NEW SOUTH WALES
#1. Sirius Cove Reserve, Mosman
This stunning Sydney Harbour foreshore reserve has still waters ideal for swimming as well as playground equipment, barbecue facilities, public toilets and poo bins with bags. Dogs are allowed on the beach all day Monday to Friday, and from 4pm to 9am on weekends and public holidays.
#2. McCauleys Beach, Thirroul
Deemed by locals as the best beach to take your dog out in the Wollongong area, McCauleys Beach is accessed from Corbett Avenue, Thirroul (20 mns North of Wollongong, 70km South of Sydney).
Great spot to kick a ball or go for a splash. You will also find creeks that are perfect for a younger dog just learning to swim and not quite ready for the added distraction of the waves in the ocean.
Other recommended beaches in the Illawarra include Little Austinmer Beach (off-leash access via Yuruga St.); Coniston Beach (off-leash access via Bank St. or Swan St.); Puckeys Reserve, Fairy Meadow.
For more information, please visit wollongong.nsw.gov.au
#3. Culburra Beach, Culburra
A lovely long cream-sand beach in a quiet beach town a couple of hours south of Sydney just waiting for you and your furry friend to visit.
#4. Bagnalls Beach, Nelson Bay
Part of Bagnalls Bay, this flat water spot is perfect for doggie dips while its long shore is great for runs.
#5. Tallow Beach, Byron Bay
A golden 7km stretch of sand for you and your dog to stretch your legs on. With powder white sand that stretches for miles, and clean, clear waters lapping its shores, this magnificent seven-kilometre strip of sand on the southern side of the headland stretches all the way to Broken Head Reserve.
The designated dog-friendly area starts near Jarman Street in Suffolk Park and extends north to the boundary of the Arakwal National Park.
QUEENSLAND
#6. Sunshine Beach, Noosa
Dogs can freely explore the shoreline and sparkling water from Noosa National Park to the car park in Seaview Terrace.
#7. Fingal Heads Beach, Gold Coast
Swim in the surf and run along the sand with your four-legged friend any time and, afterwards, you can go for coffee at a cafe that has fresh bowls of cool water for your pooch.
#8. Currimundi Beach, Currimundi
Join other canines and their owners walking along the sand, body surfing and paddling around in the lagoon just off the beach. Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times south of Gothic Parade to Buderim St.
#9. Yorkeys Knob Beach
Located just 15 minutes from Cairns. Yorkeys Knob Beach is a great spot to relax with your pooch. Named after a local fisherman called "Yorkey" who lived on the rocky hill ("knob"), this gem is one of the best-kept secrets in Tropical Queensland. The southern end of the beach is the only dog off-leash area where your canine friend is allowed to run free.
VICTORIA
#10. St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
This buzzing city beach with its wide sandy shore lined by a pathway and park is the perfect place to hang with your pup. Dogs are only allowed between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the car park towards St Kilda Marina.
#11. Altona Dog Beach, Melbourne
With shallow, warm water that has no waves, this city beach is a great place for children and dogs. At low tide, a pool and huge flat sandbars are formed where dogs can paddle and play.
#12. Narrows Beach, Queenscliff
The off-leash area of this pretty beach begins at the end of the boardwalk and extends east finishing at the end of Fraser Street. Accessed from the car park off the Bellarine Highway, opposite Roddick Grove.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
#13. Peasholm Beach, Perth
Famous for its gleaming-white sand, this spacious beach is perfect for a game of fetch or frisbee. Showers with hoses are available on beach for rinsing sand and salt off your dog.
#14. Bremer Beach, Bremer Bay
Your dog can frolic on the white sand and swim in the crystal clear water – as long as you leave it unblemished by picking up any poop!
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
#15. Long Beach, Robe
On the northern side of this popular beach holiday town, this 17km strip of sand is perfect for long walks, and you can swim, snorkel, surf and even four-wheel drive as well!
#16. O'Sullivan Beach, Adelaide
This beachside suburb is located around 30km south of Adelaide in Onkaparinga.
Dogs can run free in the area from the marina to Christie Creek – however they must be leashed between 10am to 8pm during daylight savings months, from October to March.
TASMANIA
#17. Muirs Beach, Coles Bay
This beautiful, unspoilt patch of sand is located on the western side of the Coles Bay, just 1km from Freycinet National Park. Muirs is a beautiful beach that welcomes dogs, with its long shore great for strolls, or sitting and watching the boogie boarding and windsurfing that is popular there.
Do you have a favourite beach spot you'd like to share with other dog lovers?
