Cairns, Queensland, offers a warm welcome to travelers accompanied by their canine companions. From sun-kissed beaches to lush rainforest trails, there's no shortage of dog-friendly activities and amenities. Similarly, dog sitting in Cairns is a great way to explore this tropical paradise, as well as having an abundance of local Cairns pet sitters. Let’s see what dog-friendly Cairns has to offer…
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Dog parks in Cairns
Cairns Esplanade Parklands
A spacious area with a beautiful boardwalk, water features, and plenty of green space. It has designated off-leash areas for dogs to play and interact with other pups. It’s also a great spot for scenic walks along the waterfront.
Location: Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
Muddy’s Playground and Park
Located near the Cairns Esplanade, this park offers an off-leash dog area where pups can play safely. The park has several picnic spots, so it's a great spot to spend a few hours with your dog.
Location: Cairns City, QLD 4870, Australia
Smithfield Conservation Park
A natural park located just outside Cairns, this park provides plenty of trails and open spaces for on-leash walks. It’s a lovely, peaceful place to explore with your dog, surrounded by nature.
Location: Smithfield QLD 4878, Australia
Goomboora Park
A flat, dog-friendly trail within a large park in Brinsmead. This is one of Cairns’ designated off-leash areas, making it a local favorite. There's even a creek for water-loving dogs to splash in (watch out for seasonal water levels).
Location: Shale St, Brinsmead QLD 4870, Australia
Dog-friendly restaurants in Cairns
Salt House
Situated on the waterfront, Salt House offers stunning views and a dog-friendly outdoor seating area. The relaxed atmosphere is ideal for dining with your dog while you enjoy their fresh seafood and modern Australian menu.
Location: Marina Point, 6/2 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Prawn Star
Located on a boat in the Cairns Marlin Marina, Prawn Star is a seafood lover’s dream. They have a dog-friendly outdoor deck where your pup can sit with you while you enjoy the freshest seafood in town.
Location: Pier Point Road | Marlin Marina, E31 Berth, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Cairns Night Markets
While not a single restaurant, the Cairns Night Markets feature various food stalls with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. You can enjoy a variety of foods, from Asian cuisine to local specialties, while your dog sits by your side.
Fun dog-friendly activities in Cairns
Visit Dog-Friendly Beaches (Holloways Beach & Machans Beach)
Several local beaches welcome dogs, including Holloways Beach & Machans Beach. Holloways has off-leash hours, while Machans Beach is known for its relaxed, pet-friendly community vibe. Always check local signage for off-leash rules and tide times.
Cost: Free entry (both
Date and time: 24/7
Location: Holloways Beach & Machans Beach
Stroll the Cairns Esplanade
This iconic waterfront path is perfect for on-leash walks. You’ll find plenty of grassy stops, water bowls, and shady spots along the way. Bonus: cafés nearby often have dog-friendly seating.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: 24/7
Location: Cairns QLD 4870, Australia
Dog-friendly walking trails in Cairns
Red Arrow Walking Track (Mount Whitfield Conservation Park)
A popular short loop (approx. 1.3 km) offering a moderate climb and great views over the Cairns Airport and coastline. Dogs are welcome on-leash. The track is shaded and well-maintained—ideal for an energetic pup and a brisk walk.
Location: Collins Ave, Whitfield QLD 4870, Australia
Length: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Blue Arrow Track (Mount Whitfield Conservation Park)
A more challenging extension of the Red Arrow, this 5.4 km loop is great for fit dogs and owners looking for a forested adventure. Expect stairs, rocky sections, and rewarding panoramic views. Dogs must remain on-leash.
Location: Collins Ave, Whitfield QLD 4870, Australia
Length: 3.4 miles (5.4 km)
Crystal Cascades Walking Track
A short, paved track that follows Freshwater Creek to a series of swimming holes. While dogs must stay on-leash, they’ll love the shaded trail and chance to cool off in the water at the end.
Location: Redlynch Intake Rd, Redlynch QLD 4870, Australia
Length: 1 mile (1.5 km)
Dog-friendly cafes in Cairns
The Chambers
This charming café offers a lovely, dog-friendly courtyard where you can enjoy coffee, cakes, and light meals with your dog. It's a great place to unwind and have a quiet meal with your pet.
Location: 21 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Coffee Works
Located a little outside Cairns, Coffee Works is a dog-friendly spot with an outdoor seating area where dogs can join you. It’s a must-visit for coffee lovers, offering a variety of brews and coffee-related experiences.
Location: 46 Spence St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Rattle & Hum
Located in the heart of Cairns, this popular café has a dog-friendly outdoor seating area where you can enjoy great coffee, fresh juices, and a variety of snacks. It's perfect for a casual stop with your pup after exploring the city.
Annual dog events in Cairns
Cairns City Kennel Club Championship Show
A championship dog show where various breeds compete. Spectators are welcome to watch the competitions and support the participants. Check out the event’s website for more info.
Cost: Free entry
Date and time: Saturday, May 3, 2025
Location: Cairns City Kennel Club, Quigley St, Parramatta Park QLD 4870, Australia
Million Paws Walk Cairns
The final Million Paws Walk event to support the RSPCA. Includes a 2 km walk, food vans, market stalls, competitions, games, family entertainment, and raffles. Head to their website for all the event details.
Cost: $12.50 per adult
Date and time: Sunday, May 25, 2025 - Registration at 8:00 AM; walk starts at 9:00 AM
Location: Cairns Esplanade, Esplanade, Cairns North QLD 4870, Australia
The best dog-friendly bars in Cairns
The Pier Bar
With a fantastic location overlooking the water, The Pier Bar offers a pet-friendly outdoor area. You and your dog can enjoy tasty pub food while soaking in the views and ambiance of the Cairns Marina.
Location: The Pier Shopping Centre, 1 Pier Point Rd, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Three Wolves
A trendy bar with a dog-friendly outdoor seating area. Three Wolves offers a great selection of cocktails and tapas-style dishes. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy a meal and drinks with your dog in a relaxed setting.
Location: 32 Abbott St, Cairns City QLD 4870, Australia
Dunwoody's Hotel
A relaxed tavern-style café and bar with a dog-friendly outdoor area. Dunwoody's offers hearty meals, coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and dogs, making it a fantastic spot to enjoy casual dining with your pup.
Dog-friendly wineries near Cairns
De Brueys Boutique Wines
Located near Mareeba, a short drive from Cairns, De Brueys Boutique Wines is a dog-friendly winery known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning vineyard views. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor patio, where you can enjoy wine tastings and share the experience with your pet.
Location: 189 Fichera Rd, Mareeba QLD 4880, Australia
Mount Uncle Distillery & Winery
Located in the Atherton Tablelands, Mount Uncle Distillery is a distillery and a winery with a lovely outdoor seating area. Dogs can join you as you sample the estate-grown wines and enjoy the beautiful rural surroundings.
Location: 1819 Chewko Rd, Walkamin QLD 4872, Australia
Golden Drop Mango Winery
While not a traditional vineyard, Golden Drop Mango Winery near Mareeba produces mango wine. It offers a unique tasting experience with a pet-friendly atmosphere. Dogs are allowed in the outdoor areas, so you can enjoy the quirky local wine with your dog by your side.
Tips on dog-friendly things to do in Cairns from dog owners and pet sitters
Tips for pet parents
Leash and clean-up
Always keep your dog on a leash unless in designated off-leash areas, and remember to clean up after them.
Health and safety
Carry your dog's health records, ensure they are up-to-date with vaccinations, and have a recent photo in case they get lost.
Weather considerations
Be mindful of Cairns' tropical climate; ensure your dog has access to fresh water and shaded areas, especially during warmer months.
Get your vacation pet care sorted
If you’re planning a trip away, find a verified, 5* sitter who’ll take care of your furry family at home. Sort your pet care as soon as your trip’s booked to travel with total peace of mind – it’s the best-kept secret in pet parenthood! Click below to discover how to find your own pet sitter in Cairns or other cities.
How to connect with pet sitters in Cairns
Tips for pet sitters
Routine rules
Dogs love routine, so it’s important to maintain their daily schedule. Ask the pet parent about feeding times, walking routes, and playtime preferences. Incorporating familiar activities while exploring dog-friendly places in Cairns makes for a happy and stress-free experience.
Be prepared
It can get pretty hot and humid in Cairns, so make sure you’re always weather prepared. When you’re leaving your home with your pooch pal, make sure you’ve got water, treats, a leash, and bags for clean-up. If you’re heading to a beach or park, you might also need a towel for post-adventure clean-ups.
Visit dog-friendly eateries
Cairns has a growing number of cafes, restaurants, and breweries that welcome well-behaved dogs, often with outdoor seating. Look for water bowls outside establishments, or simply ask the staff.
Experience Cairns through house sitting
Instead of visiting Queensland as a tourist, why not experience living like a local by becoming a Cairns dog sitter? You’ll get to stay in a real home and care for a local pup, giving you a true taste of life for the people (and pets) who live here.
How to find house sits in Cairns
