Heading to Noosa Heads with your four-legged companion? You're in for a treat! Discover tail-waggingly good walking trails, dog-friendly restaurants, and other pup-approved Noosa activities.
Planning your own great escape (or just need a helping paw)? Find amazing house sitting opportunities in Noosa Heads or connect with a wonderful Noosa Heads pet sitter to care for your precious pet.
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Best dog parks in Noosa Heads
Let your pup stretch their legs and make new friends at these awesome off-leash dog parks.
Alec Dan Park
A popular off-leash area for local pups near Weyba Creek, offering plenty of space to run and sniff around. It's easily accessible and an excellent place for pup socializing.
Location: Cooyar St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Tewantin Noosa Lions Park
Located along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville, this park provides lovely river views and grassy areas for dogs to play freely. A favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Location: Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566, Australia
Sunshine Beach dog off-leash area (north)
Accessed via beach access point 27 (Seaview Terrace) and extending north towards the Noosa National Park boundary, this section of Sunshine Beach offers a huge sandy playground for energetic pups.
Location: Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach QLD 4567, Australia
Dog-friendly restaurants in Noosa Heads
Grab a bite to eat with your best mate by your side at these welcoming eateries, many boasting lovely pet-friendly outdoor seating.
Bistro C
Tuck into some modern Australian cuisine with stunning beachfront views from Bistro C’s stylish boardwalk seating on Hastings Street. Perfect for sunset cocktails with your well-behaved furry friend in their pet-friendly outdoor seating area.
Location: 49 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Noosa Boathouse
Floating on the river, this restaurant offers fantastic seafood and views from its decks. Downstairs, pups are welcome in their friendly outdoor seating area – although it’s always best to call ahead and confirm for waterfront seats.
Location: 194 Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566, Australia
Bombetta
Bombetta is a chic Italian eatery in Noosa Heads known for its rustic dishes, pizzas, and house-made gnocchi. They have some outdoor seating where dogs are accommodated (just make sure to give them a call to check for availability).
Location: Unit 3/75 Noosa Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Fun dog-friendly activities in Noosa Heads
Beyond the usual walks and park visits, make sure to try these fun outings with your pup.
Explore the Noosa Farmers Market or Peregian Beach Market
Many local markets welcome dogs on leashes. Browse through fresh produce and artisan goods, and grab a coffee while your pup meets new friends in the lively atmosphere. Remember to keep them close and comfortable in crowds. The Eumundi Markets are another large and popular option nearby, and they often welcome leashed dogs.
Cost: Free entry (purchases separate)
Date and time: Noosa Farmers Market (Sundays), Peregian Beach Market (1st & 3rd Sunday mornings), Eumundi Markets (Wednesdays & Saturdays)
Location: Various – check specific market websites for locations and confirm current dog policies.
Hire a dog-friendly boat on the Noosa River
Some boat hire companies along the Noosa River allow dogs on board for a cruise. It's a unique way to see the sights from the water with your first mate! Don’t forget to check individual company policies before booking.
Cost: Varies by hire company and duration
Date and time: Dependent on the hire company's operating hours
Location: Various operators along Gympie Terrace, Noosaville.
Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)
If your dog has good sea legs (or river legs!), why not try paddleboarding together on the calm Noosa River? There are several places to rent boards, and some may allow pups – just check with the rental providers first. Once you get the hang of it, it can be a fun experience for both of you.
Cost: Varies by hire company
Date and time: Dependent on the hire company's operating hours
Location: Various operators along Gympie Terrace, Noosaville & Noosa Main Beach.
Best dog-friendly walks in Noosa Heads
Lace up your shoes and hit these invigorating, dog-friendly walking trails in Noosa. Remember, dogs are generally not permitted in most areas of Noosa National Park itself, but some adjacent trails allow them on a leash.
Noosa Spit Recreation Reserve walk
An easy, flat walk around the sandy Noosa Spit, offering beautiful river and ocean views. It features the popular off-leash “Doggy Beach” area on the riverside. Just make sure to keep dogs on a leash in other signed areas.
Location: Claude Batten Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Length: Approx 2-3 km loop
Noosa River walk (Gympie Terrace)
A paved, flat path that stretches along the Noosa River in Noosaville – perfect for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of cafés (some dog-friendly) and places to sit and take in the views. Dogs are required to be on a leash on this walk.
Location: Gympie Terrace, Noosaville QLD 4566, Australia
Length: Variable (up to several km)
Sunshine Beach to Noosa National Park coastal path (on-leash section)
While dogs aren't allowed deep within the main National Park, they are permitted on-leash along the coastal track section that connects Sunshine Beach northward to the park entrance, offering stunning ocean vistas.
Location: 60-62 Park Road, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Length: Variable (Part of the longer 10.8km Coastal Walk)
The best dog-friendly cafes in Noosa Heads
Grab a coffee and a treat with your pup at these welcoming establishments. It's the paw-fect way to relax and spend some quality time together.
Moonstruck Noosa
Looking for a stylish spot on Hastings Street for coffee by day and cocktails or cheese by night? Moonstruck features outdoor seating where well-behaved dogs are welcome to join their humans.
Location: 5 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Aromas Noosa
With classic Parisian-style alfresco tables overlooking the bustling street, Aromas is great for people-watching (and dog-watching!). It's the ideal place for breakfast or a coffee, with your leashed companion right beside you.
Location: 32 Hastings St, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Chalet & Co (near Sunrise Beach)
Start your morning at this laid-back, pet-friendly café offering excellent coffee just a stone’s throw from the beach. After fueling up, stroll down to Sunrise Beach, where you and your pup can enjoy a splash in the surf and some sunshine together.
Location: 4/2–6 Belmore Terrace, Sunrise Beach QLD 4567, Australia
Annual dog events in Noosa Heads
Looking for more fun outings with your furry bestie? You’ve come to the right place. Mark your calendar for these fur-tastic local events!
VetShopAustralia Surfing Dog Championships
Part of the Noosa Festival of Surfing, this is arguably the most pup-ular event of the year! Watch talented pups on surfboards at Main Beach at this paw-some spectacle raising awareness for pet health.
Cost: Free for spectators
Date and time: Annually in March (Check Noosa Festival of Surfing website for exact dates/times – usually a Saturday afternoon)
Location: Main Beach
A Dog's Life: Pet Expo
Get ready for a paw-some day out at the annual* A Dog's Life: Pet Expo, celebrating our furry friends along the beautiful Noosa River! Explore dozens of stalls featuring unique pet products, treats, and services, as well as enjoy live music and educational talks. It’s a fantastic opportunity for pets and their humans to socialize, learn about pet health, watch fun demonstrations, and experience interactive play zones together.
*This is an annual event, so please follow the organisers for information on upcoming events.
The best dog-friendly pubs in Noosa Heads
Fancy a cold one with your canine pal? These pubs have dog-friendly outdoor areas.
Heads of Noosa Brewing Co.
While technically a brewery, Heads of Noosa features a fantastic taproom with a spacious, pet-friendly outdoor area. With craft beers and tasty food truck offerings, and your pup relaxing by your side, there’s no better place to be!
Location: 85 Rene St, Noosaville QLD 4566, Australia
Miss Moneypenny's Noosa
Known for its stylish vibe, cocktails, and Mediterranean food, Miss Moneypenny's has an outdoor area where dogs are welcome. It's always best to check first, especially during busy periods.
Dog-friendly beaches near Noosa Heads
Noosa is famous for its stunning coastline. Discover these dog-friendly beaches where your pup can feel the sand between their paws. Be sure to check local signage for specific on- and off-leash rules and times.
Cooloola Recreation Area
While most of Great Sandy National Park is off-limits to pups (including all of K'gari/Fraser Island), there’s still a slice of sandy paradise where your dog is welcome! In the Cooloola Recreation Area near Noosa, you’ll find a designated stretch along Noosa North Shore where leashed dogs can enjoy the beach too. Just be sure to stick to the rules to help protect the local wildlife, especially the resident dingoes!
Location: Cooloola Recreation Area section near Noosa North Shore
Noosa Spit (doggy beach)
Located on the river side of Noosa Spit (just head down Claude Batten Drive), this off-leash beach is a local fave. With calm waters, it’s ideal for a splash, a paddle, or a sunrise zoomie session!
Location: Claude Batten Dr, Noosa Heads QLD 4567, Australia
Sunshine Beach (north end)
The northern end of Sunshine Beach – starting from beach access 27 and stretching toward the National Park headland – is a designated off-leash zone. It’s a sandy playground for wave-loving pups!
Location: Access via Seaview Terrace, Sunshine Beach QLD 4567, Australia
Marcus Beach
Marcus Beach (just south of Sunshine Beach) is a doggy dream! Accessible from points 38 to 47, this long, open stretch is perfect for off-leash adventures and a good beachside sprint.
Location: 51 Tristania Drive, Marcus Beach QLD 4573
Peregian Beach (on-leash areas)
Peregian is a beautiful, quiet stretch of beach – ideal for a peaceful walk or run with your dog. It's not usually busy, which is appealing to dogs who prefer a bit of space and pet parents looking for a more relaxed vibe.
Location: Sunshine Beach Dog Off Leash Area - Beach Access #29 and North
Tips for pet parents
Living the dream in dog-friendly Noosa Heads, where beach walks turn into daily adventures and cafés welcome wagging tails! Whether you're lucky enough to live here or are planning a visit with your four-legged family member, you’ll soon see why this place is so special.
To help you and your pup make the most of it, we’ve rounded up a few essential local tips.
Soak up the sun at local beaches and parks
Noosa Shire is packed with awesome off-leash and on-leash areas for you and your furry sidekick. Check out the Noosa Council website to get the lowdown on designated zones and times. Even in off-leash areas, good voice control is a must! Local faves like Sunshine Beach North and Doggy Beach at the Spit are ideal for sandy paws and wagging tails.
Be prepared for the Queensland weather
Noosa’s weather is usually amazing, but those summer pavements can get toasty! Beat the heat by walking your pup early or late in the day. Keep an eye out for surprise tropical showers, too; a lightweight doggy raincoat can be a lifesaver.
Sniff out dog-friendly stays in Noosa Heads
Planning a staycation or visiting from out of town? Noosa has many accommodation options where both you and your pup will feel right at home. From relaxed holiday parks like Ingenia Holidays Noosa to the pet-welcoming At The Sound Noosa Motel, plus heaps of holiday rentals, you’re sure to find the paw-fect place to stay!
Find a trusty pet sitter
Heading off on a holiday without your furry sidekick? Don’t worry – your pet can stay comfy and happy at home with a reliable in-home pet sitter. Vets agree that pets feel most secure in familiar surroundings, so it’s a win-win! Want to learn more about how to keep your pet (and home) safe while you’re away? Just click below:
Finding a pet sitter
Tips for pet sitters
House sitting in Noosa Heads? You’re in for a paw-some time! Here’s how to make the most of your stay, with your temporary furry sidekick in tow.
Start your day at a dog-friendly café
Kick things off like a true local! Grab a great coffee and hang out with your pup at Costa Noosa Espresso in Sunshine Beach, or enjoy the riverside vibes along Gympie Terrace in Noosaville after a soothing morning walk. Many cafes offer outdoor seating, so just check for water bowls or bring one along.
Discover off-leash dog beaches
Noosa’s beaches are famous for a reason, and many welcome dogs! The off-leash area at the northern end of Sunshine Beach is spacious and ideal for active dogs. For something calmer, check out Doggy Beach at the Noosa Spit. Don’t forget to check local signs for leash rules and beach boundaries.
Explore Noosa Heads through house sitting
There's no better way to explore Noosa Heads than by living like a local. House sitting gives you a chance to stay in this stunning destination without the cost of a hotel – and you'll get plenty of tail wags in return. Stroll down Hastings Street, chill by the river, or hit the trails (where pets are allowed) – your pet-sitting Noosa adventure is just getting started!
Finding a house sit
More dog-friendly travel guides near Noosa Heads
Thinking about house sitting near Noosa Heads, visiting a nearby town with your canine companion, or welcoming a pet sitter soon? Explore our travel guides below for dog-friendly places to visit, along with local tips and advice.
