Sirius Cove Reserve and Beach Mosman

Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman, on Sydney’s lower north shore, is a dog and kid-friendly oasis with a calm beach, shady playground and grassy picnic space.

Sirius Cove Reserve is a dog-friendly hideaway in the suburb of Mosman in Sydney’s lower north shore. Often referred to as Little Sirius Cove, this charming natural treasure boasts a quiet beach, a playground and a large picnic area.

This peaceful paradise is an oasis for families and even for well behaved doggos. Sirius Cove is the perfect spot for both kids and dogs to enjoy a splash in the ocean. 

Named after HMS Sirius, the flagship of the First Fleet that arrived in New South Wales at the end of the 18th century, the reserve is located just west of Taronga Zoo. With a huge, grassy area including picnic tables, shady trees, a fenced and shaded children’s playground, drinking fountain and a toilet/shower block, Sirius Cove is a popular spot for locals to spend their weekends.

Sirius Cove beach is 250m wide and surrounded by a sandstone wall. It faces south into a deep bay that flows into Sydney Harbour. As a result of its sheltered location, the water is very calm. There is a large sandbar that extends right out from the shore, making it shallow enough for kids and dogs to walk out onto.

Unleashed dogs are permitted in the park, on the beach and in the water all day from Monday to Friday. On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays this is restricted to non-peak hours before 9am and after 4pm. Dogs are permitted on-leash the rest of the time.

While these rules are in place, when we visited on a weekend at around 10am, ours was the only pooch in the park on a leash.

Sirius Cove is also a great starting point for walking trails that head to Taronga Zoo Wharf, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or to Cremorne Point. 

It’s also a great starting point for the walking trail going east to Taronga Zoo, Bradleys Head and Chowder Bay, or going west to Cremorne Point.

If you take the Taronga Zoo Wharf trail, it will take you past the “Curlew Camp Artist’s Walk”. Curlew Camp was a famous gathering spot for artists, writers and musicians in the late 19th century.

The camp was located just around the corner of Sirius Cove, at Little Sirius Cove. The camp was ultimately abandoned in 1912 when the area was chosen to build the new Taronga Zoo.

Sirius Cove has a designated parking area, however this often reaches full capacity especially on weekends. parking then overflows into the free street parking nearby.

You can also catch the ferry to South Mosman and Mosman Bay wharves west of Sirius Cove, and Taronga Zoo wharf east of Sirius Cove and take the 20min hike to arrive at the Cove.

Buses also service the area. Check the bus timetable on the NSW Transport Info website.

Sirius Cove
Sirius Cove Road, Mosman

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