Enjoy your next holiday with your best friend by visiting some of Australia’s best dog beaches.
Australia is a country known for its wonderful coastline, but if you can’t visit with the whole family then it feels like there’s something missing. With domestic travel on the rise, taking your pets on holiday to see the best dog-friendly beaches in the country is more important than ever.
The sands of Australia
Bring your towel, swimmers and favourite dog toys
With clear water, clean sand and incredible weather, Australia undeniably has some of the best beaches in the world. Many of these have a ban on dogs visiting, which means we have to leave an important part of the family at home when we want to go for an ocean swim. But if you want to take your pooch on a road trip, you have to choose to either skip the beach or leave them behind.
Thankfully, Australia also has a blessing of dog beaches. These aren’t always as well signposted, but we’ve highlighted some of the best options below.
Read more: Get inspiration for a road trip around Western Australia or South Australia.
7 of the best dog beaches in Australia
Australia boasts more than 11,000 beaches with heated arguments about where the best are. Queensland, NSW and WA all have big claims to the title, but other states and territories like the NT and Tasmania also have stunning coastline. We’ve tried to find some of the best dog beaches all around the country for your enjoyment.
Red Beach, Bribie Island
A Queensland jewel
71km north of Brisbane Airport
Drive an hour north of Brisbane and you’ll find yourself in the Moreton Bay region, famous for its coastline. Nestled on the quiet Bribie Island is Red Beach. If you head towards Tully Street, you’ll find the entrance to the dog-friendly area of the beach. The off-leash sections are clearly marked, but be aware that there is a leashed section and a dog-free part of this beach, too.
While you’re on Bribie Island, consider a bush walk, a trip to Fort Bribie or visiting the markets (held on the third Sunday of the month).
Horseshoe Beach
One of Newcastle’s many beauty spots
28km south of Newcastle Airport
Say it quietly, but Newcastle may just have some of the best beaches in NSW — especially if you want to get away from the crowds of Sydney. As well as Redhead Beach to the south, dog lovers can take their pets for an off-leash splash at Horseshoe Beach.
As well as the beach, you can take your dog for a walk along the breakwall past Nobby’s Lighthouse or grab a coffee or a light snack from the cafe at Nobby’s Beach.
Hillarys Dog Beach
An area for animal lovers
33km northwest from Perth Airport
In the northern suburbs of Perth, Hillarys not only has a dog beach, but it also has a horse beach. Dogs are allowed on both, but the horse beach has stricter rules. At the designated dog beach, dogs can be off-leash all the time. There’s a timetable for the neighbouring horse beach — in the mornings, dogs must be on a lead. In the afternoons, and all day on Sundays, they can be exercised off-lead.
The beach is well planned out. Doggy bags are freely available and there are even specialised dog cleaning facilities. At the weekend, a coffee van pulls up for the benefit of their human companions.
Whites Beach
The first of many dog beaches on the Great Ocean Road
51km southwest from Avalon Airport
Whites Beach is one of two dog friendly beaches in Torquay — the other is Rocky Point Beach — which marks the start of your dogs on tour trip along the Great Ocean Road.
Take your pooch on this famous road trip and you’ll have plenty of dog beaches to stop at. Some of the others include Anglesea Beach, Aireys Inlet, Lorne Beach, Apollo Bay Beach, Marengo Beach and Warrnambol. There aren’t too many stops between Apollo Bay and Port Campbell — Johanna Beach is one exception, but dogs must stay on-lead — because of wildlife concerns.
In fact, dogs aren’t allowed in Port Campbell National Park (home of the 12 Apostles and other highlights) at all, so they’ll have to stay in the car while you take your iconic photos.
Bay of Fires
One of Tassie’s iconic landmarks
158km northeast of Launceston Airport
Bay of Fires is one of Tasmania’s, if not Australia’s, most iconic areas. Clear blue waters, white sands and striking orange lichen make this a photographer’s dream spot.
If you’re visiting Tassie for the first time, it’s something that should definitely be on your itinerary. And, luckily, it’s full of dog-friendly beaches and campsites. Chief amongst these are Cosy Corner North and South beaches, but you can also take your dog to the beaches at Swimcart and Sloop Reef.
Pennington Bay
On-lead beach on iconic Kangaroo Island
152km southwest of Adelaide Airport
Although this is an on-lead beach, dogs are welcome to stroll along Pennington Bay with their owners. Found on Kangaroo Island, it’s an area any visitor to South Australia should be going to anywhere.
For off-leash dog beaches in South Australia, consider going to O’Sullivan or West Beach in Adelaide, or further afield to Fleurieu or Yorke Peninsula.
Casuarina Coastal Reserve
NT’s top dog spot
5km north of Darwin Airport
Dogs are allowed between Rapid Creek and Lee Point Rocks in Casuarina, to the north of Darwin. This strip has a few changes of on-lead and off-leash areas, so be sure to check signs. Rangers patrol the area and hand out fines to those who don’t follow the rules. No dogs are allowed on the beach beyond Lee Point Rocks.
Be aware too that part of the beach towards Lee Point Rocks is an official nudist spot (so be sure to let your dog run free without jacket or jumper) and that crocodiles have been spotted in this region.
Insider tips:
Excellent dog beaches can be found all over Australia — pick your spot and plan from there.
Make sure to check signs for rules about leashes.
Check warnings about crocs, stingers, sharks and other dangerous creatures in the water.
Australia’s beaches are nothing to be sniffed out, unless you’re a dog checking out the recent visitors.
Thinking of travelling with your dog? Skyscanner can help you find the best flights, hotels and car hire deals for your next trip.
