There's nothing quite like watching your dog barrel into the surf on an empty stretch of Australian coastline. But finding a beach where dogs are actually welcome — and knowing the rules before you get there — takes more research than it should.
We've put together this guide to the best dog beaches in Australia, covering every state with real detail on access times, facilities, and what to expect. No more guesswork at the car park.
Queensland Dog Beaches
Raby Bay Dog Beach, Cleveland
Raby Bay is one of Queensland's most popular dedicated dog beaches. Located near Cleveland in Brisbane's Bayside, this small but well-loved beach gives dogs safe swimming in calm, sheltered waters.
- Off-leash access: All day, every day
- Water: Calm bay swimming, generally safe in all but rough weather
- Facilities: Bag dispensers, bins, nearby parking
- Best for: Dogs who love swimming. The gentle entry makes it ideal for first-time swimmers
The beach can get busy on warm weekend mornings, but the locals are friendly and dogs generally socialise well.
Palm Beach Off-Leash Beach, Gold Coast
The Palm Beach dog off-leash beach section on the Gold Coast offers ocean swimming for dogs in one of Australia's most scenic beach settings.
- Off-leash access: Designated section only, time-restricted. Check Gold Coast City Council for current hours
- Water: Ocean surf — best for confident swimmers. Watch the rip
- Facilities: Showers, bins, nearby cafes
- Best for: Active dogs who love waves. Not suitable for nervous swimmers
New South Wales Dog Beaches
Coogee Beach Area, Sydney
People searching for Coogee dog beach should note: the main Coogee swimming beach does not allow dogs. However, several nearby areas in the Randwick LGA offer on-leash beach access and nearby off-leash parks.
- Grant Reserve (near Coogee): Dogs allowed on-leash
- Lurline Bay: Small rocky beach area, dogs sometimes seen but check signage
For proper off-leash dog beaches near Sydney's eastern suburbs, consider Sydney's hidden dog beaches.
Other Notable NSW Dog Beaches
- Dee Why Beach (north end) — off-leash before 9am and after 5pm
- Long Reef Beach — off-leash section at the northern end
- Cronulla — designated dog section away from the main swimming area
Victoria Dog Beaches
Carrum Dog Beach, Melbourne
Carrum dog beach is one of the best options for Melbourne dog owners looking for a bay beach with off-leash access.
- Off-leash access: Designated section of the beach, check Kingston Council signage for current hours
- Water: Bayside — calm and shallow, great for dogs not confident in waves
- Facilities: Parking, bins, and nearby parks
- Best for: Dogs who prefer calm water. The Mornington Peninsula has more rugged options if your dog likes waves
Combine a Carrum Beach trip with a visit to the nearby Carrum Downs Dog Park for a full day out.
Other Notable Victoria Dog Beaches
- Brighton Dog Beach — iconic Melbourne beach with dedicated off-leash section
- Altona Dog Beach — calm western suburbs option, popular with families
- Frankston Beach — sections available for dogs at restricted times
Western Australia Dog Beaches
Whitfords Dog Beach, Perth
One of Perth's favourite dog beaches, located in the northern suburbs near Hillarys. The off-leash section is well-defined and offers good swimming in calm conditions.
South Beach, Fremantle
A dedicated off-leash dog section at the southern end of South Beach. Popular with Fremantle locals and conveniently located near cafes and parking.
Dog Beach Safety Tips
- Check the signage — rules change seasonally. What was off-leash in winter might be prohibited in summer
- Rinse your dog afterward — saltwater dries out skin and coat. A quick freshwater rinse prevents irritation
- Watch for rips — dogs can get caught in rip currents just like humans. Stick to sheltered sections
- Bring fresh water — dogs shouldn't drink seawater. Carry at least 500ml and a bowl
- Avoid hot sand — in summer, sand temperatures can exceed 60°C. Stick to wet sand or visit early morning
- Supervise at all times — beaches are less controlled than fenced parks. Keep your dog within recall distance
Dog Beach Comparison
| Beach | State | Water Type | Off-Leash | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raby Bay | QLD | Calm bay | All day | First-time swimmers |
| Palm Beach | QLD | Ocean surf | Time-restricted | Active, surf-loving dogs |
| Carrum Beach | VIC | Calm bay | Time-restricted | Calm water swimmers |
| Brighton | VIC | Calm bay | Designated section | Families |
| Dee Why | NSW | Ocean | Before 9am/after 5pm | Morning routines |
| Whitfords | WA | Ocean | Designated section | Perth northern suburbs |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs go to the beach in Australia?
Yes, many Australian beaches have designated dog-friendly sections. Rules vary by council and season — most allow off-leash access during specific hours (typically before 9am and after 5pm). Always check local council signage before visiting.
What are the best dog beaches in Sydney?
Popular dog beaches in Sydney include Dee Why Beach (north end), Long Reef Beach, Collaroy Beach, and Milk Beach in Vaucluse. Most have time-restricted off-leash access. Check our Sydney dog beaches guide for the full list.
Are dogs allowed on Coogee Beach?
Coogee Beach in Sydney has restricted dog access. Dogs are generally not permitted on the main swimming beach, but nearby Grant Reserve and some adjacent areas allow on-leash use. Rules may vary by season — check Randwick Council for current regulations.
What is the best dog beach in Queensland?
Raby Bay Dog Beach near Cleveland is one of Queensland's most popular dedicated dog beaches. Palm Beach on the Gold Coast also has a designated off-leash beach section. Both offer safe swimming and good facilities.
For the full directory of dog-friendly beaches across Australia, browse our dog beaches directory. Know a beach we've missed? Add it to the directory.
Last updated: March 2026