Did you know that Australia is one of the best countries to live in 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 for us to choose from.
In this article, we’re going to show you 7 of the best dog-friendly beaches across Australia.
In short: if you want to spend a relaxed day at the beach with your dog, look no further. Let’s get started.
Dog Beach Etiquette
To keep our beaches clean and to guarantee an inclusive, enjoyable experience for everyone, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting a dog beach.
- Don’t forget to pick up after your dog.
Seriously. Don’t be that person. Don’t forget the waste bags at home because you think your dog won’t have to go. Bring a bag, just in case and pick up after your dog, even if it’s an inconvenient situation. - Your off-leash dog should be under your effective voice control at all times.
This means that your dog shouldn’t run around off-leash if his recall isn’t good. If your dog doesn’t come back when you call him, keep practicing your recall before you let your dog explore his surroundings off-leash. We know this frustrates some people, but it’s a council regulation in most places and it’s for your own and your dog’s safety. - Have fun and communicate effectively
We live in a beautiful part of the world and we get to visit amazing beaches together with our dogs. Enjoy your time, be friendly to others, and remain calm if something unexpected happens. Life isn’t perfect, but a lot of drama can be prevented if we just speak to strangers in the same way we want to be spoken to.
What To Bring
When visiting a dog beach, don’t forget to bring towels for both you and your dog.
Bring a tennis ball or frisbee if you want to, and don’t forget a sun umbrella if you’re visiting a beach on a hot day that is known to have not much shade.
Keep an eye on your dog and make sure he won’t drink too much ocean water. Saltwater can make dogs very sick, so decrease your dog’s urge to drink from the ocean by bringing plenty of water and a portable dog bowl.
The 7 Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Australia
Let’s have a closer look at some of the best dog-friendly beaches you can find all across our beautiful country.
#1 South City Beach Dog Beach – Perth, Western Australia
Look no further than South City Beach Dog Beach for a postcard-perfect spot to take your dog.
You’ll find showers and fresh water by the entrance, as well as waste bags and bins upon entering.
It’s a long stretch of a beautiful sandy beach, that hardly ever gets too busy.
You can take your dog for a walk, a run, a swim, or simply hang out and relax on the beach.
Parking can be challenging sometimes and you won’t find toilet facilities for humans, so keep that in mind when you plan to visit the South City Beach Dog Beach in Perth, Western Australia.
#2 Rose Bay Beach – Sydney, New South Wales
Don’t forget your camera when you visit Rose Bay Beach in Sydney.
It’s a beautiful beach with shallow water and views of the city skyline and harbour bridge.
You won’t find much shade there, so be careful if you go on a hot and sunny day.
#3 O’Sullivan Beach – Adelaide, South Australia
There’s plenty of space at O’Sullivan Beach for your dog to run around off-leash and play.
You’ll find, parking spots, public toilets, and a watering station for both you and your dog at the northern end of the beach.
#4 Mentone Beach – Mentone (close to Melbourne), Victoria
Mentone Beach is a perfect spot for dogs to run around and swim.
The water is both shallow and clean, which makes it safe to swim in.
There are water fountains available for a drink afterwards.
Keep in mind that there isn’t much shade, so come prepared if you decide to visit Mentone Beach on a hot and sunny day.
#5 Tallow Beach – Byron Bay, New South Wales
Tallow Beach is a gorgeous 6.5km long beach, and a big stretch of it is a dedicated off-lead exercise area (see here for more details: Byron Shire Council – Dog Exercise Areas).
If you’re after some privacy and tranquillity while swimming, this is the place to go.
That said, Tallow Beach is not just a great spot to swim and relax, but you can also spot dolphins sometimes.
Keep in mind that there are no shady spots on this beach, so prepare if you come on a hot and sunny day.
Alternatively, come around 5 pm and you can watch one of the best sunsets of your life.
#6 Beachmere Beach – Beachmere (close to Brisbane), Queensland
This is a beautiful beach with great views, easy parking and plenty of shade.
Furthermore, you’ll find toilets, covered tables and chairs with a BBQ, and drinking water.
If you visit during low tide, there’s a nice walking track through the mangroves right up to the boat ramp.
Altogether Beachmere Beach is an awesome place for dog lovers and definitely worth a visit.
#7 Noosa Spit Dog Beach – Noosa Heads, Queensland
Noosa Spit Dog Beach is a great sheltered and calm beach that’s away from the crowds of Noosa Main Beach.
With beautiful clear water and trees dotted along the beach, it is a lovely spot for a shady picnic or to go for a swim.
If you decide to go for a swim, keep your eyes open as there are some beautiful fish to be seen around the rocks.
What is your favourite Dog-Friendly Beach in Australia?
We LOVE hearing about all the fabulous dog-friendly things you get up to with your furry mate. Please feel free to get in touch with us anytime, either through Instagram or our Contact Form. Thank you!
