Your guide to the ultimate holiday with your four-legged mate!

Planning a holiday to the Sunshine Coast but don’t want to leave your four-legged friend behind? Then make use of the Sunshine Coast’s pet-friendly accommodation, venues, leash-free beaches and pooch-approved activities.

Pet-friendly accommodation

Beach walks with four legged friends

Beach walks with four legged friends

Camp under the stars with your furry companion at some of the Sunshine Coast’s pet-friendly caravan parks and cabins. Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park (on application), Coolum Beach Holiday Park (on application), and Boreen Point Campground (on application) are fabulous examples of the Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks that will roll out the coastal vibes for you and your dog.

Alternatively, opt for a stay at one of the listings on Pet Friendly Holiday Houses Coolum Beach, and enjoy glorious beach strolls and sensational cliff-top walks with your family and dog. Other coastal options include Saltwater Villas in Mooloolaba and Horizons at Peregian which is in close proximity to the local dog-friendly beach.

For a Sunshine Coast Hinterland hideaway, head to one of the pet-friendly cottages such as Jacaranda Cottages in Maleny or Cooroy Country Cottages. All accommodation houses have different pet policies, so make sure you contact them before booking to ensure they suit your requirements. Stroll straight onto Peregian Beach from your accommodation at Horizons at Peregian.

Off leash beaches and parks

Dog friendly beach

Dog friendly beach

The Sunshine Coast has a number of dog-friendly beaches and parks. Here are some of our top picks:

Coolum Beach - beach access 67 to 72. Off-leash at all times.

Surf, sand, and a creek for paddling make Coolum Beach a salty sea dog paradise! This section of Coolum Beach is off-leash at all times and there are acres of golden sand to explore from just north of Coolum Beach Caravan Park, to about 1 km north of Stumers Creek. To reach the off-leash area, take the road through the beachfront reserve to the car park where you'll find picnic tables and a playground. From there, head to the beach or the creek. Hours of fun are guaranteed!

Buddina Beach – beach access 210 to 217. Off-leash at all times.

Watch the coloured paragliders above or enjoy the endless ocean views as you walk along this lovely, quiet stretch of coastline.

Noosa Spit – Off-leash all times.

The riverside of Claude Batten Drive on Noosa Spit is a dedicated off-leash dog beach. It's also a popular local picnic spot and the perfect place to watch watercraft on the Noosa River.

Currimundi Beach – beach access 249 to 253. Off-leash at all times.

This fabulous surf beach is the pick of dog beaches on the south Sunshine Coast. Off-leash action is permitted 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Your dog will have a fabulous time on this one-kilometre stretch of shoreline as there's plenty of space to swim, roll in the sand, and run!

North Shore Beach, Twin Waters

Off-leash at all times from the Maroochy River to 500 m south of the safety-flagged bathing area, beach access 132. An unspoiled wilderness with fabulous coastal views to enjoy while you race your dog down the beach. Explore around Pincushion Island, swim in the calmer waters of the river - and your pup will not be short of 4-legged friends!

Sunshine Beach

The off-leash section of Sunshine Beach runs from Entrance 27 to the National Park headland which is a protected stretch of surf beach backed by exclusive beachfront homes perched high on the hill above and a backdrop of Noosa National Park.

View more Sunshine Coast off-leash parks and beaches >

Dog-friendly cafes and venues

Parklands Tavern Pet-friendly Beer Garden

Parklands Tavern Pet-friendly Beer Garden

Parklands Tavern is now dog-friendly with their outdoor beer garden, aptly named 'The Yard,' rolling out the welcome mat for our four-legged friends. Think shaded picnic tables for chilling with your besties, plus awesome tunes to set the mood. They also will treat your furry friend like royalty. Water bowls and tasty treats are included!

Plus, here's your chance to become Insta-famous (well, maybe pup-famous). Snap a pic of your pooch enjoying the good life at the venue and tag it with #poochesofparklands. Every Sunday, Parklands Tavern picks the top pup pic and showers them (well, their human) with a sweet $50 beverage tab.

Caitlin Bassett at Mooloolaba

Caitlin Bassett at Mooloolaba

After a fantastic play at the beach, why not treat yourself to a healthy brekkie at Raw Energy Cotton Tree with room for all your pets, or kick back with a coldie and some epic views at the Kiosk, Alex Surf Club. The Velo Project in Mooloolaba also has a dedicated dog menu so they can enjoy brunch when you do.

If your pooch has an extra sparkle of talent, make sure to check out the Surfing Dog Championships at the annual Noosa Festival of Surfing in March.

You may also like

Experiences & Things To Do