs south east between Bungan Headland to the north and Mona Vale Headland to the south. Bungan Beach has a single bar running its full length, with two strong rips against the rocks at either end and two or three shifting rips along the beach. Bungan Beach has rock platforms at its northern and southern ends that are Intertidal Protected Areas. Access to Bungan Beach is mainly on foot, which keeps the beach quiet. The reserve is also affected by coastal processes, including beach and bluff erosion, that continually reshape the beach system.
Bushland and Wildlife at Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve is an urban bushland area that provides habitat for many plant and animal species that would otherwise disappear from urban areas. Three broad vegetation types grow in Betty Morrison Reserve: Coastal Scrub, Cliff-Face Open-Heath, and Coastal Closed-Heath. Betty Morrison Reserve supports fauna habitats of Coastal Scrub and beach and rock platforms, including Yellow-faced Whip Snake and Eastern Whipbird. Significant animals recorded in Betty Morrison Reserve include the Long-nosed Bandicoot, Peregrine Falcon and Powerful Owl. The reserve was named after Betty Morrison, and its Bungan Beach Flora and Fauna Committee, formed in 1969, led to one of the area's oldest Bushcare groups, which remains active there.
Dog and Cat Rules at Betty Morrison Reserve
Dogs must be on a leash at all times in Betty Morrison Reserve. This leash rule applies to every dog that enters the reserve, including dogs visiting Bungan Beach, because Bungan Beach is part of the reserve. Cats are not allowed in Betty Morrison Reserve at any time. The reserve is a Wildlife Protection Area, and its dog and cat rules exist to protect the bushland and the animals that live there. Visitors planning to bring a dog should expect to keep it leashed for the whole visit.
Walking Routes to Betty Morrison Reserve
A coastal walk from Avalon passes through Betty Morrison Reserve. This walk runs along Bungan Head Road to the reserve, then descends a long, steep driveway to Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Another route starts from Mona Vale, where walkers take Beach Road and follow a path through Betty Morrison Reserve to Bungan Beach. Betty Morrison Reserve is located at Myola Road, Newport NSW 2106. Both routes give walkers a way to reach Bungan Beach on foot.
Facilities at Betty Morrison Reserve
Visitor tips for Betty Morrison Reserve
- ✓Keep your dog on a leash at all times, because the reserve enforces a leash rule across its whole area.
- ✓Leave your cat at home, since cats are not allowed in the reserve at any time.
- ✓Expect a quiet beach visit, as access to Bungan Beach is mainly on foot.
- ✓Walk the coastal route from Avalon if you want the scenic approach, which includes a long, steep driveway down to Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
- ✓Take the Beach Road path from Mona Vale if you prefer a detour through the bushland to reach Bungan Beach.
- ✓Note the surf at Bungan Beach, which has two strong rips against the rocks at either end and two or three shifting rips along the beach.
Getting to Betty Morrison Reserve
Betty Morrison Reserve is located at Myola Road, Newport NSW 2106. Walkers can reach the reserve by the coastal walk from Avalon, which runs along Bungan Head Road before a long, steep driveway down to Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club. Walkers can also take Beach Road from Mona Vale and follow the path through the reserve to Bungan Beach.
Open in Google Maps →Nearby Newport
- 📍Bungan Beach
- 📍Bungan Headland
- 📍Mona Vale Headland
- 📍Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club
- 📍Bungan Head Road
- 📍Avalon
- 📍Mona Vale
- 📍Barrenjoey Peninsula
Frequently asked questions about Betty Morrison Reserve
Is Betty Morrison Reserve in Newport a good place to take my dog?
Betty Morrison Reserve allows dogs, but dogs must be on a leash at all times. The reserve is a Wildlife Protection Area, so dog owners need to keep their dog leashed throughout the visit. Cats are not allowed in the reserve at any time.
Can I let my dog off-leash at Betty Morrison Reserve?
No, dogs cannot be off-leash at Betty Morrison Reserve. The reserve requires dogs to be on a leash at all times. This rule applies across the reserve, including Bungan Beach.
Is there a fenced off-leash dog area near Betty Morrison Reserve in Newport?
Betty Morrison Reserve does not have a fenced off-leash dog area. Dogs must be leashed at all times in the reserve. Visitors with dogs should plan to keep them on a lead.
Are small dogs allowed at Betty Morrison Reserve, or are there separate areas for them?
The leash rule at Betty Morrison Reserve applies to all dogs, regardless of size. No separate area for small dogs is provided. Every dog must be on a leash at all times.
Is there a walking path or trail through Betty Morrison Reserve?
A coastal walk from Avalon passes through Betty Morrison Reserve, running along Bungan Head Road before descending a long, steep driveway to Bungan Beach Surf Life Saving Club. A path from Mona Vale also runs through the reserve via Beach Road to Bungan Beach.
What makes Betty Morrison Reserve different from other parks in the Northern Beaches?
Betty Morrison Reserve is an urban bushland area classed as a Wildlife Protection Area. It incorporates Bungan Beach, a 600m beach between Bungan Headland and Mona Vale Headland. The reserve supports habitat for species such as the Long-nosed Bandicoot, Peregrine Falcon and Powerful Owl.