Beaches Where Your Dog Can Run & Swim
Find the best beaches where your dog can run, swim & play — off-leash & on-leash options across QLD.
Looking for beaches where your dog can run on the sand and swim? Below is a guide to the best dog-friendly beaches across Queensland.
Please always check the latest council signs and rules before visiting — dog access can change, and some beaches only allow dogs at certain times or on-leash only.
🐕 Top Dog-Friendly Beaches Quick Picks
Sandgate, Brisbane
Large 24-hour off-leash foreshore and mudflat area stretching from the stairs near Flinders Parade and Second Avenue through to Park Parade and Zeehan Street. Popular with locals and overlaps with Shorncliffe.
Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast
Off-leash areas in the adjacent beach and parkland with calm, shallow waters ideal for dog swims. Features the well-known “Dog Island” agility area nearby and plenty of space to run and play.
Coolum, sunshine Coast
Large 24-hour off-leash zone around Stumers Creek — an iconic spot with a calm lagoon perfect for safe dog swims. Note: minor 2025 carpark rule requires dogs on-leash until 10 metres from the beachside.
🐶 South East Queensland Dog Friendly Beaches
From bustling Gold Coast beaches to relaxed Brisbane bays and beautiful island escapes, South East Queensland offers some of the best dog-friendly spots in Australia.
🐕 Regional & Northern Queensland Dog Friendly Beaches
Head north for more adventure! These regional and Far North beaches give your dog plenty of space to play, with fewer crowds and stunning scenery.
🐶 Important Tips for Visiting Dog-Friendly Beaches
- Always clean up after your dog and take waste bags with you.
- Keep your dog on-leash unless the beach is clearly marked as off-leash.
- Avoid busy peak times to reduce conflict with other beach users.
- Bring fresh water for your dog — saltwater can make them dehydrated
- Bring portable water and rinse your dog after swimming in saltwater.
- Never leave your dog unattended in the car or on the beach.
- Respect wildlife, dunes, and other visitors.
- Check tide times — some beaches are better at low tide for running
🐾 Dog Beach Etiquette – Please Be a Responsible Dog Owner
Help keep our beaches clean and enjoyable for everyone (dogs, people, and wildlife) by following these simple rules:
- Always clean up after your dog — bring waste bags and dispose of them properly.
- Keep your dog under control at all times. Even in off-leash areas, your dog should come when called.
- Respect on-leash vs off-leash zones — only let your dog off-lead where signs clearly allow it.
- Be considerate of others — not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Give people (especially children and other dogs) plenty of space.
- Never leave your dog unattended on the beach or in a car.
- Respect wildlife and dunes — keep your dog away from birds, turtles, and protected vegetation.
- Rinse your dog after swimming in saltwater to prevent skin irritation.
Remember: Following these rules helps ensure dog-friendly beaches stay dog-friendly for years to come! 🐕❤️
FAQ’s
1. Are dogs allowed on all beaches in Queensland? No. Many beaches have restrictions. Some are fully off-leash, some are on-leash only, and others ban dogs completely (especially during peak hours or in national parks). Always check the current signs and council rules before visiting.
2. What is the fine for not cleaning up after my dog or having them off-leash? Fines in Queensland are now $800 – $834 (as of 2025) for dogs not under effective control in public places. Always bring waste bags and clean up after your dog.
3. Which beaches allow dogs off-leash? Popular off-leash spots include Suttons Beach (Redcliffe), sections of Wynnum Foreshore, Dog Beach at Caloundra, and various areas on the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. Rules can change, so always check current signage.
4. Can I take my dog to islands like Stradbroke, Bribie or Fraser Island? Some areas on North and South Stradbroke Island are dog-friendly, but dogs are not permitted on K’gari (Fraser Island), most of Moreton Island, Magnetic Island, or most Whitsunday islands.
5. What’s the best time to visit dog-friendly beaches? Early mornings or late afternoons are ideal — fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and lower risk of heatstroke for your dog. Avoid midday in summer.
6. Do I need to bring anything special for my dog? Yes! Bring fresh drinking water, a portable bowl, waste bags, a towel to rinse off saltwater, and sunscreen for light-coloured or thin-coated dogs.
7. Can my dog swim in the ocean? Yes at most dog-friendly beaches, but watch for strong currents, bluebottles (in summer), and stingrays. Always rinse your dog with fresh water afterwards.
8. Are there dog-friendly cafes or parks near the beaches? Yes — many areas like Redcliffe, Wynnum, and the Gold Coast have dog-friendly cafes and parks nearby. Look for the 🐶 symbol or call ahead.
National Parks notice: Dogs are not permitted on K’gari (Fraser Island), Moreton Island, Magnetic Island, or most Whitsunday islands.
Information correct at time of writing. Dog access rules can change.