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For caravan owners who happen to also be dog lovers, hitting the road with your canine companion adds an extra layer of excitement and adventures.
We’ve put together a list of great Aussie beaches that are dog friendly, so you won’t need to worry about where to go.
Just remember it’s always a good idea to check local regulations and signage at every beach you take your dog to to ensure you’re doing the right thing. Regulations can change, so always consult local councils before taking your pooch on the beach.
QUEENSLAND
Red Beach
Red Beach in Bongaree, Bribie Island, is located two hours from Brisbane and is the perfect spot to catch a sunset with your four legged friends. The beach, an 8km stretch of sand and surf between Woorim Beach and Bongaree, doesn’t experience rough waves so it’s perfect for a dip with your pooch. The nearby Woody Bay is also a dog-friendly beach, perfect for dog owners who want to take a long walk during low tide with their pooch.
Nudgee Beach
Not far from one of the biggest enclosed dog parks in Brisbane, Nudgee Beach is a slice of doggy-heaven. It’s right next to Tuckeroo Park with a sizable off-leash park containing an incredible obstacle course. There’s a huge body of water even a pup with limited water skills can still have a good time in. Just be aware some parts are more mud flaps than beach and ensure dogs remain in the designated area and don’t venture into the mangrove bird hides adjacent for both environmental and financial reasons – rangers regularly police the area, issuing on-the-spot fines to the disobedient.
The Spit – Southport
The Spit at Southport at the Gold Coast is one of the top choices among dog-friendly beaches, boasting vast sandy shores. It’s an ideal destination for energetic pups seeking adventure. The thick sand and active surf will give them a great workout.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Brunswick Head Beach
Brunswick Heads is a gorgeous beach to enjoy with your pooch and is located just 20 minutes north of Byron Bay. The off-leash section of Brunswick Heads Beach is well signposted. It starts just south of the Surf Club and extends for 400m south to the boundary of Tyagarah Nature Reserve.
North Wall Beach
This Coffs Harbour beach is 24/7 off-leash, so perfect day and night if your doggo needs to get rid of some of that endless energy. This beach is near the marina and historic jetty and there’s a large grassy reserve too (but you need to keep dogs on leash here).
Lions Park Beach
There’s plenty of dog-friendly beaches outside of the national parks along the coastline. Lions Park Beach at Pambula is one of them. It’s a fairly safe spot to let your dog off leash, with no easy access except for the one walkway. Dogs are allowed off-leash to the north of the walkway.
VICTORIA
The Bellarine Peninsula
This region should be a doggy favourite – there’s plenty to keep you entertained all day and night. Large stretches of these beaches are off-lead all year round. Narrows Beach, between Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff, is a beautiful stretch of sand overlooking the Rip, close to Noble Rot, a dog-friendly wine bar. Thirteenth Beach at Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove Main Beach are perfect for the beginner surfer — human or canine.
Great Ocean Road
Surfers looking to catch waves without leaving their furry companions behind can hit the expansive beaches of Torquay, Anglesea, and Lorne. These coastal gems boast year-round off-leash areas, ensuring your dog can frolic freely while you hang ten. After a day on the waves, unwind with your pup on the deck at Swing Bridge Cafe in Lorne or Bomboras in Torquay.
Brighton Dog Beach
There are so many paw-related activities at the Brighton Dog Beach. Sheltered by the main marina, this area boasts gentle waves – even on windy days – making it ideal for those pups still getting their sea legs.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Rapid Bay, Fleurieu Peninsula
Nestled in a small cove near the tip of the Fleurieu Peninsula is a stunning hideaway perfect for you to explore with your pooch off-leash. Rapid Bay is a gorgeous turquoise and pebbly beach surrounded by rolling hills.
Fishery Bay, Eyre Peninsula
Fishery Bay’s sandy white sand is a canine paradise. Dogs are welcome off-leash on this sandy white beach, tucked away on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula. The bay has clear blue waters, beautiful bushland and stunning views of the gulf.
Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island
Nestled on the southern side of Kangaroo Island, Pennington Bay is a hidden treasure, with picturesque bushland, rolling dunes, and dramatic cliff formations that overlook the majestic Southern Ocean. While dogs are permitted on leash, the breathtaking scenery and tranquil ambiance make it a destination well worth exploring during your visit.
TASMANIA
Penna Beach, Penna
Northeast of Hobart is Penna Beach. It’s a great place for you and your pets to take in the scenery amongst the dune grasses and sandy shore.
Mickeys Beach, Eggs and Bacon Bay
Head southwest of Hobart, and you’ll find the charming Mickeys Beach—a delightful dog-friendly nature reserve perched above Randalls Bay. Offering scenic walking tracks and breathtaking vistas, this hidden gem is a must-visit destination for you and your furry companion.
Freers Beach, Shearwater
Travel south from Hawley Beach in Shearwater, and you’ll find Freers Beach. Here, you can soak in stunning views of Port Sorrell while strolling along the sandy coastline or the scenic Foreshore Walk. While dogs are required to be leashed during specific hours on the beach, keep an eye out for designated off-leash areas along the walk, allowing your furry friend to explore and play freely.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
FYI – Darwin beaches are not the same as the rest of Australia. There’s box jellyfish and crocodiles in the water, so you need to be extra cautious in or near sea water.
Lee Point Beach
Lee Point Beach is about 14 kilometres north from Darwin CBD and can be reached by driving out from Darwin along Lee Point Road. It’s a gorgeous spot you and your pooch can enjoy. Along the beach, dogs are allowed off-leash in between Rapid Creek and Lee Point Rocks, except they must be on-leash between the Cliffs and Dripstone Point and around Sandy Creek.
Wagait Beach
This is a Darwin local’s secret, a secluded quiet beach community minutes from the Darwin CBD and a favourite weekender retreat.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve
A great spot to let your dog off-leash is the Casuarina Coastal REserve. This reserve stretches for 5km along the coast between Nightcliff and Lee Point. It features a long sandy beach, a grassy reserve, picnic areas and walking tracks. One glimpse and you’ll see why the area is a huge drawcard for dog lovers.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Peaceful Bay Dog Beach
Peaceful Bay Dog Beach, just off the South Coast Highway, is a beautiful spot known for its sand dunes. The dunes are guaranteed fun. Visitors are also welcome to wander out onto the pier, and explore the surrounding nature reserves.
Peasholm Dog Beach, Floreat
Peasholm Dog Beach (also known as the Floreat Dog Beach) is a great spot for an early morning dip. Here you can play to their heart’s content – the sand dunes are perfect for combining “walkies” and playtime. There are dog washing facilities as well and plenty of parking.
Secret Harbour Dog Beach
Secret Harbour Dog beach is tucked away in Perth’s south. There’s plenty of room here for your furry friend to frolic and play with wide stretches of sand to explore. Once you pass the Siracusa Court car park, your dog can roam off-leash. There’s a lake nearby across from the carpark that’s perfect for a post-swim walk, just make sure your dog is on a lead here because of the swans that nest in the wetland.
