Posted Fri 04 Nov 2022 at 14:36pm
Is your dog a water baby who loves swimming in the beach and bathing in the sun? Here are five fun dog-friendly water activities in Brisbane that you must try with your dog this summer!
The sun is out, and the heat is on! Summer is a time of year marked by fun, sun, and water activities! But what if you’ve got a furry friend in tow? Luckily, Brisbane is packed with gorgeous beaches, parks and rivers, giving you endless options for dog-friendly water activities.
But with so many options, how do you know which ones are best suited for you? Read on to explore some of the best dog-friendly water activities in Brisbane and get your summer plans sorted!
1. Swimming at Deception Bay Dog Beach
If your dog loves a good splash in the water, take your pup to Deception Bay Dog Beach! Dogs are allowed off-leash between Wallin Avenue and Joseph Crescent, so they can swim to their heart’s content. Additionally, the foreshore footpath area between Wallin Avenue and Joseph Crescent is also on an off-leash section before 8:00 AM and after 4:00 PM daily (pets are allowed on-leash outside these hours). Whether you want to watch the sunset or splash in the water with your furry best friend, this is one of the best water activities in Brisbane.
Address
49 Captain Cook Parade, Deception Bay QLD 4508, Australia
Off-leash hours
4:00 pm- 8:00 am (Foreshore footpath)
Alternatively, you can take Fido to The Links Canine Aquatic Centre. Their hydrotherapy pet services are ideal for maintaining your dog’s fitness and providing an enjoyable water activity. Your four-legged friend will be pampered with a swim in the pool during the warm summer months while they get the physical therapy they need to be healthier. They also provide other services such as a treadmill, doggy daycare, dog training, and pet boarding.
2. Surfing at The Spit Gold Coast
Surfing with your pup is one of the best dog-friendly water activities in Brisbane that should be on your bucket list this summer. Not only is this an awesome experience – it’s also good for your dog! Surfing gives your dog a chance to pull their weight in the water and build muscle tone while they chase after the wave. Plus, you’ll get some exercise, too!
One of the best dog-friendly surf spots you can visit is The Spit. If you’re a beginner surfer, the shallow nearshore area to the north of the jetty is perfect as it has gentle whitewash waves.
Image Source: Unsplash
Things to keep in mind when surfing with your pooch:
1. Make sure your dog is comfortable in the water before surfing or trying any kind of water activities in Brisbane. You don’t want your dog getting dunked and panicking!
2. When taking your dog surfing, it’s important to equip them with life vests in case they fall off.
Things to keep in mind when swimming:
1. It’s best to stick to the area of the beach that’s marked with red and yellow flags, indicating that it’s being patrolled.
2. Seaworld Drive, opposite the Seaworld car park (beach side). Patrolled between 8 am and 5 pm on weekends between September and April.
3.Seaworld Drive, at the Seaway (southern end of Doug Jennings car park). Patrolled between 8 am and 5pm every day between November and April.
Just remember to be on extra alert when your dog is in the water!
3. Kayaking or Canoeing at Bunya Crossing Reserve
Kayaking and canoeing are examples of other great dog-friendly water activities to do with your pup in Brisbane. Nothing’s cuter than seeing your pooch perch on the bow of your kayak – it also makes for a good photo op! These water activities are relatively easy to set up and are an excellent way to bond with your furry friend.
If you’re looking for a spot to take your pup on the water, Bunya Crossing Reserve is a fantastic place to start. The reserve has a wide variety of trails for hiking and biking. In addition, there’s a river that runs through the park that is perfect for kayaking or canoeing!
Address
87-89 Dugandan Rd, Bunya QLD 4055, Australia
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours
Things to keep in mind when kayaking and canoeing with your pooch:
1. Keep your pup safe! A doggie life jacket is a must when taking your pet out on the water. Don’t let them swim without one!
2. Make sure they have something comfortable to sit on, whether it’s an inflatable pillow or a special doggie seat cushion.
3. Bring along plenty of water and treats for both you and your pup— you’ll need them!
4. Paddleboarding
Having your dog accompany you makes paddleboarding a whole new adventure! Aside from the obvious health benefits, it’s also a lovely way to get some fresh air and enjoy the scenery.
Bay Island Water Sports offers paddle boarding lessons – dog boards must be pre-booked for humans and their pups! Your four-legged friend will have the time of their life paddling around the water with you. And if they get tired? No problem! You can just tow them along behind your board while you enjoy some quality time together.
Bay Island Water Sports offers everything from kayaking to paddle boarding to surfing – and so much more! They have a variety of equipment that you can rent and take out on the water, including Hobie Steppers and ChiliBoats Water Bikes.
Address
Masthead Dr, Cleveland QLD 4163, Australia
Opening hours
Tues-Sun: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
5. Rent a Boat
Nothing is more fun than having your four-legged friend with you on a boating trip. Let the sea set you free while you enjoy a picnic on the boat. If you’re looking for a family and pet-friendly boat rental this summer, try booking a Go Boat, a European-style picnic boat.
You can steer your own ship with the help of your trusty canine friend. Bring all your favourite picnic food and drinks on board (including alcohol) and enjoy a leisurely picnic on the water. If you’re looking for a less strenuous water activity to do with your four-legged friend, then this is the perfect choice!
There’s no doubt that being in the water and sun make you work up an appetite, so check out our list of dog-friendly cafes in Brisbane for you to visit after your adventure.
