If you love to venture out with your four legged pal, here is a list of THE BEST dog friendly beaches, swimming holes, creeks, rivers and lakes on the Sunshine Coast. Dogs on beaches in QLD are allowed and the list below will help you locate something that fits both you and your pooch!
Where can I go swimming with my dog? Are the beaches dog friendly in the area? Which dog friendly beaches are near me? There are plenty of places to swim with your dog and locations that welcome your family pet. Venues are realising the importance of our furry friends as members of the family. If you are reluctant to leave your best four-legged friend at home then this list will help!
Pack up the car, grab some doggy treats and a picnic and lay that pet blanket down on the back seat. Check out our dog-friendly places to visit below.
‘Are there any swimming holes near me that allow dogs? – ABSOLUTELY! ‘What off leash beaches are near me? PLENTY! ‘Closest dog beach to me’ – SEE BELOW!
Dog beach in Sunshine Coast etiquette
Firstly a few things to remember before setting out. These simple rules of thumb will help to ensure that you are safe and respectful of others exploring the same area.
Not everywhere allows you to let your dog off the leash, whether that be dog swimming places or just walking trails! Always check for signs, even if you have visited before, in case the rules have changed. The signs are there to help keep the area and local wildlife safe.
Remember that not all dogs are friendly to each other or humans. If venturing out with young children, remind them not to approach dogs without checking with owners first. This will ensure they are children friendly and enjoy being made a fuss of by strangers.
Not all dogs are friendly to each other either. Approach others with caution to eliminate any potential aggressive behaviour. If your dog shows signs of being uncomfortable, maybe take them to another area until the other dog has moved on.
Always dispose of your rubbish in the bins provided (including any rubbish that your dog has left behind). Always double check the area before leaving to ensure you have left the area safely and litter-free!
Ensure your pooch has taken all of the necessary tick/flea medication. A lot of outdoor venues will be home to a number of parasites. Checking they are up to date with preventative treatments will save a lot of heartache in the long run. Always check your pet for ticks once you return home.
Maybe start with small walks and adventures and build up – new sights, smells, etc maybe a bit too much for some!
Best dog friendly beaches in Sunshine Coast
Sunshine Coast Beaches…. Dogs? So what beach can I take my dog to? Where is the nearest dog beach to me? The Sunshine Coast is a beautiful location and blessed with beautiful beaches to explore, including beaches that allow dogs. Arguably the best beaches for dogs!
The area is home to a vast number of pet friendly beaches. Some offer wide expanses of sand, others a lot smaller but offer an off-leash element. Some maybe close to dog friendly facilities so that you can enjoy a drink after all that thirst-quenching activity. Some are close to recreation parks so both the kids and dogs get to let off steam!. They are dotted around the area, so there should be some that are close to you if looking for a short drive. Hopefully you will find your closest dog beach below!
Buddina Beach, Buddina
Well here you have two for the price of one!. This lovely beachy location has two areas that are currently off-leash. These are accessed from Pacific Boulevard. The area includes both the foreshore area and the beach proper.
Where to park: 33 Pacific Blvd
Coolum Off Leash Dog Beach
This dog off leash beach haven is a must do trip for you and your doggy pal. At one end you will find a playground, doggy bags to help clean up and an area of picnic tables. There is also a creek to add something a little different to the adventure!
Where to park: Stummers Creek Rd
Moffat Beach (after hours)
Moffat Beach, situated in Caloundra, is stunningly beautiful and a beach that’s dog friendly! You can walk along the sandy beach between the hours of 4pm and 8am taking in the spectacular coastline. There are plenty of cafes so you can grab your early morning cuppa enroute!
Where to park: 2 Cooroora St
Shelly Beach, Caloundra (certain times and dates)
Again situated in Caloundra is this beautiful beach. This is available during the months of May and October at certain times of the day, so please check before heading out.
Where to park: 10 Victoria Terrace
North Shore Beach, Mudjimba
This wildly rugged and beautiful beach is a great off-leash venue. It extends to the Maroochy River and offers rock pools, sandy beaches and vast amounts of space.
Where to park: 80 N Shore Rd
If you are thinking about staying at Noosa North Shore, check out our review of their accommodation!
Wurtulla Beach, Currimundi
Yet another stunning location to take your furry friend. Some sections of the area allow your dogs off leash at all times whilst others are only at certain times. Signs around the area will help identify where you can go.
Where to park: 420 Oceanic Dr S
Noosa Spit, Noosa
Just behind Noosa Main Beach (dogs not allowed), you will find a number of four legged pooches enjoying the beach! A section of this beach is off leash and can often be found with many dog lovers in the area!
Where to park: Claude Batten Dr
Sunshine Beach North
Close to the National Park you will find this beautiful beach location. The water can be a little rough on some, but definitely a great place to trek with your pooch!
Where to park: The Bend
Castaways Beach and Marcus Beach
Located within Noosa Heads is this lovely golden sandy beach location. WOW – 4 kms to play with here, so great vast expanses of sand to explore. The water here can be a little rough at times, but a great place to have fun!
Where to park: Osprey Ave
Out of town? Check out these dog friendly beaches and swimming holes in Brisbane, and on the Sunshine Coast.
If you are heading to the Gold Coast, check out the best things to do on a Sunshine Coast to Gold Coast road trip.
Best dog friendly swimming holes & creeks in Sunshine Coast
Are any swimming holes near me dog friendly? Most swimming locations in the Sunshine Coast are situated on the coast line with beaches taking centre stage. With so many beaches that are dog friendly to choose from the Sunshine Coast what else is on offer? We have chosen a series of dog friendly lakes to creeks. All are different with water in common. Some have designated doggy areas that are fenced off so they can let off steam. They are all beautiful locations with great views and a great place to go for a stroll.
Weyba Creek Park, Noosaville
Meandering along right next to the creek, you will find this adorable park area. A great place to stop and enjoy the view with picnic benches dotted along the route. Your dog will enjoy cooling off in the creek water closeby!
Where to park: 14 Creek Rd
Stumers Creek
Located on the northern side of Coolum. The waters here are very calm. A great addition is the handy dog wash area located right next to it. There is also a dog beach alongside, so the dog can explore both types of environment.
Where to park: Stumers Creek Rd
Other dog swimming spots in Sunshine Coast
Who knew that the Sunshine Coast had so many dog friendly locations to explore?!. This next set of locations again have water in common. These are a little unusual in that they don’t typically slot into beaches or creeks. However, they are all beautiful in scenery and offer a great exploration venue.
Rocksberg Swimming Hole, Caboolture
Effectively dog parks with swimming within the Heritage Reserve of the same name you will find this delightful area. There is a fresh water river that runs through the reserve along with some great bush walks. Then relax at one of the picnic spots dotted around the area. Fire up the bbq and watch the kids run around – a great day out for all!
Where to park: McNamara Rd
Dog Ferry, Noosa River
Not all dogs are a fan of being in the water, but fascinated with looking at it. If your dog is not a fan of dog friendly pools, why not travel over it! Dogs are currently allowed on the Noosa Ferry which travels from Tewantin to Noosa Heads. A wonderful day out and without getting wet!
Where to park: Lake St
Boat Hire, Noosa (O Boat)
If you have had a bit of fun in the water and are looking for some way to dry off this could be an idea! You can hire any number of boats, including bbq style boats and bring your dog along. If your dog has a fascination with water, loves looking at their reflection, why not give this a go!
Website: Find out more here
Dog friendly swimming in Sunshine Coast
With so many beaches allowing dogs you should be able to identify your nearest dog friendly beach. Hopefully we have answered all your doggy questions ‘where to go swimming with my dog’, and ‘where the off leash beaches near me’ (and plenty more)!. We have aimed to give you a variety that your doggy friends will love! Remember, rules on both on-leash and off-leash are ever changing, so please check the signs on arrival! If you know of more from your travels, and are happy to share your answer to ‘where are the best dog beaches near me?’ please get in touch! Happy adventuring!
