Pet-Friendly Guide
The Sunshine Coast is one of Australia's most pet-friendly destinations. Dogs are welcome on many beaches, at cafés with outdoor seating, and pet-friendly accommodation options abound. Plan a trip your furry friend will love.
Dog-Friendly Beaches
The Sunshine Coast has a number of designated dog-friendly beaches, and there's little a dog loves more than a run along the sand and a splash in the shallows. Some stretches are off-leash, others require a lead, and many beaches only allow dogs outside the middle of the day — typically before 9am and after 4:30pm. The rules vary from beach to beach, so it pays to know before you go. Popular dog-friendly stretches include:
- Kings Beach North (Caloundra) — Off-leash dog beach
- Buddina Beach South — Dog-friendly zone
- Coolum Beach South — Off-leash area before 9am
- Peregian Beach — Dog-friendly sections
- Cotton Tree — Leashed dogs welcome
These zones can change, so always treat the list above as a starting point rather than the final word — check the current Sunshine Coast Council beach map before you head down.
Sunshine Coast Council actively enforces its dog regulations, and in recent years has cracked down on dogs on beaches and in areas where they aren't permitted. Rangers patrol popular spots and can issue on-the-spot fines for dogs off-leash outside designated areas, or on beaches that aren't dog-friendly at all.
Which beaches allow dogs, whether on or off-leash, and the permitted hours all vary by location and can change seasonally. Obey the signage at every beach, keep your dog under effective control, always pick up after them, and when in doubt, keep your dog leashed. A little courtesy keeps these areas open for everyone.
From around November to April, marine turtles — mostly loggerheads and greens — still come ashore to nest on a handful of Sunshine Coast beaches, with hatchlings emerging from the dunes later in the season. The Coast's nesting numbers are small compared with further north, but every nest matters, and local TurtleCare volunteers monitor and protect them each year.
Dogs can dig up nests, disturb nesting females, and harm tiny hatchlings. During these months, keep your dog leashed near the dunes, stay well clear of any fenced or signposted nests, and never let your dog dig in the soft sand at the back of the beach. If you come across a turtle, a nest or hatchlings, keep your distance and report it to the council or TurtleCare.
Walks with Your Pet
Beyond the beaches, the Sunshine Coast has plenty of dog-friendly walking. Foreshore paths and esplanades — like the boardwalks at Cotton Tree, Mooloolaba and Caloundra — are perfect for an easy leashed stroll with ocean views, while the hinterland offers cooler, shadier trails on a warm day.
Be aware that dogs are not permitted in Queensland national parks — that includes Noosa National Park, Kondalilla, and the Glass House Mountains — as these protect native wildlife. Stick to council reserves, off-leash dog parks and shared pathways instead, bring plenty of water, and check for seasonal closures, as some areas restrict dogs during wildlife breeding seasons.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
The Coast's outdoor café culture is made for dog owners. Most beachside and hinterland cafés happily welcome well-behaved dogs at their outdoor tables, and many will bring over a water bowl without being asked. You'll find plenty of options around Noosa, Mooloolaba, Caloundra, Coolum and the hinterland villages of Montville and Maleny.
As a courtesy, keep your dog on a short lead and tucked beside your table out of the path of staff and other diners, and ask before settling in if you're unsure. Your accommodation host is usually the best source of current local recommendations.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Pet-friendly stays are increasingly easy to find on the Sunshine Coast, from holiday houses and apartments to caravan parks and a growing number of hotels. Expect to pay a pet fee (typically $10–25 per night) or a refundable bond, and to follow a few house rules — often that pets stay off the furniture and aren't left alone in the property.
Hinterland cabins and country properties are a particularly good choice, often with larger fenced grounds where dogs can roam. Always confirm the pet policy directly when booking, as terms — including the number and size of pets allowed — vary significantly between properties.
Veterinary Care
Veterinary clinics are spread throughout the region, with the major towns of Caloundra, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore and Noosa each having several options. Most clinics open weekdays from around 9am to 5pm, with some weekend hours. It's worth noting the location of your nearest 24-hour or after-hours emergency vet at the start of your stay, just in case — and keep your pet's vaccination and microchip details handy while travelling.
Tips for Pet Travel
- Check the Sunshine Coast Council beach and off-leash rules before you go — and obey the signage to avoid fines
- In turtle nesting season (Nov–Apr), keep dogs leashed near the dunes and away from nests
- Microchip your pet and carry ID tags — Australian beaches have wandering rules
- Pack sunscreen for light-coloured pets — sun exposure is real
- Bring collapsible water bowls — dehydration happens fast in the Queensland heat
- Beach sand can be hot on paw pads — wet your dog's feet before returning to the car
- Never leave pets in cars — temperatures rise dangerously fast
- Check tide times for beach visits — some dog zones are underwater at high tide
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — the Sunshine Coast has several designated off-leash dog beaches. Popular options include sections of Mooloolaba Beach (northern end), Dicky Beach in Caloundra, and areas at Bokarina Beach. Rules and permitted hours vary by beach and council zone, so check the Sunshine Coast Council website for the current off-leash map before you go.
Dogs are not permitted in Noosa National Park, including the coastal walking tracks and Laguna Lookout, as it is protected habitat for native wildlife. Dogs are also banned from Noosa Main Beach during patrolled hours. There are dog-friendly walking paths nearby, including sections of the Noosa River and Noosaville foreshore, which welcome leashed dogs.
Yes — the Sunshine Coast has a growing number of pet-friendly accommodation options, from holiday houses and apartments to some motels and holiday parks. Noosaville, Mooloolaba and Caloundra have the best selection. Always confirm the property's pet policy and any size or breed restrictions when booking, as conditions vary widely between properties.
By sunshinecoast.travel team · Updated Jun 26