Did you know that Australia is one of the best countries in the world when it comes to dog-friendly beaches?
With a staggering 85% of Australians living by the coast, warm temperatures and subtropical climate zones, there are literally hundreds of beaches to choose from.
Here are 7 of the best dog-friendly beaches across Australia.
📋 In This Guide
Dog Beach Etiquette
To keep our beaches clean and guarantee an inclusive, enjoyable experience for everyone, keep these in mind:
📋 Beach Etiquette Rules
- Always pick up after your dog. Don’t be that person. Bring a waste bag just in case — even if you think your dog won’t need to go — and pick up after them even if it’s inconvenient.
- Your off-leash dog must be under effective voice control at all times. If your dog’s recall isn’t reliable, keep them on lead until it is. This is a council regulation in most places and it’s for everyone’s safety — including your dog’s.
- Have fun and communicate effectively. We get to visit amazing beaches with our dogs — enjoy it, be friendly to others, and stay calm if something unexpected happens. Most drama is preventable with a bit of patience and good communication.
What to Bring
🎒 Beach Day Packing List
- Towels — for both you and your dog
- Tennis ball or frisbee — if you want to play fetch
- Sun umbrella — especially important for beaches with little shade on hot days
- Plenty of fresh water and a portable dog bowl — saltwater can make dogs very sick, so keep your dog hydrated and reduce the urge to drink from the ocean
- Waste bags — always
The 7 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Australia
🌊 Western Australia & South Australia
#1 South City Beach Dog Beach — Perth, WA
A postcard-perfect spot with showers, fresh water, waste bags and bins at the entrance. A long, beautiful stretch of sandy beach that rarely gets too crowded — great for walking, running, swimming, or just hanging out. Note: parking can be challenging and there are no human toilet facilities.
#3 O’Sullivan Beach — Adelaide, SA
Plenty of space for your dog to run around off-leash. At the northern end you’ll find parking, public toilets, and a watering station for both you and your dog.
🌊 New South Wales
#2 Rose Bay Beach — Sydney, NSW
Don’t forget your camera — this beach has shallow water and stunning views of the city skyline and harbour bridge. Not much shade, so come prepared on hot and sunny days.
#5 Tallow Beach — Byron Bay, NSW
A gorgeous 6.5km stretch with a large dedicated off-lead exercise area (see Byron Shire Council’s dog exercise areas). Great for privacy and tranquillity — and you can sometimes spot dolphins. Come around 5pm for one of Australia’s best sunsets. No shade, so prepare accordingly.
🌊 Victoria
#4 Mentone Beach — Mentone, VIC
A perfect spot for dogs to run around and swim, with shallow and clean water. Water fountains available. Not much shade — come prepared if visiting on a hot day.
🌊 Queensland
#6 Beachmere Beach — Beachmere (near Brisbane), QLD
Beautiful views, easy parking, and plenty of shade. You’ll find toilets, covered tables and chairs with a BBQ, and drinking water. During low tide, a walking track through the mangroves leads up to the boat ramp. A genuinely great spot for dog lovers.
#7 Noosa Spit Dog Beach — Noosa Heads, QLD
A sheltered, calm beach away from the crowds of Noosa Main Beach. Clear water, trees dotted along the shore for shade, lovely for a picnic or a swim. Keep your eyes open around the rocks — there are some beautiful fish to be seen.
📸 What’s Your Favourite Dog-Friendly Beach?
We LOVE hearing about all the fabulous dog-friendly things you get up to with your furry mate. Get in touch anytime via Instagram or our Contact Form. Thank you!
