Best Dog Friendly Beaches Sunshine Coast – Between the beautiful beaches from Noosa to Caloundra and the beautiful hinterland beyond, the Sunshine Coast is a great place to visit with your dog in Queensland. Find out more about visiting the Sunshine Coast with your dog, from dog-friendly things to pet-friendly holiday destinations.
The Sunshine Coast is home to many beautiful beaches, and luckily there are plenty of dog-friendly beaches with puppies. A visit to the Sunshine Coast wouldn’t be complete without a visit to at least one beach for a show on the sand and in the water!
Best Dog Friendly Beaches Sunshine Coast
Here are some off-leash dog beaches on the Sunshine Coast to visit with your pooch:
Stumers Creek Dog Friendly Beach Coolum Australia
Noosa Spit: When visiting the Noosa area, head to the Noosa Spit near Noosa Heads. Behind Noosa Main Beach, where dogs are prohibited, dogs are allowed in the entire area of the valley stretching to the Noosa River, including the beaches on both sides.
Sunshine Beach North: An off-leash dog beach near Noosa is at the northern end of Sunshine Beach. The rope-free exercise area starts near the small car park at Seaview Terrace North and extends to the Noosa National Park boundary. Although the water is very strong, it is an excellent beach when the wind blows from the west.
Castaways Beach and Marcus Beach: To the south is Castaways Beach and next to Marcus Beach is a large stripless beach. The rope-free area stretches from Beach Access 38 (at Orient Park South) to Beach Access 47 (at Tasman Trespasser Park), a total of about 4km. Great place for off-leash hikes.
Stummers Creek: In the south, Stummers Creek on the northern edge of Coolum is one of the most popular off-leash dog beaches. The main feature of this dog beach is the calm waters of the lagoon, perfect for a doggy paddle. There is also a convenient dog wash near the parking lot. Dogs are allowed between beach entrances 67 and 72.
9 Of The Best Secret Beaches In Queensland
North Shore Beach: At Twin Waters, dogs are allowed at North Shore Beach from 140m north of the beach entrance to 132 Beach 136, plus the calm waters at the entrance to the Maroochy River.
Point Cartwright: Dogs are allowed at Point Cartwright in Buddina, at the northern end of Buddina Beach, beach entrances 198 to 201 (near Gulai Street). This beach was a bit rough when we visited.
On weekdays, another option is Point Cartwright or “Curties” Beach, on the eastern side of the barrier at the mouth of the Mooloola River. Until June 30, 2025, dogs are allowed between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday as practicable. No entry is permitted at Half Moon Bay, adjacent to La Balsa Park – they must be on a leash.
For more information and a full list of off-leash dog beaches along the Sunshine Coast, as well as dog-friendly beaches, see our guide to dog-friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast.
Explore Coolum’s Beaches — Visit Coolum
Travel options with your dog on the Sunshine Coast aren’t limited to visiting the beach, though it’s easy to spend most of your holiday. Consider some other ideas about dogs.
One of the most beautiful places on the Sunshine Coast is the Noosa River, which includes the towns of Noosa Heads, Noosaville and Tewantin. I recommend going to the river.
The easiest way to get to the Noosa River, especially if you have a small dog, is to take the Noosa Ferry. Dogs are allowed on Noosa cruises, except for sunset cruises, but only if they are small enough to sit on your lap when the cruise is busy. There is no additional charge for puppies and muzzles are not required. It is beautiful in the sun sitting on the outdoor upper deck.
Ferries run every half hour between Tewantin and Noosa Heads. It’s $28 for a full day pass (or $22 if purchased after 1pm), or $16.50 return between Noosaville and Noosa Heads. Additional ticket options are also available.
Top 10 Dog-friendly Beaches In Adelaide, Australia (2024 Update): Off- & On-leash Places
I recommend taking the ferry to Noosa Heads and walking before returning. If you take a left on the boardwalk and head towards Noosa Main Beach, you’ll soon reach the Noosa Spit and the rope-free sports area, including the famous dog.
If you’re feeling more adventurous (or have a big dog and the boat is busy), rent a boat or kayak for an hour or a day. O Boat Hire is one of the friendliest boat hire companies along the Noosa River. They offer a variety of boats, including BBQ pontoons, as well as kayak and SUP rentals.
The Sunshine Coast is lined with mountains, including the famous Glass House Mountains. I highly recommend climbing one or two to enjoy the beautiful view from the top.
Although some of the mountains are in pockets of the national park, a climb to Mount Nai is a climb to Mount Ninderi. Just outside Yandina on the highway, the start of the Mount Ninderry Walking Track is at Nilgiri Crescent in Ninderry.
Top Sunshine Coast Pet-friendly Rentals
It is a 2.8 km return route to the summit. The sign at the entrance suggests a 3 hour window, but if you and your dog are enthusiastic you can probably do it in 90 minutes. It took us about 30 minutes to reach the intersection at the top, where one road leads to the East station, the other to the West guard, which are connected only by a footpath.
Dogs must be on the trail, but this was not followed by many residents and their dogs were on the trail the morning we picked them up. Note that there is a lot of rock climbing during the climb – make sure you have good walking shoes.
Of course, hiking isn’t the only way to get to the Sunshine Coast to enjoy the beautiful views, many are accessible by trail and dog.
The most famous spot is the Glass House Mountains Lookout, located at the southern tip of the area. Dogs are allowed to guard, but not in a way that starts with guarding (which does not lead to more guards). This viewpoint is particularly impressive for the number of mountains you can see, with signs pointing to each peak.
The Ultimate Pet-friendly Guide To The Sunshine Coast
Another nearby lookout that I unfortunately missed was the Wild Horse Mountain Scenic Lookout. Located east of the highway, it is a short but steep 700m climb from the car park along a wide open road. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping 360-degree view. It is famous for sunrise and sunset.
One of my favorite spots is the Dulong Lookout just behind Nammur on the way to the towns of Mapleton and Montville. In fact, drive the length of the Blackall Range Tourist Drive, and whether you’re driving or stopping at various points along the way, you’ll be treated to endless coastal views.
Note that dogs are not allowed at Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve in Maleny, which is a popular spot for viewing.
There are many markets taking place across the Sunshine Coast, many of which are dog friendly. However, among them is the Raja Ewumundi Market, which takes place in the town of the same name every Wednesday and Saturday between 7am (Wednesday 8pm) and 2pm.
6 Reasons To Move To Sunshine Coast
Leashed pets are welcome at the market, along with a water basin to keep your dog cool. Your dog may also like the two pet shops in the market on the day we visited in 2021, Made in Noosa and 4 Your Petz. Tracey Keller Gallery has many pet-related items available for purchase at the homewares store, such as prints and pillows.
There is free two-hour parking in nearby streets, or head to the paid car park. Come lunchtime, there are plenty of restaurants along Memorial Drive, plus more around the market.
Maleni Botanical Gardens is one of the highlights of the Sunshine Coast region. Fortunately, dogs are welcome to walk you around Maleni Gardens at no extra cost, although they are not allowed in the kennel area, they are included on a companion tour at an extra cost.
As you step out of the welcome center you will be dazzled by the beautiful view of the garden with the Glass House mountain in the distance. We thought that half of the garden was the most impressive, although there was work to open the entrance to the lower level in 2021.
Dog Friendly Beaches In Florida: The Best Spots, According To Locals
The park is filled with countless waterfalls and ponds that take advantage of the steep slopes. It is possible to rent a golf cart by the hour, dogs are also allowed in the cart. There is also a cafe in the reception centre.
One
