Adventure with Alma
Dog friendly adventures around Australia
Our Top Ten Dog Friendly Beaches
In 2022, we took on the challenge of exploring 100 new dog-friendly beaches, surpassing our goal by discovering a total of 125 beaches across 5 different states. Here are our top 10 favorites, listed in no particular order:
01
Emu Bay, Kangaroo Island, SA
On Kangaroo Island, Emu Beach became our favorite. It's 4x4-friendly and offers plenty to explore! Opting for an early visit, we brought along our BBQ for a delightful breakfast by the shore. The calm ocean made it perfect for paddleboarding. During breakfast, we were treated to a surprise as we spotted a pod of dolphins. Quickly grabbing our paddleboard, we caught up with them—a truly unforgettable experience! You can easily locate this beach on the island using Google Maps
02
Merry Beach, NSW
Merry Beach holds a special place among our favorite camping spots. Whether you choose a beachfront campsite or opt for a cabin rental, it's a delightful getaway. While only two cabins are pet-friendly, requesting the one with an ocean view enhances the experience. The beach, welcoming dogs on lead, is consistently tranquil during our visits. Timing the tide right allows for a scenic walk along the cliffs on the right, providing a perfect weekend escape from Sydney. You can easily locate Merry Beach on Google Maps, and you don't have to be staying at the site to visit—simply park in the car park on the left-hand side of the beach
03
Mystery Bay Beach, NSW
Mystery Bay beach boasts one of the most remarkable natural campgrounds we've encountered. With a nominal fee of around $12 per night, it offers fantastic views of the bay. Keep in mind that the amenities are basic, featuring only a drop toilet and cold water showers. While the beach tends to be popular among dog owners, we found that all dogs were well-behaved and kept to themselves. The expansive beach allows for a full-strength stroll, complete with rocks to climb and explore. Easily locate this beach on Google, and enjoy free parking on the road or day parking within the campsite
04
Rennies Beach, NSW
Nestled at the end of a residential street, the entrance to this beach is a well-kept secret. Free on-road parking offers a stunning view of the expansive beach below. Follow the woodland path down to the beach, which unveils one of the most breathtaking coastlines I've ever encountered! Walking the full length of the beach reveals hidden cliffs at the end. If possible, navigate over the rocks to discover secret coves and beaches, framed by the towering orange cliffs above. While dogs are allowed on lead, our 10m long line allowed for plenty of exploration. Find this hidden gem just off the Princess Highway—take Powell Ave and turn right onto Did-Dell Street, with the entrance located at the bottom of the street.
05
Tabourie Beach & Crampton Island, NSW
Park at the free car park just before Tabourie Beach and embark on a scenic walk along the boardwalk to the left, tracing Tabourie Lake as it meets the ocean. If the tide permits, it's an ideal spot for safe paddleboarding or swimming. Continue until you reach the beach or sand dunes. Climb the dunes for a breathtaking view of Crampton Island, and assess its accessibility during low tide. Ensure to check the tides before attempting to access this beautiful island. Be cautious of currents during high tides when the sea and river converge. The island features stunning rock pools with crystal blue waters, and although you can't entirely circumnavigate it, you can nearly complete the loop, finishing on the north side atop high rocks, overlooking Tabourie Beach. Dogs are allowed on lead, and we found our 10m long line very useful. Locate the car park on Google Maps, known as Lake Tabourie Beach Carpark at the end of Beach Street.
06
Bay of Fire, TAS
A must-do when visiting Tasmania! The Bay of Fires is a series of stunning beaches adorned with orange rocks, creating breathtaking scenery. Despite some wet weather during our camping trip, the views were truly worth the hike, even in the rain. Camping is free, and sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're fortunate, you may secure a private spot atop the beach bank, but these are limited. We drove around each site to find the best location. Keep an eye out for dog-friendly signs, as they vary from beach to beach. Each campsite features drop toilets only, and dogs must remain on a lead—don't forget that long line
07
Policeman's Point, Taylor Point, TAS
Another must-see in Tasmania! This exquisite beach served as another fantastic campsite right on the river's edge flowing into the sea. It's a safe haven for paddleboarding or hiking. Depending on the tide, you can stroll along the riverbank up to the beach, turn right, and embark on a miles-long hike. We walked until the sandy shores transformed into pebbles, crossing multiple streams along the way—ultimately finding a vast, beautifully wild beach, all to ourselves. The campsite provides only drop toilets, and dogs must be on a lead. Additionally, dogs may only be permitted at certain times of the year, so double-check before embarking on this adventure. Easily locate this campsite on Google Maps
08
Johanna Beach, VIC
Johanna Beach, a popular surf destination along the Great Ocean Road, attracted many well-behaved dogs on leads and numerous tourists. You can choose to hike in either direction, but we opted for the left, leading towards the rocks and rock pools. This beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, observing the surf, or enjoying a short hike. With ample space to spread out and avoid crowds, it's a great spot. On hotter days, consider bringing a sunshade, as shade is limited. Dogs must be on a lead. Locate the free car park for this beach off Coach Road.
09
Bells Beach, Point Addis, VIC
This beach has secured its spot among our favorites along the Great Ocean Road. It's an INCREDIBLE and must-do experience with your dog! It feels like stepping onto another planet. We 4x4'd up a gravel road, manageable even in a regular car if taken slowly and carefully. Initially, I hadn't planned to bring Alma on this adventure, assuming dogs weren't allowed in a national park. However, signs at most entrances permit dogs on leads. Despite starting in the wrong direction, we soon corrected our route, unveiling one of the best beaches and views—wild, beautiful, and completely deserted, except for the wallabies. I brought her long line, allowing her the freedom to explore the beach and cliffs safely. If possible, allocate a couple of hours here, as there's so much to see and explore. We're planning to return very soon! Don't forget your drone for some epic shots! If you have trouble finding this beach, send me a message, and I'll share a location pin.
10
Mouth Beach, Airleys Inlet, VIC
This beach holds a special place among our Great Ocean Road favorites. Drive up to the lighthouse at Aireys Inlet and park at the top of Reserve Road in the bays. From the car park, walk towards the lighthouse, and you'll find the beach on the right-hand side. Stroll down to the beach, keeping to the left, and this will lead you along and under the lighthouse, revealing beautiful caves to explore. The views back across the main beach are stunning. Don't forget to take the time to walk up to the lighthouse, as both the lighthouse and lookouts are dog-friendly too.
