The Sunshine Coast is home to many of Queensland’s most stunning beaches, from Noosa in the north to Caloundra in the south. Luckily, along the coast there are also multiple excellent beaches that permit dogs off-leash. Take your pick from these Sunshine Coast dog-friendly beaches for a fun day out with your pup, from north to south….
#1 Noosa Spit Dog Beach, Noosa Heads
If you’re visiting Noosa, one of the most popular dog beaches in the area is the Noosa Spit at Noosa Heads. Lying just behind Noosa Main Beach, where not surprisingly dogs are prohibited, dogs are allowed off-leash on a whole section of the spit extending into the Noosa River and the beaches on either side.
Probably the most popular option is on the northern side (search for “Doggy Beach” on Google Maps), although I found the section of sand larger on the southern side when I visited.
Double check the map on the council website to find out which area is off-leash, or look out for the cute Dog Exercise signs when visiting, although I thought it would be good if there were a few more erected.
#2 Sunshine Beach Dog Beach
Another fabulous off-leash dog beach near Noosa is at Sunshine Beach North. The off-leash exercise area starts at Seaview Terrace North, at access point 27 near the small carpark, and extends north to the Noosa National Park boundary, after which dogs are prohibited. Search for “Sunshine Beach Dog Off Leash Area” on Google Maps.
This dog beach is a particularly good beach when the wind is from the west, as it stays sheltered, although the water is often too rough for most dogs to swim. On the day we visited multiple locals were hanging out on the sand with their dogs.
#3 Castaways Beach & Marcus Beach Dog Beach
Further south along the Sunshine Coast, there’s a long stretch of off-leash beach running alongside the suburbs of Castaways Beach and Marcus Beach. It extends from beach access 38 (near Orient Park South) through to beach access 47 (at Tasman Trespasser Park), nearly 4km in length.
This Sunshine Coast dog beach is a great spot for long off-leash walks with your dog. Just be wary of the often rough surf if you have a small dog.
#4 Stumers Creek Dog Beach, Coolum
One of the most popular off-leash dogs beaches along the whole of the Sunshine Coast is Stumers Creek, on the northern side of Coolum. Dogs are allowed off-leash in between beach access 67 and 72, between the Coolum Beach Caravan park and 1km north of Stumers Creek.
The highlight of this dog beach has long been the calm waters of the lagoon, perfect for doggie paddling. Just note that since 3rd July 2026, dogs are no longer allowed off-leash until 10m beachside of the carpark, meaning much of the lagoon is now on-leash.
There’s also a convenient dog wash down area in between the lagoon and carpark, a great spot to rinse off your sandy dog before you climb back in your car. I’ve even heard recent reports of a dog toy library!
#5 North Shore Beach, Twin Waters
Another great spot along the Sunshine Coast with calm waters for dogs to swim is at Twin Waters. At Twin Waters, dogs are allowed off-leash at North Shore Beach, from 140m north of beach access 132 down to beach access 136, including the calm waters at the entrance of the Maroochy River.
To find this dog beach, head to the carpark at the end of North Shore Road or search for “Dog Beach Mudjimba” on Google Maps.
Since 3rd July 2026, there will now be a seasonal closure of a 500m stretch of the beach on the southern spit area, between October and April, due to a migrating shorebird roosting area. Double check the exact signs when visiting the area.
However, there is now a new off-leash stretch of 670m between beach access 127 and 130 at Mudjimba South to offset this. Keep in mind that dogs need to stay on leash still between beach access 130 and the point 140m north of beach access 132 – the off-leash areas aren’t contiguous.
#6 Buddina Beach
At Buddina, there are two stretches of Buddina Beach that allow dogs off-leash. The northernmost area is at the northern end of the beach, next to Point Cartwight, between beach access 198 and 201 (near Gulai Street). There are no time restrictions.
The second off-leash area is between beach access 210 and 217, roughly from Mawarra Street to Talinga Street. This long stretch of beach has lots of room so it’s never crowded, plus easier parking than at Point Cartwright.
Previously dogs were also allow off-leash during designated hours at Point Cartwright Beach, also known as Carties Beach or Northern Beach. This beach is located next to Point Cartwright Reserve, on the eastern side of the breakwall at the Mooloolah River entrance. Despite its popularity, this off-leash trial was ended in June 2026.
#7 Kawana Beach
South of Kawana Surf Club, there is another off-leash dog beach at the southern end of Buddina. Dogs are allowed off-leash in between beach access 226, close to Maloga Street in Buddina, past Warana, to beach access 245, near Blue Haven Court in Bokarina.
This long 4km stretch of beach is a relatively quiet stretch of sand to visit with your dog, largely backing onto the Warana Foreshore Bushland Reserve and Bokarina Foreshore Bushland Reserve. There’s plenty of access points – take your pick.
The stretch of sand immediately to the south is also off-leash in the evening and early mornings, from 5pm to 8am year-round.
More Off-Leash Dog Beaches on the Sunshine Coast
The above beaches are not the only dog-friendly beaches on the Sunshine Coast. Dogs are also allowed off-leash on these other beaches, from north to south:
- Town of Seaside – Beach access 96 to 98, but only between 4pm and 8am
- Mudjimba South – Beach access 127 to 130
- Bokarina Beach – Beach access 245 to 249, from Blue Haven Court, Bokarina to Moondara Drive, Wurtulla, but only from 5pm to 8am
- Wurtulla – Beach access 249 to 253, from Poatina Street to Currimundi Creek (now prohibited from crossing the mouth of Currimundi Lake between beach access 253 and 255)
- Currimundi Beach – Beach access 255 to to 50m south of access point 261, from Gothic Parade to just south of Buderim Street
- Moffatt Beach – Beach access 269 to 100m after 275, from Lower Neill St, Dicky Beach to the start of the rocky headland, but only from 4pm to 8am (now prohibited from Moffat Headland)
- Shelly Beach – About 200m north of beach access 276 to 281, from Russell Street to Victoria Terrace, but only from 4pm to 8am from May to October (On-leash only over the summer) (Prohibited from the rocky headlands to the north and to the south, starting at access point 280)
On-Leash Dog Beaches on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is also home to a handful of other beaches where dogs are not prohibited, but they need to stay on leash. Check out these on-leash dog beaches on the Sunshine Coast, from north to south:
- South Peregian Beach – Beach access 59 (near the shops) to beach access 67 (at Pitta Street)
- Coolum Beach – Beach access 72 to 96, southern end of Lions Park, David Low Way, excluding the rocky headlands at Point Perry and Point Arkwright
- Yaroomba – Beach access 98 to 127, Beachway Parade, boardwalk access from Marcoola
- Maroochydore Beach – Beach access 137 to 145, Cotton Tree Parade near swimming pool and western end of caravan park
- Maroochydore Beach – Beach access 147 to 156, Alexandra Parade opposite Muroy Court
- Alexandra Beach – Beach access 164 (previously 163) to 171, Alexandra Parade north of Surf Club
- Mooloolah River Foreshore (Half Moon Bay), Buddina – Between Adaluma Avenue and the river mouth, including alongside La Balsa Park
- Buddina Beach – Beach access 201 to 210, 30m north of Gulai Street
- Shelly Beach – 200m north of access 276 to 281, from Russell Street to Victoria Terrace, between November and April (Time-restricted off-leash access over the winter) (Prohibited from the rocky headlands to the north and to the south, starting at access point 280)
- Kings Beach – Beach access 293 to 295, car park at Kings Beach near Knox Avenue, extending across the bar to the national park boundary (now prohibited between 291 and 293)
- Golden Beach – Beach access 302 to 304, Short Street boat ramp
- Golden Beach – Beach access 320 to 400m south of 321, near Joan Street
- Golden Beach – Around beach access 322, about 50m to the west and 100m to the east
For the latest details on off-leash and on-leash dog beaches, check out the Noosa Council website for the northern end of the Sunshine Coast, plus the Sunshine Coast Council website for the remainder. The Sunshine Coast council made a number of changes in July 2026, including the prohibition of dogs from multiple rocky headlands, so check the latest signs.
You May Also Like
- Dog-Friendly Sunshine Coast
- Dog-Friendly Noosa
- Dog-Friendly Walks on the Sunshine Coast
- Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Queensland
About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.