A guide to dog-friendly Caloundra, Queensland

Did you know, dog-friendly Caloundra is the perfect place for pups and their people? Whether you’re visiting, house sitting in Caloundra, or searching for a trusted Caloundra pet sitter, find out everything you need to know about this beachside spot below.

Dog-friendly beaches, Caloundra

Where better to soak up everything the Sunshine Coast has to offer than by visiting one of its gorgeous beaches? 

Happy Valley Beach 

Keep your furry friend on the leash to explore the golden sands of Happy Valley Beach. With public toilets and a shady park area, it’s a great place to spend the day with your pooch.

Location: Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Shelly Beach

Walk around the headland to Shelly Beach Foreshore Reserve, where furries can join you to enjoy sea views on the leash.

Location: Shelly Beach QLD 4551, Australia

Dog-friendly cafes, Caloundra

From beachside brekky to shady garden brunches, these spots welcome wagging tails with open arms – and perhaps even a puppuccino or two.​

Coffee Cat On Kings Beach

Coffee Cat is a bustling, beachside cafe, where it’s easy to spend a morning people-watching. The dog-friendly outdoor area is the perfect place for a post-walk coffee. 

Location: 4/8 Levuka Ave, Kings Beach QLD 4551, Australia

The Happy Turtle Cafe

Local favorite, the Happy Turtle, has a comfortable outdoor area for pups overlooking the sea. It serves a range of healthy options, including smoothies, acai bowls, and wraps.

Location: Happy Valley Playground, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

White Picket Fence

With a focus on fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a dog-friendly terrace, this is the kind of place you and your pooch could stay a while. 

Location: 140 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Aurenda Coffee Co.

If bagels, coffee (in mugs you can paint yourself!), and a dog-friendly setting are your cup of tea, then head straight here! 

Location: 34 Esplanade Headland, Kings Beach QLD 4551, Australia

Tasty Sudaca

Aim for the outdoor dog-friendly seating area to enjoy perfectly cooked breakfasts with a South American twist.

Location: 1&2/50 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

The Frog's Kitchen

Generous portions of food, friendly staff, and a waterfront location make this dog-friendly cafe a great place to be.

Location: Grand Pacific Resort, Shop 5a/38 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Dog-friendly restaurants, Caloundra

Looking for more options for eating out in Caloundra? Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, hearty pub fare, or a gourmet burger, you’ll find plenty of spots for you and your furry family member. 

Kings Beach Bar

Serving everything from fish tacos to eggs benny, this dog-friendly restaurant has it all – with views to match!

Location: 1/8 Levuka Ave, Kings Beach QLD 4551, Australia

Drift Bar

Furry friends are welcome in the covered, verandah-style decking, where pups and their humans can enjoy delicious food & drink, great views, and live music.

Location: 30 Esplanade Bulcock Beach, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

The Thirsty Beaver Bar & Kitchen

From generous servings of loaded fries and burgers to craft beers on tap, this place has the recipe for a great afternoon or evening with your pooch pal.

Location: 79 Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Golden Beach Tavern

Head to this family (and dog) friendly tavern for steak, schnitzels, and fresh seafood. Yum! 

Location: 32 Bowman Rd, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Dog-friendly parks, Caloundra

Caloundra has a number of parks where furry friends are welcome on the leash, and others where they can run free to their hearts’ content.

Gosling Park

Open grassy areas and shaded spots make this the perfect place for a leisurely stroll with your leashed pup.

Location: Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Coochin Park Dog Off-Leash Reserve

If you’re on the hunt for somewhere to let your furry friend loose, this park has a spacious, unfenced area for dogs to roam freely.

Location: Cooroy and, Coochin St, Dicky Beach QLD 4551, Australia

Ben Bennett Bushland Park

Ben Bennett Bushland Park is a 21-hectare natural reserve, featuring a network of walking trails through eucalyptus forests and coastal heaths. Pups are welcome here on a leash.

Location: Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Little Mountain Common Dog Park

Let your four-legged friend run free at this fenced-in dog park featuring agility equipment and grassy spaces. It's a great spot for your pooch pal to socialize and burn off some energy.

Location: 15 Phar Lap Ct, Little Mountain QLD 4551, Australia

Dog-friendly activities, Caloundra

Looking for something a little bit different? Here are a couple of dog-friendly activities to keep you and your pooch busy in Caloundra.

Caloundra Foreshore Walk

This 8km coastal walk starts at Bulcock Beach and heads towards Shelly Beach. Keep Fido on the leash (unless in designated off-leash areas) and explore this scenic, waterfront trail.

Location: Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia

Caloundra Street Fair

Held every Sunday from 8 am to 1 pm, this market features over 100 unique stalls, live entertainment, and delicious food. Don’t be surprised if there are more dogs than people here!

Location: Bulcock St, Caloundra QLD 4551, Australia​

Tips for pet parents in Caloundra

Time your beach visits

It’s often a good idea to avoid midday crowds when heading to the beach, but it’s especially important to check the clock if you’re visiting somewhere that only allows furry friends at specific times of day (like Moffat Beach). 

Be responsible

Always keep your pup on the leash in bushland parks to protect wildlife and keep things peaceful for other visitors. 

Plan ahead for time away

Going away sometime soon (or even in the distant future!)? Find your perfect pet sitter well in advance of your trip, so your furry family member can enjoy the in-home staycation they truly deserve. 

Tips for pet sitters in Caloundra

Pack for the sun

They don’t call it the Sunshine Coast for nothing! Caloundra summers can get warm, so make sure you come prepared and plan your time there accordingly. 

Stick to a routine

Pets love a routine, so stick to their usual feeding, walking, and playtime schedules to keep them happy and comfortable while their pet parents are away.

Try house sitting in Caloundra

Thinking about house sitting in Caloundra? Give it a go – it’s a great way to enjoy beachside living, cuddle some local pets, and explore the Sunshine Coast like a true local.