Planning a holiday this summer but don’t want to leave your four-legged friend behind? The make use of the Sunshine Coast’s pet friendly accommodation options, leash-free beaches and pooch approved activities.
Pet friendly accommodation
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, Coolum Beach Holiday Park and Boreen Point Campground are three of the Sunshine Coast Holiday Parks that will roll out the Shmackos or head to Lilyponds Holiday Park for a hinterland outdoor getaway.
For a coastal home away from home, stay at Pet Friendly Holiday House Coolum and enjoy glorious beach strolls and sensational cliff-top walks with your family and dog. Other coastal options include Saltwater Villas in Mooloolaba who will also mind your dog while you're out site-seeing or shopping. There is also Horizons at Peregian which has direct access to the dog friendly beach making it perfect for those who love early morning and sunset beach walks.
For a Sunshine Coast Hinterland hideaway, head to one of the pet friendly cottages such as Jacaranda Cottages in Maleny or Cooroy Country Cottages, in Gympie.
Need help finding the perfect place for you and your pooch? Have a chat to the dog-friendly people at Coolum Holidays - they have an awesome range of pet-friendly accommodation options on their books.
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
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 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 literally 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 guaranteed!
Buddina Beach – beach access 210 to 217. Off-leash 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 river side 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 watercarft on the Noosa River.
Currimundi Beach – beach access 249 to 253. Off-leash 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!
Kayak Currimundi lake
North Shore Beach, Twin Waters
Off leash at all times from the Maroochy River to a 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 offleash section of Sunshine Beach runs from Entrance 27 all the way to the National Park headland 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 sporting events
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 has a dedicated dog menu so they can enjoy brunch when you do and Glass House Brewery in Forest Glen welcomes your pooch so you can relax with a beer in the garden and not worry about leaving your best friend at home.
Does your pooch have talent? The Noosa Festival of Surfing in March features a Surfing Dog Spectacular and workshop for board riders and dogs.
Travelling to the Sunshine Coast with pets
Virgin Airlines accepts dogs and cats for pet travel to and from the Sunshine Coast Airport.Virgin has a strict pet policy and requests all guests considering pet travel contact the Guest Contact Centre to find out more and book.
Qantas operates a pet freight service and Jet Pet offer a specialised pet transfers.
Should you need any veterinary care during your stay, there are plenty of quality clinics on the Sunshine Coast including Noosa Animal Hospital and Nicklin Way Vet in Warana.