Taking the dog to the beach on a hot summer's day is a great way to relax. But not all beaches are dog friendly. In fact, some ban them altogether. So if you're looking to take Fido to the coast this summer, here's a few of the country's most canine-friendly beaches.
Tallow Beach
Where: Byron Bay, New South Wales
With powder white sand that stretches for miles, and clean, clear waters lapping its shores, Byron certainly doesn't want for beautiful beaches — and Tallow Beach is no exception. This magnificent seven-kilometre strip of sand on the southern side of the headland stretches all the way to Broken Head Reserve.
Restrictions: The beach's designated dog-friendly area starts near Jarman Street in Suffolk Park and extends north to the boundary of the Arakwal National Park.
Sirius Cove Reserve
Where: Mosman, New South Wales
Sydney's pampered pooches can frolic on the sand at Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman. The beautiful bushland and foreshore reserve also has playground equipment, barbecue facilities, public toilets and plenty of parking as well as very handy poo bins with bags provided.
Restrictions: Dogs are permitted on the beach all day Monday to Friday, and from 4pm to 9am on weekends and public holidays.
Sunshine Beach
Where: Noosa, Queensland
Only a 10-minute drive from Noosa, Sunshine Beach also welcomes dogs with open paws. Once known as Golden Beach, its long white surf beaches and laidback atmosphere make it a paradise for anyone who loves fishing, boating, surfing or just relaxing on the beach with family and friends.
Restrictions: Dogs can freely explore the shoreline from Noosa National Park to the path leading from the public toilet block and car park in Seaview Terrace.
St Kilda Beach
Where: Melbourne, Victoria
Always buzzing with activity, this iconic
Melbourne beach is perfect for promenading with your pooch. With its wide sandy beach lined by a paved pathway and grassed park area, it is a favourite spot for rollerbladers, cyclists, walkers and city sunworshippers.
Restrictions: Dogs are only allowed between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the car park towards St Kilda Marina.
Peasholm Dog Beach
Where: South Scarborough,
Perth, Western Australia
In
Perth, you can give your best friend a treat and take them for a run along the city's famous
Sunshine Coast. Given a 4.5 star rating by
GoodDogInfo.com, it is renowned for its spacious, gleaming-white sandy beach, which is perfect for playing fetch.
Restrictions: The beach, which is mainly located in the Town of Cambridge, begins 200m to the north of Peasholm Street and extends for 1.5km southwards.
Muirs Beach
Where: Coles Bay, Tasmania
This beautiful, unspoilt patch of sand is located on the western side of the Coles Bay, just 1km from Tassie's spectacular Freycinet National Park. One of the few beaches that falls outside of the park, Muirs, is a great family beach that welcomes dogs, too. In contrast to famous sheltered beaches of Freycinet, it is more open to the swell from the Tasman Sea, making it ideal for boogie boarding and windsurfing. The beach itself is very long, so there is plenty of space to let Fido run free.
Restrictions: Dog owners must respect the environment and use the poop bags supplied at the entrance to the beach to dispose of any doggie doodies. Fines apply.
O'Sullivan Beach
Where: Adelaide, South Australia
This beachside suburb, around 30km south of
Adelaide city in Onkaparinga, may be most famous as the home of the world's biggest Hill Hoist, but it's also renowned for being very dog friendly. Its popularity with local dog owners means it often feels as if there are more canines that humans here, so if you're not a dog lover, then drive an extra five minutes in the car and pop down the road to Port Noarlunga.
Restrictions: The dog exercise area of the beach runs from the marina to Christie Creek. Dogs, however, must be on a leash between 10am to 8pm during daylight savings months, from October to March.
Yorkeys Knob Beach
Where: Queensland
Located just 15 minutes from
Cairns, Yorkeys Knob Beach is a great spot to relax with your pooch. Named after a local fisherman called "Yorkey" who lived on the rocky hill ("knob"), this fabulous little gem is one of the best-kept secrets in
Tropical North Queensland. The palm-fringed beach offers the protection of stinger nets in the summer season, so is ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Restrictions: The southern end of the beach is the "dog off-leash" end where your canine friend is allowed to run free; dogs must be on a leash in all other areas of the beach.
Mosman Beach
Where: Perth, Western Australia
Known locally as "the Leighton dog beach", Mosman Beach is located south of Perth's city centre. While it's not the classic white sandy beach that beachside fantasies are made of, it's not too crowded and the shallows are great for water-loving dogs.
Restrictions: Dogs can roam from the southern side of Beach Street in Groyne all the way to Fremantle.
Long Beach
Where: Robe, South Australia
One of the best dog-friendly beaches in South Australia is Robe's Long Beach. Located on the northern side of the popular seaside resort town, the 17km strip of sand offers safe swimming, snorkelling and surfing and is one of the few beaches where you can take your four-wheel drive.
Restrictions: None that we know of!
Do you know any other dog friendly beaches around Australia? Have your say below.
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