The ultimate pet-friendly guide to the Sunshine Coast
Guide
By Sarah Bristow
Whoever said you had to holiday without man’s best friend by your side? A getaway with your pooch in tow is thankfully a possibility in Queensland, one seriously dog-friendly state. Especially on the coast, where you can enjoy the beauty of the beachside region alongside your faithful hound. Here is how with the ultimate pet-friendly guide to the Sunshine Coast.
Eat
Photo by @theveloproject
The Velo Project, Mooloolaba
Grab your dog and make way for Mooloolaba where The Velo Project sits in the back streets. Breakfast favourites and quality brew awaits you at this eclectic eatery, which focuses on local farmers and producers. As for the menu, don’t miss out on the crepe with grilled crispy bacon, fresh banana and Canadian maple.
Hand of Fatima, Peregian
Tucked into the quiet surf town of Peregian is local institution Hand of Fatima, a popular place for pups to congregate. The cafe has earned an impressive reputation for its outstanding coffee and brunch options but even better for pooch-lovers, it welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Alley Cat, Coolum
Sitting rather discreetly among the cafes and shops of Coolum’s main drag is Alley Cat. Bustling morning, noon, and night with locals and their dogs, this eatery belongs in any pet-friendly guide to the Sunshine Coast. While the coffee is legendary, so too are the savoury muffins.
Poet’s Cafe, Montville
High up in the hinterland is where you’ll discover Poet’s Cafe. Born back in 1995, this European-inspired eatery may look rather refined, but we promise it’s pet-friendly. Take your faithful hound to enjoy a coffee with you, while you gaze out onto uninterrupted views of the surrounding Sunshine Coast.
Land & Sea Brewing Co, Noosa
Enjoy a pint of local beer with the company of your faithful hound at Land & Sea in Noosa’s blossoming industrial estate. The beer specialists share their space with a gin distillery and have opened an ample outdoor drinking space for visitors to enjoy with their family (and pets) with their famed Mango Sour in hand.
Alexandra Heads Surf Club, Alexandra Heads
Perhaps an unexpected addition to this guide to the pet-friendly on the Sunshine Coast is the Alex Heads Surf Club. Nestled alongside the sand, it’s in the club’s accompanying outside cafe where you can bring your dog and enjoy your morning coffee with an outstanding view on the side.
Check out this guide for more pet-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast.
Play
Photo by @viajardea2
Woorim Beach, Bribie Island
You don’t need to travel far from Brisbane to reach a pet-friendly beach on the Sunshine Coast - Woorim is the closest surf stretch to the capital and welcoming of dogs to boot. Thanks to its reliable swell, it’s a popular place to surf and fish from the sand, while your pet enjoys a romp leash-free.
Noosa Spit
Experience the beauty of Noosa River with your pooch by your side at Noosa Spit. There’s a devoted dog park sitting under the trees here, neighbouring a dog-friendly beach for those pets which prefer the sand. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, grab a bite to eat at nearby Hastings Street.
Sunshine Beach Dog Beach
Beautiful Sunshine Beach sitting just south of Noosa isn’t just enticing but humans, but the four-legged. There famously resides a dog-friendly stretch here that allows pets to run free along the sand to their heart’s content.
Caloundra Foreshore
Tire out your pooch with a stroll along the Caloundra Foreshore. Make way from Bulcock Beach towards Shelly Beach’s off-leash offering, an 8 kilometre return trail which will keep both you and your dog entertained with the ample water views.
Ewen Maddock Dam, Landsborough
The adventurous will love this inland addition to this pet-friendly guide to the Sunshine Coast. Picture an 8.5 kilometre hike weaving along the edge of a lake, through Paperbark groves, while you gander at local wildlife. A word of warning though - dogs must be kept on a leash.
Eumundi Markets, Eumundi
Social butterflies can’t miss out on the Eumundi Markets, the Sunshine Coast favourite that operates every Saturday and Wednesday without fail. Walk your dog (on a leash) through the hundreds of stalls present, ranging from arts and crafts to local produce.
Stay
Avalon Noosa Farm Cottages, Pomona
Tucked into the luscious Noosa Hinterland is pet-friendly accommodation option the Noosa Avalon Farm Cottages Retreat. The gathering of self-contained cabins is scattered across 30 private acres for you and your pooch to enjoy.
Amamoor Homestead, Mary Valley
Unwind with your whole family (pets included) at Amamoor Homestead in Gympie region. There are a handful of self-contained cottages to rest your head here, each sitting amongst the property’s 32 acres by the base of Black Duck Mountain.
Horizons at Peregian, Peregian Beach
Make a home for yourself within easy reach of a popular dog beach (and some of the Sunshine Coast’s best cafes) at Horizons at Peregian. The cluster of beachside apartments have long been known for their pet-friendly ways, with the accommodation option offering fully self-contained, two and three bedroom options to guests.
The Campground
Spending the night outdoors with your dog is an option on the Sunshine Coast. Whether pitching a tent or the comfort of your caravan is your preference, there are a range of different dog-friendly camping grounds to choose from in these parts. The likes of Coolum Beach Holiday Park and Mudjimba Beach Holiday Park come better equipped with creature comforts. While those who enjoy getting back to basics (and camping on the sand) should make way for Inskip Point or Boreen Point Campground. Or immerse yourself in the bush at Bluff Creek, Borumba Deer Park, or Amamoor State Park.
