Dog-Friendly Bundaberg: Visiting Bundaberg with a Dog

There’s more to Bundaberg than Bundaberg Rum. As well as a thriving farm gate-to-plate foodie scene, this area of Queensland is also home to some beautiful stretches of coastline. And if you’re visiting with a dog, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly things to do in Bundaberg. Read on to find out more about the options available, from beaches to walks to where to stay…

Dog-Friendly Beaches in Bundaberg

While Bundaberg is close to a wonderful stretch of coastline, unfortunately the beaches aren’t that dog-friendly, thanks to their importance as turtle breeding grounds. As listed on the council website, many of the local beaches prohibit dogs, particularly the shoreline at Mon Repos, home to a conservation park.

If not signposted otherwise, the default position is that dogs are allowed on leash on beaches around Bundaberg, all day long, with no off-leash periods. This includes the following dog-friendly beaches around Bundaberg, from north to south:

• Moore Park Beach – North of Palm View Drive and south of Lassig Street
• Burnett Heads – The northern end of Oaks Beach and Sharkies Beach
• Bargara – Sections of the Bargara Foreshore accessed from the Esplanade (although I noticed at least one section signposted as no dogs), Archie’s Beach and Rifle Range Beach
• Innes Park – Innes Park Foreshore and Innes Park Inlet
• Elliot Heads – Dr May’s Island, but only 1st May to 30th August (Dogs and even humans are prohibited the rest of the year)

There is also a confusing situation regarding the Elliot Heads sand flats, next to the Elliot River. I’ve been told the sand flats are controlled by the state government instead of the council and have been designated off-leash, but this isn’t signposted by the council. A couple of years ago, the council held a community consultation, but I can’t see any changes. Check the latest signs and ask the locals!

According to the council, the only off-leash beaches in the Bundaberg area are two sections of the beach at Woodgate Beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash at the northern end of the beach (from 350m north of the boat ramp to Theodolite Creek) and the southern end of the beach (after the southernmost houses), as well as on-leash in between. 

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Bundaberg

While visiting Bundaberg with your dog, also fill your days with some of these dog-friendly sightseeing ideas.

#1 Follow the Coral Coast Pathways

Although the beaches closest to Bundaberg aren’t available for off-leash fun for your dog, there’s no shortage of coastal pathways to follow with your dog. The entire collection of coastal pathways has been dubbed the Coral Coast Pathways, with on-leash dogs generally welcome.

The longest path runs from Burnett Head to the southern side of Bargara, about 10km long. Note however that the central section of the path, dubbed the “Turtle Trail Path”, passes through the Mon Repos Conservation Park and Environmental Park, where dogs are strictly not allowed. Instead, stick to the northern end to Oaks Beach or the southern section around Bargara. 

Along the other paths, dogs are allowed on-leash along the entire length. There’s paths at Moore Park Beach, between Innes Park and Coral Cove, at Elliot Heads, and at Woodgate Beach. Any option will offer up easy walking with lots of coastal views, plus pass by on-leash dog beaches.

#2 Stroll Around the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens

Just like many other cities along the Queensland coast, Bundaberg is home to its own botanic gardens. On-leash dogs are allowed throughout the Bundaberg Botanic Gardens, though not in the onsite museums (the Hinkler Hall of Aviation, Fairymead House Sugar History Museum and Bundaberg Historical Museum).

The centrepiece of the gardens are its lakes, home to a huge number of waterbirds, as well as water dragons, turtles and eels. Follow the paths around the lakes, keeping a firm hold on your dog’s leash, perhaps taking the boardwalk section above the water. 

Don’t also miss the themed Chinese and Japanese gardens. Both are quite small, but pretty, especially the Chinese garden with its gateway, bridge and teahouse.

Another highlight of the gardens is the Australian Sugar Cane Railway, which follows a 2km loop around the gardens. The train usually operates on Wednesdays and Sundays, plus extra days during school holidays, with well-behaved dogs allowed to join you on board! Double check the calendar in advance, which also shows whether a diesel or steam train will be operating.

#3 Explore Baldwin Swamp

For more birdlife watching opportunities and leisurely walks in Bundaberg, head to the Baldwin Swamp Environmental Park. This large expanse of wetlands just outside the city centre is criss-crossed with multiple walking trails.

A good place to start is near the large shelter shed, located just past the carpark off Steindl Street. Signs throughout the park will direct you back to the shelter shed, although it’s also a good idea to take a photograph of the map board. Not surprisingly, dogs need to stay on a leash. However, it’s a peaceful, shady area to walk, especially on weekdays. 

#4 Go Strawberry Picking

During the height of the strawberry season it’s a lot of fun to pick your own strawberries, and there’s a farm just outside of Bundaberg that allows you to do that, with a dog in tow, after a fashion.

Tinaberries permits dogs to visit, but due to their own protective kelpies, your dog will need to stay in the “dog parking area”, a fenced enclosure with shade and water. Considering other strawberry farms I checked in Queensland didn’t allow dogs at all, it’s a good compromise, if your dog will be happy to be left.

Pick-your-own is generally available during August and September, but check in advance if you want to be certain. Over the winter months their own strawberries are available for sale, just not for picking, and year round they have delicious fresh fruit ice cream available to enjoy in their beautiful garden. 

#5 Head Up The Hummock

To see the vast patchwork of farmland that surrounds Bundaberg, head to The Hummock Lookout. It’s situated on the highest hill around, halfway between Bundaberg and Bargara, the remnant of volcanic activity millions of years ago.

Close to the lookout are some walking trails in the section of remaining Woongarra Scrub, although I can’t confirm whether they are dog-friendly. 

#6 Explore Historic Childers

Bundaberg is home to some grand old historic buildings, such as the School of Arts. But for a more concentrated dose of historic Queensland head 40 minutes south to Childers.

The highway passing through Childers is lined with many beautiful, old masonry buildings, many dating back to the 1890s. If you want some brief details on what to look out for, pick up the Historical Childers Street Walk from the information centre at the Palace Building.

Don’t miss stopping outside the Old Pharmacy Museum. Although dogs aren’t allowed inside, there’s a detailed display of old photographs and information. 

A handy dog-friendly place to stop for lunch is the historic Grand Hotel, which was relocated to the site in the 1880s. As well as a convenient dog water bowl out the front, they have a cute sign welcoming pups to join you in the beer garden out the back.

#7 Head to Woodgate Beach

For a relaxing day or afternoon (or even an overnight stay), head 40 minutes south of Bundaberg to Woodgate Beach. This long beachside village is home to beachfront holiday homes stretching for almost 5km, but only a couple of shops.

Perhaps walk along part or all of the coastal walkway, with dogs on leash permitted along the length, as well as the adjacent beach. Best of all though, Woodgate Beach is home to the only two off-leash sections of beach near Bundaberg.

At the northern end of the town the off-leash section starts at the most northerly residence (about 350m north of the Woodgate Boat Ramp) and stretches to Theodolite Creek. The beach near Theodolite Creek is difficult to traverse due to trees, but there’s a handy small carpark and access path along Theodolite Creek Drive where it bends closest to the beach.

The other section of off-leash beach is at the southern end of town. It starts 50m south of the most southerly pedestrian beach access and extends until 200m north of the Burrum River entrance. Don’t expect to see signs marking the start of it.

Note that Woodgate Beach is adjacent to the Burrum Coast National Park, where dogs aren’t allowed, including on the Banksia Boardwalk. 

Are Dogs Allowed at Bundaberg Rum Distillery?

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed inside one of Bundaberg’s most famous attractions, the Bundaberg Rum Distillery. It’s best to take turns to visit or organise a pet sitter while you enjoy a tasting tour. Dogs are however still allowed to join you for a photo outside!

The same rules apply for the tasting tours at non-alcoholic Bundaberg Brewed Drinks, home to ever popular Bundaberg Ginger Beer, plus Kalki Moon Distilling Company, which produces gin, vodka and liqueurs.

A dog-friendly tasting option around Bundaberg used to be the Ohana Cider House and Tropical Winery, but the venue has unfortunately closed, with only their sister venue on the Sunshine Coast still operating. Let me know if you come across any dog-friendly alternatives in Bundaberg!

Dog-Friendly Parks in Bundaberg

To let your dog stretch his or her legs off-leash around Bundaberg and the coastline nearby, head to one of the off-leash dog parks. At the time of my visit there were four off-leash dog parks, with another two added in recent years.

Head to one of these six dog parks in and around Bundaberg:

• Bundaberg North – Edina Street Park
• Bundaberg East – Daph Geddes Park
• Bargara (north) – Nielson Park Dog Park, at the northern end of Fred Coutice Avenue
• Bargara (south) – Mary Kinross Dog Park on Woongarra Scenic Drive
• Burnett Heads – Jack Strathdee Park
• Moore Park Beach – Lions Park (search for “MPB Dog Park” on Google)

Each of the parks is fully fenced. There are two fenced areas at most parks, for all dogs and for smaller dogs, except Edina Street Park and Nielson Park Dog Park that just have a single enclosed area.

I checked out the Daph Geddes Park, which had a double-gated entry, agility equipment and a single picnic shelter. Note however that most of the parks don’t have much shade, so are best visited early or later during the day in the warmer months.

Dog-Friendly Cafes in Bundaberg

There’s multiple cafes around Bundaberg that welcome pets to join you in outdoor dining area.

A popular destination for dog owners is the River Cruz Cafe, right on the banks of the river next to the CBD. Dogs are welcome at the outdoor tables, some that are under shelter. The cafe is open daily from 5:30am to 5pm.

Another highly-rated option is Oodies Cafe in North Bundaberg, not far from the Edina Street off-leash dog park. The colourful cafe is open daily for coffee, breakfast and light lunches, with dogs allowed at the outdoor tables.

If you’re close to Bargara, head to The Windmill. It was recommended to me by multiple people as super dog-friendly, but unfortunately we missed out on visiting before it closed for the day. The cafe is open daily for all-day breakfast and lunch from 11am, with options ranging from fish’n’chips to acai bowls. 

Dog-Friendly Pubs in Bundaberg

An extra dog-friendly pub around Bundaberg is the Spotted Dog, part of the Railway Hotel in North Bundaberg. Open throughout the day and into the night, past visitors report their dogs being given water and treats.

During out visit to Bundaberg, we went to Ballistic Bargara – The Brewhouse. Despite reports of being dog-friendly, we discovered it was only in an unofficial capacity, though that may have changed. We were only allowed to sit just inside the open roller shutter, although staff did bring over a dog water bowl for our pup.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Bundaberg

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Many visitors to Bundaberg choose to stay along the nearby coastline, such as at Bargara. One particularly dog-friendly park is the BIG4 Breeze Holiday Parks – Bargara, which is just metres from the off-leash Nielson Park Dog Park.

They have a number of dog-friendly options available, including a range of pet-friendly cabins. Book a cabin online, with an additional pet fee of $50 per stay applying. Generally only one small dog is permitted per cabin.

Other dog-friendly beachside options include the Moore Park Beach Holiday Park, the Absolute Oceanfront Tourist Park in Bargara, plus both parks at Woodgate Beach. NRMA Woodgate Beach Holiday Park even provides a doggy welcome pack at check-in, complete with a dog-friendly map, dog biscuits and the all important poop bags.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to stay in Bundaberg, the Bundaberg East Cabin and Tourist Park is one of your best options, with pet-friendly sites and cabins. Book their pet-friendly tourist villas online. There is no additional fee for pets, although the ensuite is external.

If a motel is more your style, check out the Chalet Motor Inn. This motel is in walking distance of the centre of Bundaberg, and has great facilities including a swimming pool, BBQ area and self-service laundry. There’s both twin and triple pet-friendly rooms, plus the resident Frenchies are very welcoming. Make sure you notify the motel in advance.

Another pet-friendly option is the Moore Park Beach Motel, to the north of Bundaberg. The motel is located just 200m from the beach and has a saltwater swimming pool. Let the property know you intend to bring a pet at the time of booking.

Head Next To

• Dog-Friendly Agnes Water & 1770
• Dog-Friendly Yeppoon
• Dog-Friendly Hervey Bay