Spending the day at the beach is the perfect way to unwind, get some deliciously fresh air and exercise – and it’s made all the better when you can bring your bestie pupper along. And Queensland certainly delivers when it comes to dog-friendly beaches.
Red Beach
Less than two hours from Brisbane, Red Beach is located on Bribie Island. This is the perfect place to let your dog roam and have some off-leash fun. Positioned between Woorim Beach and Bongaree, Red Beach is 8km of sand and surf, where you can hire a boat, take a walk on the nature trails or have an off-road adventure on 4WD tracks. Please note, though, this beautiful spot doesn’t have any amenities.
Colmslie Recreational Reserve
Adjoining the Brisbane River, the Colmslie Beach Reserve and off-leash dog park is only 13 minutes east of Brisbane City. Its gentle waves and sandy shores make for a fun and safe outing for your dog. There’s also a great children’s playground with an Octopus Garden, barbecues and a sheltered picnic spot. With easy parking and a dog park with agility equipment, what more could you ask for?
Sunshine Beach
Sunshine Beach is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches, and for good reason. Top surf, cafes and an off-leash area at the north end are all major drawcards. There’s a small carpark near the beach entrance that has shower and toilet facilities. Path access to the beach runs alongside a stormwater creek, creating natural division between the off-leash section and the rest of the beach.
Looking for more dog fun in the area? Check out the Noosa Festival of Surfing, which holds the annual Surfing Dog Championships, which showcases the best dog talent around!
Serenia Beach
A short drive north from Hervey Bay, Burrum Heads is a pretty fishing village with plenty of off-leash areas, including the picturesque Serenia Beach. What’s even better, is that Burrum Heads also has loads of dog-friendly accommodation. So, if you’re looking for a (COVID-safe!) getaway with your beloved pupper, this is the place for you!
Ellis Beach
Last but not least, we can’t forget about the incredible dog beaches in Tropical North Queensland. Half an hour from Cairns, Ellis Beach should be first on the list, where dogs can run from the rocks at the southern end. Once your pup has bounded around the sandy shores, you can head on over to Trinity Beach, Bramston Beach, Machans Beach, Buchans Point, Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach, all of which are dog-friendly and so welcoming to furry friends.
Top tip! Make every beach visit a safe and fun one for you and your pup by ensuring the following:
Check out local council websites for any updates before you go
Keep your dog on a leash when travelling to or from the area
Always ensure you have your dog under safe and effective control, including being able to call them to you
Finally, always scoop your pup’s poop!
Lyka: fresh food means more energy
A day of sun, surf and sand can be great fun for your pup, but also tiring – that’s where we come in. Lyka’s recipes contain high-quality ingredients, including powerful omega 3s to help your dog’s joints, as well as antioxidants and phytonutrients to help enhance their exploratory senses. Every ingredient is purposeful and has been handpicked with your pup’s optimal health in mind.
