Travelling with Dogs in Maroochydore (2026 Rules)

Written By LOEA

Maroochydore is a really easy place to explore with your dog by your side, whether that’s an early morning beach walk or a slow afternoon stroll along the river. Before you let them off the lead though, it’s worth getting a feel for where dogs are welcome and where they need to stay on-leash. 

With the updated Sunshine Coast dog rules coming in from July 2026, a few beaches, parks and reserves now have different access conditions. This guide will help you quickly understand the rules and find the best spots to enjoy Maroochydore together.

Travelling to Maroochydore with a Dog: What to Know Before You Go

On the Sunshine Coast, the default position is that dogs must be on a leash in public areas unless you are in a designated off-leash area. In off-leash areas, you still need to supervise your dog and be able to control it.

From 3 July 2026, updated local laws changed dog access across the Sunshine Coast. Before heading out, keep these simple rules in mind:

  • Check the location first: Dog access can be on-leash, off-leash or prohibited depending on the exact area.

  • Follow signs and maps: Some beaches now have seasonal or time-based restrictions, so check the Council's current dog map before you visit.

  • Keep dogs away from restricted spaces: Dogs are prohibited from coastal dunes, sports playing fields and areas within five metres of children's playgrounds or BBQ facilities, unless specific signage says otherwise.

  • Stay in control: Even in an off-leash area, your dog must respond to voice commands and must not interfere with other people or wildlife.

  • Clean up after your dog: Carry waste bags and dispose of dog droppings properly.

  • Keep your dog registered: Queensland and Sunshine Coast requirements apply to dog registration, so visitors staying longer or travelling with their own registered pet should ensure their registration details are current.

But there are still plenty of places to enjoy together. The Sunshine Coast has around 34km of dog-friendly coastline, including about 16km of off-leash beach areas, plus more than 1,600km of on-leash pathways. The key is choosing the right spot and checking its current conditions before setting off.

Planning to explore beyond Maroochydore? Continue with our guide to exploring the Sunshine Coast with your furry friend for more pet-friendly places and travel ideas.

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches and Outdoor Places Around Maroochydore

1. Dog Beach, Mudjimba

  • Location: Unit 138/80 N Shore Rd, Twin Waters QLD 4564

  • Best for: Off-leash beach walks, swimming, playing fetch and letting dogs burn off some energy

  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for a cooler, more relaxed beach outing

For a proper beach day with your dog, the Mudjimba South off-leash area is one of the most useful nearby options. Under the 2026 changes, Council introduced a 670m off-leash beach area at Mudjimba South as part of the updated Maroochy North Shore arrangements. It is a great choice when your dog needs more than a gentle walk. Bring water, a towel and a favourite toy, then let them enjoy the sand and sea while you take in the open coastal scenery. Check the latest signs and Council map before setting off, as nearby sections have different rules.

2. Unfenced Dog Leash-Free Park

  • Location: 361 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore

  • Best for: Off-leash exercise, running, play and socialising with other dogs

  • Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, especially on warmer days

If your dog would rather chase a ball than splash in the ocean, this dedicated off-leash space on Bradman Avenue is a practical stop in Maroochydore. It gives dogs room to exercise while owners can stay close and supervise.

As with any off-leash area, keep your dog responsive to your voice and respectful of other dogs, people and wildlife. Council requires owners to supervise their dogs, carry waste bags and maintain effective control even when the lead is off.

Source: San Diego Union-Tribune

3. Cotton Tree Park

Cotton Tree Park is a lovely place to slow the day down with your dog. Set beside the Maroochy River, it has shaded areas, pathways, picnic facilities and plenty of space to enjoy the scenery. It works particularly well for travellers who want a gentler outing rather than an off-leash run. Keep your dog on a lead where required and stay clear of playgrounds and BBQ areas, as dogs are not permitted within five metres of these facilities under the Council's rules.

Source: Queensland

4. Adolph Blanck Park

  • Location: 82 Picnic Point Esplanade, Maroochydore

  • Best for: A short on-leash walk, relaxing outdoors and combining a dog walk with a riverside outing

  • Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and a quieter feel

Adolph Blanck Park is a smaller, leafy park within walking distance of the Maroochy River, with natural shade, seating and an open grass area. It is more suited to a calm stop than a dedicated dog run.

For visitors staying nearby, it can be an easy place to stretch your legs with your dog without planning a full excursion. Keep your dog on-leash unless the area is specifically signed as off-leash, and be mindful of the children's playground and shared park spaces.

Dog-Friendly Cafés and Places to Eat in Maroochydore

5. The Velo Project, Mooloolaba

The Velo Project is an easy pick for a laid-back breakfast with your four-legged travel buddy. The café is known for its relaxed, community feel, locally sourced food and a dedicated Dogue Menu, making it a fun stop for both owners and dogs.

Come early for breakfast and coffee, then take your time over a meal while your dog settles beside you. Its opening hours run from 6:30 am to 2 pm daily, so it works particularly well as the first stop of a dog-friendly morning.

Source: The Velo Project Cafe

6. Alley Cat Coolum Beach

Alley Cat has the relaxed, local feel you want after a morning out with your dog. It is a good place to grab coffee and breakfast before heading towards the beach or exploring further around Coolum.

The café opens from early morning, with longer Friday and Saturday hours, so you can make it part of an early dog-walking routine or a slower weekend outing. If you are sitting with your dog, stick to permitted outdoor areas and check with staff when you arrive.

Source: Alley Cat Coolum Beach

7. Land & Sea - Noosa Brewing Company

If you are happy to drive a little further north, Land & Sea Brewery is a fun option for a more social outing. The spacious brewery setting, food and craft drinks make it easy to turn a dog walk into a longer lunch or afternoon stop. It is also reported as dog-friendly, with outdoor seating that works well for owners travelling with their pets. Bring your dog along, settle into the relaxed atmosphere and enjoy some local food while they hang out beside you.

Source: Brisbane Localista

8. SIP Maroochydore

SIP is a handy option when you want to stay close to central Maroochydore. Its Duporth Avenue location makes it easy to combine breakfast or coffee with a walk around the Maroochy River area.

For a dog-friendly visit, choose an appropriate outdoor table and keep your dog settled beside you while you enjoy your meal. It is particularly convenient for an early start, with the café opening from 6 am daily. Check with the venue before arrival if you need a specific dog-friendly table.

Source: SIP Maroochydore

9. Caloundra Headland Foreshore Reserve

Caloundra is a lovely option for a slower coastal outing with your dog, but check the exact section before you go. Dogs are prohibited around Kings Beach itself, while the coastal pathway can be used with dogs on-leash.

For an easy stroll, keep your dog beside you on the lead and enjoy the ocean views. It is a better choice for walking and sightseeing than letting your dog run free on the beach.

11. Mudjimba Beach

Mudjimba is one of the most convenient choices for a proper dog beach day near Maroochydore. Under the updated 2026 rules, dogs can go off-leash between Beach Access 127 and 130, giving visitors a dedicated stretch for beach exercise. A seasonal closure also applies to a separate 500m section of the southern spit from October to April.

Bring a ball, towel and plenty of water, then enjoy a relaxed few hours by the coast. Just check the Council map and beach signs before you let your dog off-leash, as access can change between nearby sections.

10. Noosa Spit

If your dog loves a good run, Noosa Spit is well worth the drive from Maroochydore. The river-side section of Noosa Spit, between Woods Park and the river mouth, is a designated off-leash area, while Doggy Beach is also officially listed as an off-leash beach.

It is an easy place to spend a few hours together. Bring water and a toy, let your dog explore and play, then enjoy a relaxed walk along the river before heading back to Maroochydore.

12. Alexandra Headland Beach

Alexandra Headland is a beautiful place to enjoy the Sunshine Coast scenery, but it is not a straightforward dog-friendly beach in 2026. Dogs are prohibited around Beach Access 156–163, including the northern end of the skate bowl, so visitors should check the current map before bringing a dog here.

If you want an uncomplicated off-leash beach outing, Mudjimba is the better choice. Save Alexandra Headland for a scenic walk only where dogs are permitted and keep your dog on-leash where required.

Dog-Friendly Places to Explore Near Maroochydore 

Plan Your Day with Pet in Maroochydore

Make the most of your Sunshine Coast getaway by planning a relaxed day with your pet, balancing beach time, café stops, and scenic walks around Maroochydore’s dog-friendly spots together easily.

Morning Afternoon Evening
Start with an early walk along the Maroochy River or a permitted dog-friendly area. Keep your dog on-leash unless you are inside a signed off-leash zone. Take your dog for a longer outing at a designated off-leash area, such as Mudjimba South, and allow time for a run and swim. Return to your accommodation for a rest, then enjoy a relaxed dinner or outdoor café stop where pets are permitted.
Stop for breakfast and coffee at a pet-friendly outdoor dining area. Cool down with water, shade and a quiet break. Avoid hot sand and the hottest part of the day. Finish with a gentle riverside stroll before settling in for the night.
Best for: Starting the day before the heat builds. Best for: Exercise, play and exploring together. Best for: A slower finish after a busy day outdoors.

Choosing Your Pet-Friendly Stays around Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast 

A comfortable pet-friendly stay gives you an easy base for beach walks, riverside adventures, café stops and relaxed days together.

Loea Boutique Hotel is a stylish coastal retreat at 361 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore, positioned near the Maroochy River and designed for exploring the Sunshine Coast. The hotel offers pet-friendly rooms by direct booking and prior arrangement, with a pet cleaning fee applying.

  • Luxury magnesium pool and tropical garden: Relax around the walled garden and outdoor magnesium pool after a day exploring with your pet.

  • Complimentary bikes for local exploring: Take advantage of free bike hire to discover the nearby river and local surroundings.

  • Stylish coastal rooms with luxury bedding: Enjoy a comfortable retreat with king-size beds, luxury bedding and private outdoor decks.

  • Pet-friendly and close to Whale Watching on the Sunshine Coast: Stay close to the Maroochy River and use Loea as a convenient base for exploring Sunshine Coast experiences.

Book your stay today! Make Loea Boutique Hotel your stylish pet-friendly base in Maroochydore and enjoy an easy Sunshine Coast getaway with your four-legged companion.

FAQs About Travelling with Dogs in Maroochydore

  • North Shore Beach at Twin Waters is a great option, with off-leash access around Beach Access 132 to 136. For more space, Stumers Creek and other nearby designated areas also offer excellent spots for dogs to run, swim and explore.

  • You bet! The Nines Emporium is a welcoming choice for travellers with dogs, offering outdoor seating where your pup can relax alongside you. It is open 7 days for breakfast and lunch, making it an easy stop after a morning walk or beach outing.

  • Dogs generally need to stay on-leash unless you are in a signed off-leash area. Always clean up after your dog, avoid dunes and prohibited zones, and check signs at each beach access point for the latest local rules.

LOEA
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