Best Dog Friendly Beaches in Australia

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Dog Beaches in Australia

If you’re a dog owner planning a beach vacation, Australia has some great options for you! Many of the country’s stunning beaches welcome dogs, providing an opportunity to explore the outdoors and many of them have dedicated off-leash area. With this guide, you’ll learn about the best dog beaches in Australia and what makes them so special.

The Best Dog Beaches in New South Wales.

New South Wales is home to some stunning beaches that are perfect for your four-legged friend. One of the most popular ones is Greenhills Beach, located in Cronulla. This beach welcomes dogs off-leash at designated times and has a vast stretch of sand and shallow waters that are ideal for swimming and playing fetch. If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, check out Black Head Beach in Hallidays Point, which offers breathtaking ocean views, picnic areas, and plenty of space for your dog to run around. 

The Best Dog Beaches in Victoria.

Victoria is home to some fantastic dog-friendly beaches where you can enjoy some fun in the sun with your furry four-legged friend. St Kilda Beach is a popular destination for pet owners, boasting a long stretch of sand where dogs are welcome to run off-leash at certain time during the year. Another great option is Gibson Steps Beach, situated along the Great Ocean Road. This secluded beach offers vast expanses of sand and breathtaking views of the coastline, making it an idyllic spot for you and your dog to explore. Other top picks include Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary Beach and Altona Beach, both of which offer plenty of space for dogs to run around and play fetch while taking in stunning views of the water.

The Best Dog Beaches in Queensland.

Queensland is known for its tropical weather and scenic beaches, making it a great destination for pet owners looking for some fun in the sun with their furry friends. Nudgee Beach Dog Park is a popular spot located just 20 minutes from Brisbane’s central business district. This beach offers not only vast stretches of sand but also a safe space to splash around with your dog in the calm waters of Moreton Bay. Another option worth exploring is Tugun Beach Dog Exercise Area situated on the Gold Coast. With plenty of off-leash areas and scenic views, this beach provides an ideal spot for dogs to socialise and play while their owners relax on the sandy shores. Other popular destinations include North Shore Beach located in Mudjimba and Palm Cove Beach situated in Cairns, both offering ample space for dogs to run around and have fun.

The Best Dog Beaches in Western Australia.

Western Australia is home to some of the most stunning dog-friendly beaches in the world. If you’re looking for a great spot to splash around with your furry friend, then Margaret River Dog Beach in Perth is definitely worth checking out. This beach is known for its rolling waves and picturesque views, providing a perfect backdrop for outdoor activities like surfing, swimming, and fishing. Another notable destination is Leighton Dog Beach located on the shores of Fremantle. Here you can enjoy a range of water sports alongside your pup, or just relax on the white sandy beach and soak up the sun. Other great options include Sand Patch Beach in Esperance and Binningup Beach near Bunbury – both offering plenty of space for dogs to run around and play while their owners bask in the beautiful surroundings.

Dog-friendly beaches in Sydney

Regional beaches

  • Durras Main Beach, Batemans Bay
  • Washerwomans Beach, Bendalong
  • Belongil Beach, Byron Bay
  • Tallow Beach, Byron Bay
  • Brunswick Heads Beach
  • Lakes Beach, Budgewoi
  • North Wall Beach, Coffs Harbour
  • North Shelly Beach, Central Coast
  • Aslings Beach, Eden
  • Werri Beach, Gerringong
  • Lions Park Beach, Pambula Beach
  • Pearl Beach
  • Nobbys Beach, Port Macquarie
  • Bagnalls Beach, Port Stephens
  • Terrigal Beach
  • Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry
  • McCauley’s Beach, Wollongong

Dog-friendly beaches in Melbourne

Regional beaches

  • Sandy Gully Beach, Aireys Inlet
  • Anglesea Beach
  • Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads
  • Flinders Beach
  • Inverloch Dog Beach
  • Jan Juc Beach
  • Shelly Beach, Kilcunda
  • Lorne Beach
  • Fosters Beach, Mornington
  • Royal Bay Beach, Mornington
  • Hawker Beach, Mount Martha
  • Ocean Grove Beach
  • Ventnor Beach, Phillip Island
  • Point Richards
  • Narrows Beach, Queenscliff
  • South Beach, Somers
  • Whites Beach, Torquay  
  • Warrnambool Beach

Dog-friendly beaches in Canberra

  • Barrenjoey Peninsula, Lake Burley Griffin
  • Diddams Close Park, Belconnen, on Lake Ginninderra
  • Uriarra Crossing, Coree, on the Murrumbidgee River
  • Point Hut Crossing, Gordon, on the Murrumbidgee River 
  • Yerrabi Pond, Gungahlin
  • Oaks Estate on the Molonglo River
  • Brown Street, Yarralumla, on Lake Burley Griffin
  • Kurrajong Point, Weston Park, Yarralumla

Dog-friendly beaches in Darwin

  • Casuarina Beach, Brinkin
  • Lameroo Beach, Darwin City
  • Bundilla Beach, Fannie Bay
  • Cullen Bay Beach, Larrakeyah
  • Lee Point Beach
  • Rapid Creek Beach

Dog-friendly beaches in Brisbane

Regional beaches

Dog-friendly beaches in Adelaide

  • Aldinga Beach
  • Glenelg Beach
  • Hallett Cove Beach
  • Moana Beach
  • O’Sullivan Beach
  • Port Noarlunga South
  • West Beach

Regional beaches

  • Turnbull Beach, Arno Bay
  • Butler’s Beach, Marion Bay
  • Picnic Beach, Mount Hope
  • Boomer Beach, Port Elliot
  • Rapid Bay Beach, Second Valley
  • Parsons Beach, Yorke Peninsula
  • Sheoak Beach, Yorke Peninsula

Dog-friendly beaches in Perth

  • City Beach South
  • Peasholm Dog Beach, Floreat
  • Hillarys Dog Beach
  • Mosman-Leighton Beach
  • North Beach Dog Beach
  • CY O’Connor Beach, North Coogee
  • North Floreat Beach
  • Quinns Dog Beach, Quinns Rocks
  • Rockingham Dog Beach
  • Secret Harbour Dog Beach
  • Shoalwater Beach
  • South Cottesloe Beach
  • South Fremantle Dog Beach
  • Trigg Dog Beach

Regional beaches

  • Middleton Beach, Albany
  • Back Beach, Bremer Bay
  • Lights Beach, Denmark
  • Ocean Beach, Denmark
  • Dunsborough Beach
  • Greys Beach, Geraldton
  • Sunset Beach, Geraldton
  • Emu Point Marina
  • Hansen Bay, Cervantes
  • Jurien Bay (the bay offers two dog-friendly beaches)
  • Geographe Bay, Margaret River
  • Peaceful Bay Dog Beach
  • Smiths Beach, Yallingup
  • Yallingup Beach

Dog-friendly beaches in Hobart

Regional beaches

  • Beaumaris Beach
  • Rice Pebble Beach, Bicheno
  • Binalong Bay Beach
  • Lagoon Beach, Chain of Lagoons
  • Primrose Sands Beach
  • Sayers Beach, Recherche
  • Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve, Rocky Hills
  • Four Mile Creek Beach, Scamander
  • Scamander Beach
  • Seymour Beach
  • Stieglitz Foreshore, St Helens
  • Cressy Beach, Swansea

Bring Along the Essentials for a Great Day Out

When heading to the beach with your furry friend, don’t forget to pack the essentials. To ensure a comfortable day out in the sun, bring along plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for your dog to drink from. Sunscreen specially formulated for dogs is also important if your dog has short hair or sensitive skin. 

Additionally, consider bringing a portable shade tent or beach umbrella to provide some relief from the sun’s heat. And of course, always remember to bring poop bags and dispose of them properly to keep the beach clean for everyone’s enjoyment.

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