The Best Off-leash Dog Beaches in Australia

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The verdict is in! Here are the best off-leash dog-friendly beaches in Australia to spend the rest of your summer days.

If there’s anything us Aussies are known for, it’s our beaches! It wouldn’t be summer in the land down under if you didn’t flock to the beach for a splash and sausage sizzle. Whether you’re in need of a new dog beach or you’re planning a holiday around Australia, we’ve rounded up the best off-leash dog-friendly beaches in Australia for some true summer fun.

#1 South Fremantle Dog Beach, WA

Aussie Shepherd at an off-leash dog beach in Australia
Source: @tucker.the.aussieshepherd

With an onsite coffee van, recreational facilities, and plenty of room for dogs to swim, South Fremantle is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best off-leash dog beaches. From the moment you step onto the beach, you’ll be blown away by its pristine water and white sand. Fido is welcome to play with various sticks from the communal ‘Fremantle Stick Library’ – just make sure your pup doesn’t sneak one home!

Keep in mind that this is a popular dog beach on weekends, so if your pup doesn’t do too well with other dogs, then it may be best to steer clear. 

Address:

Marine Terrace, South Fremantle, WA, 6162

Off-leash hours:

Off-leash 24hrs

#2 Hillarys Dog Beach, WA

German Shepherd at a dog-friendly beach in Australia
Source: @serenity_pets_perth

It’s no surprise that Perth is home to some of the best dog-friendly beaches in Australia; its beaches are what they’re known for, after all! 

Quiet and clean, Hillarys Dog Beach has ample amount of space for your dog to splash, jump and roll around. You won’t have to worry too much about what time you visit, as this beach has small waves. Fresh water taps, doggy bags, and a specialised dog wash facility are also available. Beat the heat with an iced coffee from the nearby coffee van! 

Address:

140 Whitfords Ave, Hillarys WA 6025

Opening hours:

Off-leash 24hrs

#3 Red Beach, QLD

Dog soaking up the sun at an off-leash dog beach in Australia
Source: @wallydog_and_pennypup

Situated on Bribie Island (a popular travel destination in Queensland), Red Beach is well-loved for its clear waters and white sand. This off-leash dog beach in Australia is ideal for pups just learning to swim, as it has calm waves. Visit in the early morning, and you may even spot a dolphin! 

Red Beach has both an off-leash and on-leash area for dogs – look out for the council signage to see where the off-leash section begins. 

Address:

Red Beach, Bongaree, QLD, 357

Off-leash hours: 

Off-leash 24 hrs 

#4 Coolum Beach, QLD

Corgi swimming at one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Australia
Source: @basiltheozcorgi

A kilometre worth of off-leash fun awaits your dog at Coolum Beach. The off-leash section extends from the northern end of Coolum’s main beach to 1km north of Stumers Creek. The creek has shallow waters, so don’t be surprised if your pup wants a quick dip!

Clean your sandy pooch before heading home using the dog washing station at Stumers Creek car park.

Planning a getaway to Queensland? Check out our list of the best off-leash dog beaches on the Sunshine Coast. 

Address: 

Coolum Beach, Sunshine Coast, QLD, 4573

Off-leash hours:

24 hrs off-leash

#5 Rose Bay Beach, NSW

Dog at Rose Bay, an off-leash dog beach in Australia
Source: @_m._.lly_

With captivating views of Sydney’s iconic harbour, Rose Bay is one of the best off-leash dog beaches in Australia if you’re after a swim with a view. Sydney pet parents flock to this beach during the summer as it’s suitable for dogs at high and low tide. Loads of four-legged pups visit this beach, so be prepared for your dog to make lots of new friends! 

Out and about in NSW? Take a trip to one of these dog-friendly beaches in Sydney. 

Address:

Rose Bay Beach, Rose Bay, NSW, 2029 

Off-leash hours: 

Dumaresq Reserve: Between 4:30 pm – 8:30 am

Rose Bay Foreshore: Off-leash at all times

Lyne Park: Between 3:30 pm – 10:30 am

#6 O’Sullivan Beach, SA

Two dogs at O'Sullivan Beach, one of the best dog-friendly beaches in Australia
Source: @theadventuresofbobanddouggie

Located just a short drive away Adelaide’s CBD, O’Sullivan Beach is a beautiful location for active pups and beach lovers. Pet parents and their pups are welcome to enjoy a vast amount of dog-friendly space. With its accessible parking and rock pools to explore, it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Australia. 

Address:

Marine Dr, O’Sullivan Beach, SA, 5166

Off-leash hours: 

Off-leash 24 hrs

#7 Sellicks Beach, SA

Dog enjoying a game of fetch at Sellicks Beach in South Australia
Source: @assistancetigerintraining

Sellicks Beach is a highly-rated off-leash dog beach in Australia, surrounded by prominent hills. With its calm waters and soft sand, it’s safe to say this beach is a paradise for dogs and humans alike. Make the most of your visit by taking Fido out on the kayaks or paddle boards. Sellicks Beach is also one of the few beaches where you can park on the sand! Dogs are allowed off-leash between Robert Street and south of Cactus Canyon. 

Address:

Sellicks Beach, SA, 5174

Off-leash hours: 

Off-leash 24 hrs 

#8 Keast Park Dog Beach, VIC 

Dachshund paddle boarding at Keast Park Dog Beach
Source: @_maisythemini

For the ulti-mutt fun day out, head down to Keast Park! This dog-friendly beach in Australia has 200m of sand for your pup to explore. It’s the perfect place to set up an umbrella, take out the paddle board and unwind. The best part? Keast Park Dog Beach is one of the only beaches in Melbourne that allow pups off-leash all year round! 

Address:

Keast Park, Nepean Hwy, Seaford VIC 3198

Off-leash hours: 

Off-leash 24 hrs

#9 Mentone Beach, VIC

Two dogs at Mentone Beach in Victoria
Source: @april_thejrmummy

Take Fido for a day of off-leash fun in the sun at Mentone Beach. This dog-friendly beach in Australia has a range of amenities, such as showers, a family change room, and BBQ facilities south of the beach. You and your pup can keep hydrated with the water taps and bowls provided. Venture to the small grassy area for a post-beach picnic. 

Address: 

Mentone Beach, Mentone VIC 3194

Off-leash hours: 

Off-leash 24 hrs

#10 Casuarina Beach Dog Park, NT

Pup roaming around Casuarina Beach Dog Park
Source: @rach_in_wanderland

Casuarina Beach Dog Park has ample room for pups to frolic on the sand and in the water. Better yet, visit at low tide, and it will feel like you’ve got a private beach all to yourself! If you want to stay out of the heat, take Fido for a walk in the late afternoon, and you’ll witness a stunning sunset. 

Keep an eye on your pup, as dogs are only allowed off-leash between Rapid Creek, Sandy Creek, and Sandy Creek to Lee Point rocks. 

Address:

Casuarina Beach Dog Park, Brinkin, NT, 0810 

Off-leash hours:

Off-leash 24 hrs

Interested in seeing what other beaches these Aussie states have to offer? Check out the top off-leash dog beaches in Melbourne or the best dog-friendly beaches to explore in Brisbane.