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I grew up with an immense love of the ocean. Our family summer holidays were always spent sea side, and even winter trips to the beach were fun filled with cosy sunset walks and jumping in rock pools with gumboots.
As a mother of three, I would visit beaches and always rate them by “how much my kids would love this beach.” Now they are a bit older, and with three very active dogs in tow, I now think “how much would my dog love this beach.”
If you’re anything like me, you’ll agree there is nothing more satisfying than watching a dog run through the sand to the waters edge. RUN-SWIM-RUN (a few zoomies) RUN-SWIM-RUN (become best sandy friends with every other dog on the beach) RUN-SWIN-RUN (shake that water and sand off) RUN-SWIM-RUN!
I think it’s fair to say, if you have ever observed a dog owner at a dog friendly beach, they will have a look of exhilaration, watching their happy dog in a complete euphoric state of play. Because a good dog beach really is “Doggy Heaven.”
With Summer well under way now, we have compiled for you the Ultimate Guide to over 400 Dog Friendly Beaches in Australia, and a full list of the most popular Dog Beaches in your State.
Whether you are on holiday with your 4 legged friend, or just wanting to take a lovely day trip to the beach, pack your bags AND Doggy Bag and check out Australia’s most popular dog friendly beaches.
Before you start searching for your favourite play date spot below, just remember to prepare for your outing. Whilst some off leash dog beaches offer a drinking fountain for dogs, not all do! Always pack a small day bag with plenty of fresh water, portable water bowl, doggy poop bags, towels, treats, and your Pupper’s fav water toy!
Fun in the Sun at Rowland Reserve Dog Beach. Photo credit : @saloluna
Sirius Cove Dog Beach. Photo Credit : @the.dog.maple
North Shelly Beach is a gorgeous dog beach for your pooch to run along and have a swim. Afterwards head to a dog friendly cafe, Muncha’s for breakfast, lunch or coffee.
Henley & Co Marine Grade Rope Leads
Beautiful 24h Dog Friendly Beach in Altona right next to the P A Burns reserve dog park.
Dog Friendly Beach Mentone, Mentone, Victoria
Dog Access to Foreshore Reserve is a 24h Dog Park in Mentone. For further details and information about this park, check out the council website!
388 State Route 33, Beaumaris, Victoria
Rickett’s point beach is a 24h Dog Park in Beaumaris. For further details and information about this park, check out the council website!
Sandringham Harbour, Hampton, Victoria
24h Off Leash Dog beach in Sandringham/Hampton.
Sandringham Harbour Dog Beach. Photo Credit : @godric_the_irish
Elwood Beach, Elwood, Victoria
Head south past the Point Ormond and you’ll find the long sandy dog friendly Elwood beach.
The most northern part of the is off leash during the following times:
April – 31 October: Dogs permitted off leash at all times 1 November – 31 March: Dogs permitted off leash only between 5.30am – 9.30am
Further south dogs are allowed off leash between 1 April and 31 October but prohibited at all other times.
47 The Esplanade, Inverloch, Victoria
24h dog beach in Inverloch.
220 The Esplanade, Torquay, Victoria
Off leash dog beach east of W57 beach marker.
Whites Beach Torquay. Photo Credit : @shermandiesel
Enter this 24h off leash dog beach via steep fire access track opposite Helena Street.
Beaconsfield parade, Middle Park, Victoria.
Dog friendly beach in Middle Park. Dogs permitted off leash at all times between 1st April - 31st October
Port Melbourne Beach, Albert Park, Victoria
Dog friendly beach in South Melbourne! Off leash at all times between April and end of October.
21 Ocean Trwy, Ocean Grove, Victoria
24h off leash dog beach in Ocean Grove
Royal Beach, Mornington, Victoria
24h dog beach opposite Royal Hotel.
45 B100, Lorne, Victoria
Stunning 24h off leash dog beach north of W119 beach marker in Lorne. Endless soft sand to run and get those tails go crazy!
Henley & Co Waterproof Collars
Port Noarlunga SA 5167, Port Noarlunga, South Australia
Stunning beach with the jetty running through the middle point. Dogs are prohibited on the jetty between 10am – 8pm during daylight savings.
The beach itself on both sides of the jetty is off leash at all times except between 10am -8pm during Daylight Savings. The southern part of the beach (Port Noarlunga South) is off leash 24h throughout the year.
BLK1 S Esplanade, Glenelg, South Australia
Dogs are allowed off the leash during the following hours:
During daylight savings times between 8pm – 10am (other times on the lead)
Outside daylight savings dog can be off lead 24h
Tennyson St, Tennyson, South Australia
The following “lead laws” apply on the foreshore
Dogs must be on lead (2m or less) on our foreshore (Semaphore Park to West Beach) between 10am and 8pm during daylight savings period (approximately October to April).
Outside of those times, dogs may be off lead on the foreshore if they are under effective control.
Regardless of the space, dogs must be on a lead (2m or less) within 5m of any playground.
Grange Beach, Adelaide. Photo Credit: @barton_mcgroodle
The following “lead laws” apply on the foreshore
Dogs must be on lead (2m or less) on our foreshore (Semaphore Park to West Beach) between 10am and 8pm during daylight savings period (approximately October to April).
Outside of those times, dogs may be off lead on the foreshore if they are under effective control.
Regardless of the space, dogs must be on a lead (2m or less) within 5m of any playground.
Parsons Beach Rd, Minlaton, South Australia
Remote long stretch of soft sandy beach for you and your dog to chill out or have a little playtime. Dogs are welcome off leash on all beaches in Yorke Peninsula (except in National Parks).
Coffin Bay SA 5607, Coffin Bay, South Australia
24h off leash beach bordering the National Park so ensure your dog doesn’t wonder too far out.
86 Esplanade, Middleton, South Australia
Dogs are welcome off leash during the following hours
1 Feb – 30 Apr –> between 6pm – 10am
1 May – 30 Nov –> 24h
1 Dec – 31 Jan –> on lead only
Unnamed Road, Port Elliot, South Australia
Dogs are welcome off leash during the following hours
1 Feb – 30 Apr –> between 6pm – 10am
1 May – 30 Nov –> 24h
1 Dec – 31 Jan –> on lead only
Port Willunga SA 5173, Port Willunga, South Australia
Dogs are welcome to exercise off leash at all times except between 10am -8pm during Daylight Savings. Area between Aldinga Beach and Quinliven Road is off leash at all times and offers a really nice walk between the two beaches.
87 Brazier Rd, Yanchep, Western Australia
Dogs are welcome off leash on Yanchep Beach south from Nautical Court.
Quinns Rocks WA 6030, Quinns Rocks, Western Australia
Large stretch of soft sand for you and your dog to explore in the off leash Quinns Beach!
140 Whitfords Ave, Hillarys, Western Australia
The Hillarys Dog Beach located in Hillarys is a stretch of coastline, dedicated all year round to the exercising of dogs.
Dogs may be exercised within the dog beach area off-lead, but must remain under effective control and supervision.
Dogs may also be exercised within the horse beach area immediately to the north of the dog beach under the following restrictions:
Dogs may not enter the beach via the Whitford Nodes South Car Park beach access path or the northern Hillarys Marina groyne. However, they may be walked on-leash along the dual-use pathway to the designated dog beach area.
Hillary’s Beach,WA. Photo credit @rachevs55, @perthisok
103 Tourist Drive 204, North Beach, Western Australia
North Beach Dog Beach is a beautiful sandy beach close to the popular North Beach Cafe strip. Perfect way to start the weekend or enjoy at any other point in time with your dog!
345 W Coast Dr, Trigg, Western Australia
Dogs are welcome off leash between Kathleen and Bennion streets on the Trigg Beach
Trigg Beach, WA. Photo credit @kallyborg
W Coast Hwy, Scarborough, Western Australia
Located just south of Scarborough, Peasholm Street off leash Beach is a great place to let your dog play, swim and make new furry friends. For much part of the year there is a wide sand bank that extends a fair way down the beach. The water shallow for a fair way out when the sand bank is present, making it a great beach for kids too.
Challenger Parade, City Beach, Western Australia
Southern part of the City Beach Long provides a great opportunity for your dog to play on the soft white sand. Perfect spot for both dogs and their owners to swim and enjoy the dog friendly cafes and bars only a few paw-steps away!
Deane St, Cottesloe, Western Australia
Council has a pretty specific definition of the off leash area on this dog friendly beach:
“The public beach south of the north side of the groyne at Beach Street and the easterly projection of that line to the access path to the beach, northerly along the western edge and easterly along the northern edge of that path to where it joins the carpark, then southerly to the southern boundary of the district”
135 Stirling Hwy, North Fremantle, Western Australia
This 2km stretch of soft, white sand is a favourite amongst dog owners in Perth. Your pup will have a tail wagging fun playing in the high dunes and catching the waves.
Off leash area can be found west of the parking areas and fence (Portion of Reserve No. 18016) within the boundaries of the Town of Mosman Park. (All pathways and car parking areas are on lead).
25 Rollinson Rd, North Coogee, Western Australia
A little south of the centre of Fremantle you’ll find the dog-friendly off leash C Y O’Connor beach. The nearby Garden Island does a great job of sheltering the beach area so you won’t find massive waves here, making it great for dogs that love the beach but are nervous of the water.
C Y O’Connor Beach, WA. Photo Credit @days_of_desi
Woodman Point View, Coogee, Western Australia
Popular off leash dog beach to visit with the entire family. Plenty of space on the soft white sand to play.
Patterson Rd, Rockingham, Western Australia
Calm & shallow Off leash area is north from Weld Street
25 San Javier Cir, Secret Harbour, Western Australia
Nice long, wide, sandy dog exercise beach with lots of parking, water fountain and shower.
1A Halls Head Parade, Halls Head, Western Australia
Dogs are welcome everywhere on the Halls Head Beach except for the area between Janis Street and Sharland Street. This is a great spot on the southern side of the Marina to take your dog for some exercise.
Priam Rd, Silver Sands, Western Australia
Dogs can exercise off leash on Silver Sands beach north of Priam Road. Another off leash area is further south between Henson Street Carpark and Stewart Street.
445 Trower Rd, Brinkin, Northern Territory
One of the very rare off leash beaches around Darwin.
Although this beach is officially approved for off leash activity, we would like to highlight the constant threat of crocodiles in Northern Territories and Far North Queensland beaches and creeks.
Ice Cream Sundae plush squeaker Toy
Unnamed Road, Palm Beach, Queensland
There is a large off-leash section which includes shady trees and access to the water. The whole area is well signed, so be mindful of the on and off leash areas.
For more info click here
Tallebudgera, Palm Beach, Queensland
One of Gold Coasts best kept doggie secret.This well-loved spot by the locals is a tucked in half beach/half creek destination perfect for your pup to get their daily source of exercise.
Image: Tallebudgera, Palm Beach
Seaworld Drive, Main Beach, Queensland
Large areas of the Spit permits dogs to be off leash which results in many happy wagging tails splashing around in the water.
49 Captain Cook Parade, Deception Bay, Queensland
Dogs are able to be exercised off leash along the mudflats between Wallin Avenue and Joseph Crescent before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM daily.
They can be exercised on leash in this area at all other times.
1553 Nudgee Rd, Nudgee Beach, Queensland
Tuckeroo Park includes a large, fenced dog off-leash area with water access for your dog to swim and a ‘Doggy World’ obstacle course. It is an ‘adventure’ park for dogs. You can also take your dog onto the tidal section of Nudgee Beach, as long as your dog is on a lead. This dog park is a favourite for many Brisbane residents. Nudgee Fishing Platform is located beside ‘Doggy World’.
Stumers Creek Road, Coolum Beach, Queensland
Dogs can access the off leash beach betwee access points 67 to 72. Beautiful beach to go for a play and splash.
Louise Drive, Beachmere, Queensland
24h dog off leash area in Beachmere. Dogs may be exercised on leash from the southern end of Biggs Avenue to opposite the end of Louise Drive, Beachmere Beach.
Beach Access, Woorim, Queensland
Dogs may exercised off-leash on the foreshore between beach access 19 at Lowry Street, Woorim, heading south along the beach for a distance of about 4.2 km.
At this point there is signage installed indicating the end of the off-leash area and the commencement of the on-leash area.
Woorim Beach, QLD. Photo Credit : @mybabyboy.feb20
Warana QLD 4575, Warana, Queensland
Beach Access points 229 – 238. This is an unpatrolled surf beach. Public amenities, playgrounds and picnic facilities are located at John Hotton Park Beach Access point 232 and Paul Niesler Park Beach Access point 237. Beach showers are also located at Beach Access points 229, 230, 233, 234, 236, 236 and 237. Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times on this beach. Dogs are not permitted in the dunal areas or the Warana Foreshore Bushland Reserve.
Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach, Queensland
Beautiful off leash ocean beach for dogs to play and have a splash in the water.
Henley & Co Outdoor Bean Bag Bed
South Burnie TAS 7320, South Burnie, Tasmania
Dogs can run and play on the South Burnie Beach east of the Yacht Club bund to the mouth of the Emu River and limited to the foreshore area of the beach and not extending to the vegetated dune system and Bass Highway verges.
Coles Beach Rd, Devonport, Tasmania
This is a smaller beach located to the west of Bluff Beach, on Coles Beach Road. There is a bin containing dog waste bags and a receptacle for used bags at the top of the concrete stairway leading from the car park to the beach
Greens Beach TAS 7270, Greens Beach, Tasmania
Dogs are welcome off leash at the end of turning circle for 300 metre section of beach (dogs are NOT permitted in any of the dune areas)
60 Spitfarm Rd, Opossum Bay, Tasmania
Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10.00am and 6.00pm, from 1 December to 1 March each year. At all other times, dogs may be exercised off lead but must remain under effective control.
Howrah TAS 7018, Howrah, Tasmania
Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10.00am and 6.00pm, from 1 December to 1 March each year. At all other times, dogs may be exercised off lead but must remain under effective control.
Bellerive TAS 7018, Bellerive, Tasmania
Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10.00am and 6.00pm, from 1 December to 1 March each year. At all other times, dogs may be exercised off lead from Beach Street access east to Second Bluff, but must remain under effective control.
5 Kestrel St, Claremont, Tasmania
Dogs welcome off the leash at all times provided they are in effective control of their owners.
3198 S Arm Rd, South Arm, Tasmania
Dogs are not permitted on the beach between 10.00am and 6.00pm, from 1 December to 1 March each year. At all other times, dogs may be exercised off lead but must remain under effective control.
Marieville Esplanade, Sandy Bay, Tasmania
Dogs welcome off the leash at all times provided they are in effective control of their owners.
