Best Dog Friendly Beaches Queensland 2026
Off-leash & on-leash beaches where your dog can run free and swim safely.
Looking for the best dog friendly beaches Queensland has to offer in 2026? This guide covers the top off-leash and dog-friendly beaches across the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and beyond — so your dog can run free on the sand and swim safely. Always check the latest council signs before you visit, as rules and times can change.
🐕 Top Dog Friendly Beaches Queensland Quick Picks 🐶
Sandgate, Brisbane
Large 24-hour off-leash foreshore and mudflats from Flinders Parade to Zeehan Street. Excellent for running and swimming at low tide. Overlaps with Shorncliffe.
→ Always check the latest boundaries on the official Brisbane City Council off-leash areas page.
Palm Beach, Gold Coast
One of the best dog beaches in Queensland. Multiple 24-hour off-leash sections near Currumbin Creek and Tallebudgera Creek. Wide open space for running and swimming.
→ Always check the latest off-leash zones on the official City of Gold Coast dog exercise area map before you visit.
Coolum, sunshine Coast
Iconic 24-hour off-leash zone around Stumers Creek with a calm lagoon perfect for safe dog swimming. Note: dogs must be on-leash until 10 meters from the beachside carpark.
→ Rules changed significantly on 3 July 2026 — verify on the Sunshine Coast Council current dog rules page.
🐶 South East Queensland Dog Friendly Beaches Guide
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.
🐾 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! 🐕❤️
Always check the latest official rules on the Queensland Government pet laws page.
(Note: the current on-the-spot fine for not keeping a dog under effective control is $863.)
Dog-Friendly Cafes Near Popular Dog Beaches
Redcliffe / Sandgate area: Indigo’s Cafe in Margate is beachside and dog-friendly.
Palm Beach / Currumbin (Gold Coast): Dune Café (in Palm Beach Parklands, right next to the dog beach) has outdoor dog-friendly tables.
Coolum: Rock Hope Espresso is a dog-friendly cafe with outdoor seating.
💙 Explore More Dog Friendly Beaches
Sandgate Beach, Brisbane ➜ | Palm Beach, Gold Coast ➜ | Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast ➜ | The Spit, Gold Coast ➜ | Currumbin Creek ➜
Queensland Beach Guide contains affiliate links. This means if you click on certain links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products and services we genuinely believe will help our readers. All opinions are our own.
Last updated: August 2026
What are the best dog friendly beaches on the Gold Coast?
Palm Beach (multiple 24-hour off-leash sections), The Spit, and Currumbin Creek are among the best. Always check the official City of Gold Coast dog exercise area map before visiting as zones can change.
What are the best dog friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast?
Coolum Beach (Stumers Creek area) and sections of Caloundra are popular 24-hour off-leash options. Rules were updated in July 2026, so confirm the latest on the Sunshine Coast Council website.
Are there 24-hour off-leash beaches in Queensland?
Yes. Several beaches including Palm Beach (Gold Coast), Sandgate (Brisbane) and Coolum (Sunshine Coast) offer 24-hour off-leash zones. Always check current signage as rules can vary by council.
Can dogs go off-leash at Palm Beach Gold Coast?
Yes. Palm Beach has multiple designated 24-hour off-leash sections (southern end near Currumbin Creek and northern end near Tallebudgera Creek). Confirm the exact boundaries on the City of Gold Coast map before you go
Is Coolum Beach dog friendly?
Yes. Coolum has a large 24-hour off-leash zone around Stumers Creek with a calm lagoon ideal for swimming. Dogs must be on-leash until 10 metres from the beachside carpark.
Are dogs allowed on Stradbroke Island beaches?
Some areas on North Stradbroke Island allow dogs, but rules are strict and change. Dogs are not permitted on K’gari (Fraser Island), most of Moreton Island, or most Whitsunday islands.
What is the fine for dogs off-leash in Queensland 2026?
Fines for dogs not under effective control in public places are currently $800–$834. Always keep your dog under control and clean up after them.