THE BEST DOG-FRIENDLY BEACHES TO VISIT THIS SUMMER

With temperatures soaring across the country, summer is officially beach season. And for dog owners, that means sandy paws, salty snouts and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun.

It also happens to be Walk Your Dog Month, which feels perfectly timed if your pup considers the beach their natural habitat.

The tricky part? Not every stretch of sand welcomes dogs, and many beaches change their rules between summer and winter. One wrong turn and you’re accidentally the villain of the foreshore.

To make things easier, PetSafe Brands has compiled a national list of dog-friendly beaches, along with a beach safety and etiquette checklist to help pet owners plan weekends, holidays, and spontaneous weekday adventures.

Dog-friendly beaches around Australia

Victoria

Inverloch, Anderson Inlet. Off-leash at all times between Grandview and Curtiss Street.

Beaumaris, Ricketts Point. Off-leash at all times between Surf Avenue and the Beaumaris Yacht Club.

Altona, Burns Reserve. Off-leash at all times and ideal for an easy seaside stroll.

Queensland

The Spit, Southport. On and off-leash areas along Seaworld Drive.

Stumers Creek Dog Beach, Coolum: Off-leash and always buzzing.

Manly Foreshore Dog Beach, Brisbane. Off-leash between the southern and northern rock walls.

New South Wales

Kurnell Dog Beach, Kurnell: A mix of on and off-leash areas.

Sharkies Beach, Coledale: Off-leash with serious surf-side appeal.

Nine Mile Beach, Tuncurry: Both off-leash and on-leash areas, so signage matters.

South Australia

Fisheries Beach, Cape Jervis: Off-leash and beautifully untamed.

Sellicks Beach, Sellicks Beach.: Another off-leash favourite with room to roam.

Henley Beach Foreshore, Henley Beach: On-leash during daylight savings between 10 am and 8 pm.

Western Australia

South Fremantle Dog Beach, Fremantle: Off-leash and hugely popular with locals.

Quinn’s Rock, Perth: Off-leash and perfect for high-energy pups.

Mosman-Leighton Dog Beach: Off-leash and ideal for long, scenic walks.

Here's your doggy checklist

A little prep goes a long way when you’re heading seaside with your dog. PetSafe and Kurgo’s checklist covers the essentials.

Before you even hit the sand, make sure your dog is set up to walk like a good pup. If you are visiting a leash-only beach, it is essential to pack a proper collar or harness.

The PetSafe 3 in 1 Harness and Car Restraint is designed to help dogs walk comfortably without pulling, making seaside strolls far more enjoyable for both of you.

Safety should also start in the car. Securing your dog with the Kurgo Heather Dog Booster Seat keeps them safe on the drive to and from the beach, and stops excited pups from becoming distractions behind the wheel.

Once you are near the water, remember that even confident swimmers can tire quickly. The Kurgo Surf N Turf Dog Life Jacket provides extra buoyancy and visibility, helping your pup stay afloat and safe while splashing about in the waves.

Hydration is just as important as playtime. Always bring fresh drinking water and a collapsible bowl such as the Kurgo Collaps A Bowl. Letting dogs drink seawater is a big no-no and a fast track to upset stomachs and an early end to beach fun.

Finally, be a beach hero and clean up after your dog. Carrying waste bags and using them helps keep beaches enjoyable for everyone and ensures dogs remain welcome.

A clean beach means more fetch, more splashing and a lot more wagging tails.