7 of the best dog beaches near Brisbane

A perfect day out for people and pets, Bribie Island’s Red Beach is one of Brisbane’s best dog beaches. Less than an hour’s drive up the Pacific Highway, Red Beach is a beautiful sandy cay on the south-east point of Bribie Island—and well worth the relatively short drive.

The perfect ratio of soft sand and gentle waves, water-loving pups will revel along this long stretch of beach, and you’ll love the feeling of getting out of the city.

Finish off your island escape along the picturesque 4km walk from Woorim Beach through to Bongaree before looping back to the car. Just remember it’s ‘leads on’ when you leave the sand.

Manly Foreshore

Just a 40-minute drive east from the city centre in Manly, you’ll find a serene dog’s paradise. Head to the beach area at the end of Davenport Drive, between the southern rock wall and the northern rock wall and set your pooch free in the off leash playground.  

At low tide the foreshore is awash with shells, and calm waters so your four-legged friend can get their paws sandy and swim until their heart’s content.

Clear of houses and main roads, book mark this fun-filled haven for your pooches next outing.

Queens Beach North, Redcliffe

Brisbane’s bayside has revolutionised long, picturesque ocean walks with man’s best friend. Featuring 6.5km of manicured pathway that hugs the mangrove-lined coast, determined walkers can walk all the way from Clontarf to Redcliffe (or vice-versa).

While this is the ideal beachside stroll for dogs and owners who love a guided walk, if your pup prefers salty fur and sand between the toes, then the northern end of Queens Beach is where to head.

Just 30 minutes from Brisbane, Queens Beach is ideal for a quick dash to the coast or a morning or afternoon. Hit the beach between Drury Point (Kennedy Esplanade) and Osbourne Point (Flinders Lane), and make sure to time your visit right, as Queens Beach has strict off-leash times; before 8am and after 4pm every day.

Home Beach at Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Island

While neighbouring islands Fraser and Moreton Island have a strict no dog policy, Stradbroke Island rolls out the welcome mat for anything with four paws.

While the majority of the island is on-leash playtime only, Stradbroke Island has all the hallmarks of a good time regardless. You’ll find pet-friendly accommodation, excellent surf spots, sun-soaked beaches and abundant walking trails through idyllic headland.

It’s not all leash bound for four-legged friends, though. Home Beach at Point Lookout is a bona fide off-leash beach where furballs of all ages can happily splash around in the warm, calm waters.

GJ Walter Park, Cleveland

Making up part of the Cleveland Heritage Trail, GJ Water Park is one of only a handful of dog beaches south of Brisbane, and sits at the beginning of this quaint 4km bayside walk.

Lovers of Queensland heritage architecture will get a kick out of the original buildings stretching along the bayside, while rest assured your pup will be equally as enamoured wandering the mud flats and catching rippling waves along the shoreline.

Leash up for a leisurely stroll along the winding promenade before looping back for a final four-legged dip in the sea.

Kedron Brook Floodway

While technically not a beach, this 3km stretch of freshwater creek is a four-legged friend’s dream on a hot and humid Brisbane day.

Nestled between Gordon Park and Lutwyche, pups have free reign along the entire northern side of the creek, where they can explore along the banks and cool off in the gentle running water.

It’s great for dogs who love to socialise (this place is rarely deserted) and will more than burn up any pent-up energy, but it’s also one of the prettiest Brisbane walks, lined with Jacaranda and Eucalypt trees.

Raby Bay Foreshore Park

If you’re looking for an enormous off-leash dog beach less than 30-minutes south of Brisbane, Raby Bay Foreshore Park will tick all the right boxes. Suiting pups who love the water, this quiet beach enclave is perfect for those that prefer having sand to themselves.

More than just a beach spot that ticks the boxes for your pup, BYO some nibbles and set up undercover at one of the picnic tables overlooking the bay. It’s the perfect, laid-back doggy day trip.