The best dog friendly beaches near Brisbane are council-designated off-leash areas: Sandgate, Manly and Kedron Brook in Brisbane, Woorim on Bribie Island, Raby Bay in Cleveland, Tallebudgera, Palm Beach and The Spit on the Gold Coast, Stumers Creek and Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast, and Doggy Beach on Noosa Spit. Every spot has its own boundaries and some have set hours or seasons, so here is what each council says, checked in October 2026.
Key takeaways
- Off-leash means inside the signed boundaries only. Leash up on the way in and out.
- Some beaches have time windows (Moffat Beach is 4pm to 8am) or seasons (Coochiemudlo and Russell Island change through the year).
- Dogs are banned near patrolled swimming areas: within 200 metres of the flags on the Gold Coast, and from bathing reserves in Noosa and the Redlands.
- Shorebird areas such as Noosa North Shore and the Twin Waters spit (October to April) are closed to dogs.
- Pack fresh water and shade, and skip the hottest part of the day. Heatstroke is an emergency.
Checked October 2026. Council rules change (the Sunshine Coast rewrote its beach rules in July 2026), so always check the council page linked below and the signs at the beach before you unclip.
Dog friendly beaches near Brisbane: quick summary table
| Area | Council | Off or on leash | Hours and key rules | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sandgate foreshore (Shorncliffe) | Brisbane | Off-leash | Signed area only; no hours listed | 1 |
| Manly (end of Davenport Drive) | Brisbane | Off-leash | Between the rock walls | 1 |
| Kedron Brook, Tuckeroo Park (Nudgee Beach) | Brisbane | Off-leash + swimming | Nudgee Beach itself is on-leash | 1 |
| Woorim Beach south (Bribie Island) | Moreton Bay | Off-leash | Sand and water only; no dunes | 4 |
| Queens Beach North (Flinders Parade) | Moreton Bay | Off-leash | Beach only; leash on grass, path and car park | 6 |
| Deception Bay foreshore | Moreton Bay | Off-leash (trial) | Footpath off-leash before 8am and after 4pm only | 7 |
| Raby Bay Foreshore Park and G.J. Walter Park (Cleveland) | Redland | Off-leash | Dogs can go in the water | 9 |
| Main Beach, Coochiemudlo Island | Redland | Seasonal | On-leash Sep to Oct and Mar to Apr; off-leash 5pm to 9am Nov to Feb; any time May to Aug | 10 |
| Home Beach, Point Lookout | Redland | Off-leash | Unfenced; no drinking water | 9 |
| The Spit (Main Beach) | Gold Coast | Off-leash | Seaway groyne to Muriel Henchman Ave entrance | 13 |
| Tallebudgera beach (Palm Beach) | Gold Coast | Off-leash | North of Lifeguard Tower 16 to the creek entrance | 13 |
| Palm Beach South / Rockview Park | Gold Coast | Off-leash | South of Lifeguard Tower 13 to Currumbin Creek groyne | 13, 15 |
| Muriel Henchman Park (Main Beach) | Gold Coast | Off-leash + swimming | Northern end, Broadwater side | 16 |
| Stumers Creek (Coolum Beach) | Sunshine Coast | Off-leash | About 3km each side of the creek; leash near car park and creek mouth | 17 |
| Mudjimba South and Maroochy North Shore | Sunshine Coast | Off-leash | Year-round; 500m of the Twin Waters spit closed to dogs Oct to Apr | 17 |
| Point Cartwright, Beach Access 198 to 201 (Buddina) | Sunshine Coast | Off-leash | All times; no dogs at Carties Beach or in dunes | 17 |
| Moffat Beach and Shelly Beach (Caloundra) | Sunshine Coast | Time-limited | Moffat 4pm to 8am; Shelly 4pm to 8am, May to Oct only | 17 |
| Doggy Beach, Noosa Spit (Noosa Heads) | Noosa | Off-leash | At all times | 19, 21 |
| North Sunshine Beach | Noosa | Off-leash | National park boundary to beach access 27, all times | 20, 22 |
| South Peregian Beach | Noosa | On-leash | No dogs in bathing reserves | 19, 20 |
Off leash beach Brisbane: the three foreshore areas
Brisbane City Council has three foreshore dog off-leash areas, designated to protect shorebird habitat in Moreton Bay. No hours are listed; read the signs and maps at each entry and leash up outside the boundaries.1
- Sandgate (Shorncliffe): between the stairs to the foreshore, near Flinders Parade and Second Avenue through to Park Parade and Zeehan Street.1 Council suggests low tide, when dogs can explore the mudflats and paddle in the shallows.2
- Manly: the beach at the end of Davenport Drive, between the southern and northern rock walls.1
- Kedron Brook, Nudgee Beach: part of the Tuckeroo Park dog park, and the city's designated dog off-leash and swimming area.1
- Nudgee Beach: the old foreshore off-leash area is now on-leash only.1
Moreton Bay: Bribie Island, Redcliffe and Deception Bay
City of Moreton Bay asks you to keep dogs under effective control at all times, and dogs are prohibited from conservation parks, reserves and foreshores unless they are designated dog exercise areas.3
- Woorim Beach (south), Bribie Island: off-leash for about 4.2km south of beach access 19 on Lowry Street. It's sand and water only, with no dogs on the dunes or in vegetated areas. Signs mark where off-leash ends.4 North of there, between North Street and the 4WD access, Woorim is on-leash.5
- Queens Beach North: Flinders Parade, between the beach access stairs and the northern rock groyne. Leash up on the grass, footpath, car park and the beach south of the steps.6
- Deception Bay foreshore: the beach between Wallin Avenue and Joseph Crescent is off-leash. Council is trialling off-leash use of the footpath before 8am and after 4pm only.7
- Scarborough (Jamieson Park): on-leash only on the beach.8
Redlands Coast: Cleveland and the islands
Redland City Council lists several off-leash beaches where dogs can go in the water.9
- Raby Bay Foreshore Park, Cleveland (Masthead Drive): unfenced, with a water bowl and bins.9 Only the stretch between the two groynes in front of the park is open to dogs; the rest of the Raby Bay foreshore is dog-prohibited.11
- G.J. Walter Park, Cleveland (Middle Street): partly fenced, with shelter and a water bowl.9
- Main Beach, Coochiemudlo Island: the hours follow migratory birds. Off-leash 5pm to 9am from November to February, on-leash only in March, April, September and October, and off-leash any time from May to August.10
- Home Beach, Point Lookout: in front of the Point Lookout Hotel. There's no drinking water, so bring your own.9
On Straddie, Flinders Beach and the Amity Point foreshore are on-leash only.9 Dogs are banned from all Redland bathing reserves and from Cylinder Beach.11
Off leash dog beaches Gold Coast
Dogs can be on leash on most Gold Coast beaches, but never within 200 metres of flagged bathing areas.12 The off-leash beaches are Tallebudgera, Palm Beach and The Spit, plus foreshores at Biggera Waters (5am to 8am and 4pm to 7pm only), Labrador and Paradise Point.14 Where the city's register lists no hours, an area is off-leash at all times.13
- The Spit, Main Beach: the foreshore from the southern Seaway rock groyne to the Muriel Henchman Avenue beach entrance.13
- Tallebudgera beach, Palm Beach: north of the Tallebudgera bathing reserve (Lifeguard Tower 16) to the creek entrance. The Tallebudgera Creek foreshore from the bridge to the groyne is dog-prohibited.13
- Palm Beach South and Rockview Public Park: south of Lifeguard Tower 13 to the Currumbin Creek groyne.13 Reach it by walking through Rockview Park.15 Across the creek, Currumbin Point and the creek foreshore are dog-prohibited.13
- Muriel Henchman Park, Main Beach: the northern end along the Marine Stadium Broadwater is calm water where dogs can swim off leash.16
Rules: leash on entering and leaving, a supervisor aged 17+, voice control, and no chasing wildlife.14
Dog beaches Sunshine Coast (new rules from July 2026)
Sunshine Coast Council changed its dog rules from 3 July 2026. Most rocky foreshores are now dog-free, and fines are $863 for an off-leash dog in an on-leash area and $345 for a prohibited area or no waste bag.17
- Stumers Creek, Coolum Beach: off-leash for about 3km north and south of the creek. Stay on-leash until at least 10m beachside of the car park, and at the creek mouth.17
- Mudjimba South and Maroochy North Shore: Beach Access 127 to 130 (650m) is now off-leash year-round. So are the beach from Pincushion Island north to Access 132 and the river beach. A 500m section of the southern spit at Twin Waters is closed to dogs from October to April.17 That closure protects threatened migratory birds.18
- Point Cartwright, Buddina: off-leash at all times between Beach Access 198 and 201. No dogs at Carties Beach, on the rocks or in the Buddina dunes.17
- Moffat Beach and Shelly Beach, Caloundra: Moffat is off-leash from 4pm to 8am (Access 269 to 100m east of 275) and on-leash at other times. Shelly Beach is off-leash 4pm to 8am, May to October only.17
Dog beach Noosa
Noosa Council lists three off-leash beaches: Noosa Spit at Noosa Heads, Sunshine Beach North and Marcus Beach, where owners must still supervise.19
- Doggy Beach, Noosa Spit: off-leash.20 Council's parks list calls it Noosa Dog Beach, off Claude Batten Drive, off-leash at all times.21
- North Sunshine Beach: off-leash at all times, from the Noosa National Park boundary to near beach access 27.22
- South Peregian Beach and Sunrise Beach (Rainbow Park): on-leash.19
- Noosa North Shore: dogs are not allowed in the Restricted Area near the river mouth, which protects shorebird nesting habitat. Council and Queensland Parks and Wildlife patrol it.23
Dogs are not allowed in any Noosa bathing reserve.19
Beach day, sorted
UPF 50 rash shirts for your dog plus matching gingham swim shorts for you, both made with recycled material.
Is the beach safe for dogs? Heat, salt water, bluebottles and rips
Five hazards matter most here. For the full list, see does my dog need a rash shirt?
Heat and hot sand
Hot sand can burn paw pads, so avoid the hottest part of the day.24 The RSPCA's test: put the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.25 Overweight, elderly and flat-faced dogs such as pugs and French bulldogs are especially at risk.25 See when is it too hot to walk your dog.
Signs of heatstroke include constant panting, rapid breathing, red or pale gums and drooling. It is a life-threatening emergency. Cool your dog with room-temperature or cool water and get to a vet immediately.26
Shade and fresh water
Set up under a tent or beach umbrella and bring plenty of cool water.24 Dogs can get sunburnt too, so see can dogs get sunburn?
Don't let them drink the sea
Dogs have developed dangerously high blood sodium after swimming or playing in the ocean without access to fresh water. Signs start with vomiting and can progress to weakness, tremors and seizures.27 Offer fresh water often and see a vet if signs appear.
Bluebottles
Dogs that mouth or eat a bluebottle can drool or vomit, and swelling in the mouth or throat can rarely affect breathing. Check the shoreline before unclipping, especially after strong onshore winds, and keep your dog leashed if bluebottles are around. The Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) gives owners free advice.28
Rips
Look for deeper or darker water, fewer breaking waves, sandy water running out past the surf, debris or significant water movement.29 Swim and play away from them, and throw balls along the beach rather than out past the waves.
Dog beach etiquette
- Pick up. Every council asks you to remove waste, and on the Sunshine Coast you can be fined $345 just for not carrying a bag.3, 17
- Keep effective control. Your dog must come when called.3, 14
- Give wildlife space. Off-leash dogs can cut foraging shorebird numbers at a site by 20%.23 Don't let your dog chase birds, and stay out of closed and seasonal areas.
What to pack for the dog beach
- Fresh water and a bowl that won't tip
- A beach umbrella or shade tent
- Poo bags (more than you think)
- Lead, collar and registration tag
- Towel, plus fresh water to rinse off salt and sand
- Sun protection, such as a UPF 50 rash shirt for pale or thin-coated dogs (and if you want to match, see our matching dog and owner swimwear guide)
FAQs
Where is the closest off leash beach to Brisbane?
Brisbane's own foreshore off-leash areas are at Sandgate (Shorncliffe), Manly and the Kedron Brook swimming area at Tuckeroo Park, Nudgee Beach.1
Is Nudgee Beach off leash?
No. The former off-leash area on Nudgee Beach is now on-leash only. The nearby Kedron Brook area in Tuckeroo Park is off-leash and dogs can swim there.1
Can dogs go on Gold Coast beaches?
Yes, on leash on most beaches, but not within 200 metres of flagged bathing areas or in signed dog-prohibited areas.12 For off-leash runs, head to The Spit, Tallebudgera or Palm Beach.13
Is there a dog beach in Noosa?
Yes. Doggy Beach at Noosa Spit is off-leash, as are North Sunshine Beach and Marcus Beach.19, 20 Dogs are not allowed in bathing reserves or in the shorebird Restricted Area on Noosa North Shore.19, 23
Did Sunshine Coast dog beach rules change in 2026?
Yes. New rules started on 3 July 2026, including a new year-round off-leash area at Mudjimba South and dog bans on most rocky foreshores.17 Check the council's live map at pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au before you go.
References
- Brisbane City Council. Off-leash dog parks
- Brisbane City Council. Sandgate: explore Brisbane's bayside beach
- City of Moreton Bay. Dog parks and beaches
- City of Moreton Bay. Woorim Beach (south) dog off-leash beach area
- City of Moreton Bay. Woorim Beach dog on-leash beach area
- City of Moreton Bay. Queens Beach North dog off-leash beach area
- City of Moreton Bay. Deception Bay foreshore dog beach area
- City of Moreton Bay. Jamieson Park Scarborough dog on-leash area
- Redland City Council. Find a dog park or off-leash area
- Redland City Council. Seasonal dog off-leash area and shared hours
- Redland City Council. Places prohibited to dogs
- City of Gold Coast. What's allowed on Gold Coast beaches?
- City of Gold Coast. Animal Control Area Register (consolidated version, 28 July 2026)
- City of Gold Coast. Dog off leash areas brochure
- City of Gold Coast. Rockview Public Park
- City of Gold Coast. Muriel Henchman Park
- Sunshine Coast Council. Dog rules have changed across the Sunshine Coast
- Sunshine Coast Council. What new laws will mean for exercising dogs
- Noosa Council. Dogs
- Noosa Council. Noosa Beaches & Beach Safety
- Noosa Council. Recreational Parks J to O
- Noosa Council. Recreational Parks P to Z
- Noosa Council. Shorebirds
- RSPCA Australia. Five ways to keep your animals safe on hot days
- RSPCA Australia. Caring for animals over summer
- RSPCA Knowledgebase. How can I protect my dog from heatstroke?
- MSD Veterinary Manual. Overview of salt toxicity
- Animal Poisons Helpline. Beached bluebottles and dogs
- Surf Life Saving Queensland. Rip currents