The Sunshine Coast of Queensland is one of our favourite pet friendly destinations. First and foremost, it’s got the most gorgeous accommodation, nestled amongst bush and beach settings and totally on board with four-legged guests.
Plus, there’s an array of cute dog friendly cafes, parks and even hikes to enjoy.
We’ve pulled together a round-up of all of the above, so you can have the best of Sunshine Coast at the snap of a finger!
PET FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION:
Mudjimba Beach House
This gorgeous holiday home is the ideal setting for your next beach holiday. Sleeping up to six people, it’s spacious, airy and always filled with a tropical breeze. There’s 2x queen beds, 2x single beds and 2x bathrooms, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ indoor and outdoor dining setting.
Perfect for families, there’s tons of board games, books, pool toys and DVDs. The pristine Mudjimba Beach is only a 10 minute walk away and is well worth a visit. But on the days where you barely want to move from the hammock? There’s a private swimming pool too!
This property is totally pet-friendly, with a secure, fenced backyard, outdoor dog bed and spare bowls for water and food. Well behaved pups are more than welcome inside on hard-floor areas.
When it comes to exploring, the surrounding area has plenty to offer. You can head to Mudjimba Beach on-leash or head to North Shore, which is not only off-leash but boasts calm waves and a fantastic picnic spot. Local tip? Take a leisurely walk around the headland and let your pup play in the rock pools.
Noosa Avalon Cottages
Nestled in a tranquil bush setting, Noosa Avalon Cottages is the perfect base to explore Noosa Hinterland. This pet-friendly, luxury farm-stay sits on 30 private acres of plentiful flora and fauna. It comprises of 5x fully furnished, self-contained cottages, each accommodating up to 6 people. From the Hideaway Cottage with two bedrooms and breathtaking Pinbarren Mountain views to the romantic Heritage Cottage, there’s something to suit every visitor. Whether you’re on a family holiday, heading off on your honeymoon or on a business retreat, you’ll feel totally off-the-grid while still enjoying all the creature comforts of a luxury stay.
Dogs are absolutely welcome at Noosa Avalon Cottages. Because there are plenty of natives and farm animals on the property, it’s important to keep them leashed when walking outside the accommodation. There’s plenty of space to roam and explore and you can be assured that the expansive grounds are entirely poison-free and eco-friendly. If you’re ready to venture off the property, you’re a stones throw from Lake Cootharaba, Eumundi markets, galleries, antique shops and Noosa’s best restaurants.
Coolum Ocean Views
This gorgeous rental provides stunning panoramic sea views across Coolum Beach, which are particularly enthralling during whale migration season. Enjoy these views from your deck, where you can enjoy the privacy of being perched amongst the trees and relax to the sounds of surf and local bird song.
Suitable for dual living, this three bedroom holiday accommodation is set on two levels – the first has its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and private deck, while the second offers two bedrooms, bathroom, furnished lounge and deck. You’ll love the tasteful furnishings and elegant paintings collected on the owner’s travels through the Middle East and Asia. Foxtel is available, alongside books, movies and boardgames, pay-as-you-go internet, air-conditioning and even a heated spa.
Your fur-baby is more than welcome, and you can rest assured the property has a secure fenced area particularly suitable for a small/medium sized dog. There’s plenty of leash-free parks in the local area, as well as dog friendly, leash-free and patrolled surf beaches, surf clubs, skate park and children’s playground and sensational cliff-top walks the whole family can enjoy.
PET FRIENDLY CAFES:
The Attic Cafe
If you’re hanging around the Alexandra Headland, this local gem has to be on your must-visit list. The Attic Cafe is much loved in the community, offering up fresh, wholesome food and a relaxed coastal vibe. Your doggies are most welcome here (and will likely be swarmed by staff looking for cuddles). One of the highlights? There’s usually sausage and steak treats up for grabs (for the four-legged visitors that is).
The menu is full of classic choices, from gourmet burgers, wraps and sandwiches, to light meals with seasonal salads. With plenty of fresh juices and a fridge of delish sweet treats, you’ll always leave satisfied. Pro tip? Everything tastes better after an early morning hike from Mooloolaba Spit to Alexandra Surf Club.
FOMO Cafe
This cafe is becoming such a Sunshine Coast hotspot that you certainly will get FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out – if you don’t stop by next time you’re in the area! This trendy eatery has tons of charm and better yet, the coffee has an epic reputation! Dogs are welcome inside FOMO and the seating is super comfy, with a cute outdoor area on offer too.
This is the perfect spot for meeting friends (with pups in tow). There’s delicious grazing boards (think cauliflower hummus, charcuterie, crispy bread and dukkah) and a solid takeaway menu. At the time of writing, this included classic avo toast, halloumi, egg and pesto wraps and some might fine garlic mushroom and grilled cheese toasties.
The Velo Project
This dog-friendly cafe can’t be missed on a visit to the Sunshine Coast! With a big focus on sustainability and locally sourced produce, their menu is fresh and delicious. Tuck into a banana, ginger and date loaf or treat yourself to the peri peri smoked chicken with grilled broccolini and roasted maple pumpkin. Their big brekky won’t disappoint either, with pork and fennel sausage, bacon, haloumi and smashed avo.
But the real attraction for pet-parents? Their divine doggie menu! With donuts, lattes and biscuits on offer, your pup can feel totally spoilt while feasting on doggie-safe flavourings. The peanut butter, lactose-free milkshake and the rice beef carob crackle are total (canine) crowd-pleasers!
PET FRIENDLY WALKS:
Gary Evans Walkway, Nambour
If you’re spending time in Nambour, Gary Evans Walkway is a must-visit during the week. This dog friendly walk is located right in the centre of Nambour and offers some gorgeous green space for your pooch to enjoy. There are plenty of paved walkways, shaded spots and picnic areas. The 3km-long Gary Evans Walkway follows the banks of Petrie Creek and has a dog exercise area available Monday to Fridays.
Your four-legged companions can be off-leash as long as they are well supervised. It’s also a great spot for kids too, as Petrie Park encompasses the Model Railway – steam and diesel miniature trains that run on the fourth Sunday of every month.
Noosa Botanic Gardens
This is a gorgeous spot if you’re in the mood for a stroll and some sight-seeing, but don’t want anything too intensive. Spanning eight hectares, Noosa Botanic Gardens boast an abundance of wildlife, a lily pond, winding paths and even an open-air bush chapel.
It’s a great option for the whole family, with kids playground facilities and 24/7 access for pooches, as long as they’re on leash. With doggie litter bags, BBQ facilities, an amphitheatre, toilets and drinking water, you’ll have everything you need for a great walk and a fun day out.
Buderim Palmwoods Heritage Tramway Walk
If you’re stopping by Buderim, check out the Heritage Tramway Walk. This 4km return walk is a dog friendly and allow your pooch to join the proceeding, as long as they stay on leash. The track is moderate intensity, with a gentle gradient and a wheelchair-friendly access ramp.
There’s lot of historical plaques and information boards along the way too, so you can easily pass an hour or so while exploring. Be sure to bring fresh water for you and your fur-babies and be warned – there aren’t toilets en route!
PET FRIENDLY PARKS:
Stumers Creek, Coolum
Situated right on the beach, Coolum’s Stumers Creek is a favourite amongst pet parents. There’s a very popular off-leash area that is always teeming with kids and dogs alike. And you have easy access to the saltwater creek – which means you are definitely going to want to pack a towel! There’s parking directly on Stumers Creek Road, or you might prefer to mosey along the 2.5km promenade, pooch by your side.
Buddina Park, Point Cartwright Reserve
Buddina Park is the perfect stop if you want to enjoy the coastal vibes, without bringing an entire beach-load of sand back in your dog’s fur. With a grassy open area and several hillside paths, there’s plenty of room for your pup to play off-leash. Plus, you can always bunker down on the park benches and soak up views of the surf.
Buderim Dog Park
This park is custom-build for pooches, with a large grassed area and secure fencing to keep everyone safe! We love sitting back in the undercover gazebo while your pups roam free. Buderim Dog Park is open in daylight hours, free of charge.
If you’re coming there with a small dog, then make sure to use the additional fenced area dedicated just to canines of a certain stature! This dedicated space means that your timid or tiny pooch won’t come face-to-face with some of the bigger, rowdier visitors.