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

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.

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

1. Point Catwright Beach

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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)

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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.

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Featured Image Credit: ART SUBLIMINA PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock