Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

13 Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Australia in 2026: Off- & On-Leash Places

Share

dog laying on wrightsville beach in Wilmington NC

Dogs love to be outside, run freely, and be active, which is why many owners love taking their canines to the beach. It’s the perfect place for you and your dog to relax, unwind, and refill your “batteries”.

However, as not all beaches on the Sunshine Coast in Australia are dog-friendly, you may wonder what the perfect beach would be to visit with your furry friend.

Luckily, many excellent beaches on the Sunshine Coast in Australia are dog-friendly and allow your puppy to experience all the beauties of beach life. Read on to learn more about the 13 best dog-friendly beaches in this part of Australia.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

The 13 Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Sunshine Coast, Australia

1. Point Catwright Beach

️ Address: 1 Pacific Blvd, Buddina QLD 4575, Australia
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, off-leash is allowed at beach access 198 to 201 (from the eastern side of Point Cartwright headland to the south of Gulai Street)
  • Designated parking area with excellent views of the beach.
  • The beach is free and open 24 hours a day.
  • There’s a designated off-leash area where you can exercise with your dog.
  • An on-leash walking trail for you and your pup that leads to a stunning lighthouse.
  • A boardwalk with a set of stairs where you can walk your canine.

2. Shelly Beach

️ Address: West Cape Howe, WA 6330, Australia
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, the times vary per time of the year and are set on the council signs (during daylight savings, these times may change)
  • The dog-friendly part of the beach stretches from the Shelly Surf Club to Toowoon Bay.
  • The beach is free and is open 24 hours a day.
  • The beach is off-leash, so you and your dog can roam freely, run and exercise.
  • The off-leash hours typically change during daylight savings time.
  • Although off-leash is allowed on the entire beach, dogs are prohibited from roaming on the vegetation in the coastal reserve.

3. Buddina Beach

️ Address: Pacific Boulevard, Buddina Beach, Queensland, 4575
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, between two beach accesses—210 and 217
  • Off-leash is allowed at one part of the beach so your dog can run free.
  • Off-leash is strictly allowed on the beach, not the footpath.
  • The beach is typically free of crowds.
  • There’s a long stretch of sand and a perfect area for your pooch to dip into the water and cool down.
  • Next to the beach, there’s the Buddina Foreshore Reserve which also allows your furry friends to be off-leash.

4. Noosa Spit Beach

️ Address: Claude Batten Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, your dog can be off-leash all-day
  • A fantastic beach with beautiful sand and stunning views, it’s the perfect place to spend lazy days next to the water and cool off.
  • Off-leash is allowed throughout the day on the river side of the beach.
  • The beach offers excellent exercise areas, and access is free.
  • You can only take your dog to the split part of the beach; they are prohibited from going to the other side.

5. Coolum Beach (Stumers Creek)

️ Address: Stumers Creek Rd, Coolum Beach QLD 4573, Australia
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • A perfect off-leash beach where your dog can run free and swim in the ocean.
  • The best place for early morning and late evening walks.
  • The beach has a dog wash area in the car parking to keep your pet clean after being on the beach.
  • The Coolum Beach Caravan Park is next to the beach, so you and your dog can have some fun. They allow dog access, although on a leash, so keep that in mind if visiting the park.

6. Moffat Beach

️ Address: Corner of Roderick and Buccleugh Street, Caloundra, Queensland
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 AM (access points between 270 and 276)
  • The beach offers excellent places for you and your dog to walk and exercise.
  • There are many hidden water pools between rocks that your doggo can explore.
  • The beach sometimes lacks sand, so if you’re looking for a full sandy beach, you should consider other options.
  • Plenty of cafes and places to refresh with a cold drink on a hot day.
  • Off-leash is only allowed between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

7. North Shore Beach

️ Address: North Shore Rd, Twin Waters, Queensland 4564
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Dogs are allowed to be off-leash the whole day.
  • The beach is sandy, which is excellent for walks, although it may be harder to clean your pup after a walk here.
  • The beach is spacious, so there are a lot of places where your dog can run and play.
  • Calm waters will allow your dog to jump in the ocean and swim to cool off.

8. Castaways Beach

️ Address: Castaways Beach, Queensland, 4567
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • Stunning coastal scenery and excellent viewing platforms.
  • Specific parts of the beach are open to dogs.
  • The water can sometimes be rough, so swimming is not always an option, but the beach is excellent for surfing.
  • There aren’t many people on the beach as it’s not a popular tourist place. However, this is perfect for dog owners looking for a quiet beach to explore with their canines.

9. Currimundi Beach

️ Address: Currimundi Rd, Queensland, 4551
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • A beautiful beach with sandy areas perfect for dogs.
  • Your dog can be off-leash directly on the beach.
  • The southern part of the beach only allows dogs to be on a leash, which is something to remember if walking with your dog.
  • There’s a nearby adjoining lake you and your canine can visit.
  • The further part of the beach towards the north connects with the Wurtulla beach—if you go there, your dog can only be off-leash between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM.

10. Wurtulla Beach

️ Address: Oceanic Drive South, Wurtulla Queensland
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, from zone 226 to 247 and from zone 249 to 253 (from 5:00 PM to 8:00 AM)
  • The beach allows off-leash but only at a designated area and for specific hours.
  • As the beach is quite large, it has two separate off-leash areas.
  • Your furry friend needs to remain on a leash while in the parking area.
  • This beach is excellent for morning and evening walks; the beach can occasionally be windy in the afternoon.

11. Marcus Beach

️ Address: Marcus Beach Queensland 4573, Australia
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes, from the beach access 38 to 47
  • Among the best dog-friendly beaches in Australia.
  • Long stretches where your dog can exercise and run free, especially since off-leash is allowed at the beach.
  • Stunning view of blue waters of the Pacific.
  • There are plenty of options for drinks and refreshments for both you and your dog.

12. Bokarina Beach

️ Address: Bokarina Boulevard, Queensland
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • A spacious, off-leash beach with rough waters.
  • Since the waters can be pretty rough on this beach, swimming is not always allowed.
  • This beach is typically peaceful, so you and your dog can relax, unwind, and have a picnic on the sand.
  • You can walk from this beach to other nearby beaches that are also dog friendly.

13. Sunshine Beach North

️ Address: Sunshine Beach Queensland 4567, Australia
Open Times: 24 hours
Cost: Free
Off-Leash: Yes
  • A beautiful, quiet beach with dense vegetation.
  • Off-leash is allowed at all times.
  • There are no tables, cafes, or places for refreshments, so you need to bring your own drinks.
  • This is one of the most popular beaches among the locals.
  • The water is occasionally rough, although that shouldn’t stop you or your puppy from soaking in and cooling off.

divider dog paws 2 oct 2024

Conclusion

If you find yourself on the Sunshine Coast in Australia with your dog, visiting these beaches should be on your to-do list. They are the perfect place to experience the beauties Australia has to offer while relaxing with your dog next to the ocean, swimming, or exercising on the beach.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: ART SUBLIMINA PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Dogs Eat Daikon? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ

As daikon radishes gain popularity in human cuisine, it’s only natural for dog owners to wonder if it’s safe to share this sweet...

8 Dog Breeds Most Likely to Bite Humans (With Dog Bite Statistics)

It’s not every day that you get bitten by a dog, but these things do happen from time to time, and many people...

Are Bull Terriers Hypoallergenic? Vet-Verified Facts & Allergy Management Tips

For people with allergies, owning a dog can be a challenge, but certain breeds have been identified as producing less of a reaction...

Pakita (Akita Great Pyrenees Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Few dogs are as recognizable as the Akita or Great Pyrenees. Both breeds have extremely unique appearances and large fan followings. So, what...

More related

How to Start a Dog Daycare Business (2026 Guide) – 7 Simple Steps

The pet industry is currently following an upward trajectory, and its compounded annual growth rate is projected to expand at 6.8% from 2022...

Kindfull Dog Food Review 2026: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary When choosing the best dog food for your dog, there’s nothing wrong with being a little picky. Several pet owners claim...

Can Dogs Eat Taro? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Taro (Colocasia esculenta), or kalo, as it’s known in Hawaii, is a staple food and one of the oldest cultivated crops in the...

Froodle Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Care, & Facts

The Froodle is a mixed breed dog that combines the French Bulldog and Poodle breeds. It is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid...

Keep reading

Honest Paws CBD Pet Products Review 2026: An Expert’s Breakdown

Review Summary If you’ve ever owned a cat or dog, you know how much they love to play. But both dogs and cats can suffer from anxiety, joint pain, or decreased mobility due to arthritis. This is where Honest Paws...

DOG_SAPR_Honest Paws CBD Dog Treats

Can Dogs Eat Salmon? Vet Reviewed Nutrition Facts & Precautions

When you think of dog food, you probably think of beef or chicken instead of novel protein sources like salmon. Part of the reason lies in the habitat we associate with canines. Wolves typically live in various areas, such as...

Can Dogs Eat_salmon

Can Dogs Eat Golden Berries? Vet-Approved Nutrition Advice

Your dog might beg you to share your food with them, but it’s always best to do your research first to ensure that the food doesn’t contain any dangerous ingredients. One increasingly popular food that people might wonder about is...

Can Dogs Eat Golden Berries

Am I Overfeeding My Dog? 6 Vet-Verified Signs to Watch For

We all know how much dogs enjoy mealtimes and will happily eat whatever you give them. You might mistake their hearty appetite as a sign they need more food or perhaps believe the recommended feeding guidelines are inappropriate for your...

golden retriever dog eating healthy dry food from bowl at home

Can Dogs Eat Bones? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Guide

Dogs and bones seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly, but is it actually safe or healthy to offer a bone to your dog? While bones can be a good source of minerals and nutrients and clean the...

Can Dogs Eat Bones

Pro Pac Dog Food vs Blue Buffalo: What to Choose in 2026, Pros & Cons

Choosing the right food for your beloved canine companion can be a real headache! In fact, it’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed by the myriad options available in the dog food market. How do you choose a good diet...

Dogster_Dog Food Pro Pac VS Blue Buffalo

Halo Dog Food Review 2026: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Halo is a health-conscious dog food brand marketed toward those who love their pets and the planet. All of the recipes we reviewed feature a well-balanced blend of vitamins, minerals, and probiotics to fortify your dog’s gut. The...

Dogster_Halo Dog Food Review

What Is Animal Digest in Dog Food? Vet Reviewed Benefits & Drawbacks

Animal digest is an ingredient used in dog and cat foods to improve palatability. Dairy products, amino acids, and fats or fatty acids are other traditional palatants (also called flavor enhancers) added to dog and cat foods to make them...

man checking dog food label

Love Dogs? So Do We! Join the Dogster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Dogster Email Newsletter