There’s no doubt Queensland is known for having some of the best beaches in the country, but how many of them are dog-friendly?
Well, as it turns out, heaps! We’ve found some of the best places to take your four-legged friend for a day of play on the sand. If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State or are just looking to change up your regular weekend walking route, these QLD dog beaches are sure to please.
Best dog friendly beaches near Brisbane
Colmslie Recreation Reserve, Brisbane
You’ll find the best of both worlds at Colmslie with one of Brisbane’s best dog parks right on the Brisbane River. Whether your pooch wants to stay dry and go for a paddle, this quiet spot just 20 minutes from the CBD is a great spot to let loose.
© Destination Gold Coast
Palm Beach, Gold Coast
Heading to the glamorous Gold Coast with your furry friend? Make sure you stop by Palm Beach for a bit of fun in the sun. The off-leash sectio of the beach stretches from the parklands around to Currumbin Creek.
© Moreton Daily
Bribie Island
Around two hours drive from the CBD, Bribie Island is well worth a day trip. The entire south coast of the island is dog friendly, so pack a picnic lunch and plenty of schmackos because you won’t want to leave this pet-friendly paradise.
More dog friendly beaches in Queensland
© Visit Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Beach, Noosa National Park
While the National Park itself is off limits to dogs, the huge stretch of beach leading up to the headland is an off-leash haven. While you wander along with your four-legged friend, have sticky beak at the gorgeous houses clinging to the cliffside. If you’ve worked up an appetite, head to one of the nearby cafes or bakeries for a bite to eat – many of which are dog friendly.
Goomboora Park, Cairns
While it’s not technically a beach, Goomboora Park is one of the best places to take your pup for a swim. There are a handful of dog friendly beaches in Cairns, including Trinity, Clifton, Ellis and Kewarra Beach, however owners need to be aware of crocodiles in the area. Though rare, crocodile attacks do occur π particularly at dusk, dawn and during the night. At Goomboora Park, however, there are plenty of spots for dogs to swim in the creeks as well as hit the walking trails on-leash and run about in the wide open picnic areas.
© Stradbroke Island Tourism
Home Beach, North Stradbroke
Just a short ferry ride from Cleveland, North Stradbroke has a fantastic dog friendly beach to take your best bud for the day. The entire island is fairly dog-friendly, though pups will need to stay on-leash in some areas including Amity Point and Flinders Beach. At Home Beach, however, dogs can roam free and play in the white wash awhile owners soak up the postcard-perfect views.
© Tourism and Events Queensland
Shoal Point Beach, Mackay
Where the rainforest, city and sea converge, Shoal Point Beach offers a stunning backdrop for a day of four-legged fun on the sand. The laidback town of Mackay is bursting with awesome nature and wildlife adventures, but taking your best bud for a run on the sand has got to be one of the best. During low tide, the sand seems to stretch on forever. You can reach the off-leash beach through Williams Avenue.
Looking for more pet-friendly travel inspiration? We’re working on a series of holiday guides for Aussies hitting the road with their furry friends. There’s plenty more to come but you can start with these:
Pawfect stays – Australia’s best dog friendly hotels
