In Byron Bay, you can experience your dream holiday alongside your dog, where the sun, surf and sand form the ideal backdrop. Our 2025 guide offers the definitive list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Byron Bay, ensuring every outing blends adventure with relaxation. Together, wander the shimmering coastline, embracing the freedom and beauty of the area’s welcoming shores. Whether you’re chasing early-morning playtime or a sunset stroll, these Byron Bay dog beaches offer something special for every pup and every pace.
And if you’re planning a stay, you’ll find pet-friendly accommodation here at Beach Suites, just steps from the sand.
1. Belongil Beach
Belongil Beach is less than a 5 minute walk from Beach Suites
Belongil Beach is a dream spot for pet owners and their furry friends, offering a peaceful place to unwind and move about freely. Located conveniently close to the well-loved Treehouse cafe, this beach provides a picturesque setting for unhurried walks and refreshing swims. Off-leash areas allow for carefree frolics along the inviting stretch, while adherence to local guidelines ensures a safe environment for all.
2. Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is a 23 minute drive from Beach Suites
If it’s your first time to Byron, we highly recommend a trip down to Seven Mile Beach. Known for its vast stretches of sand, where your dog can abandon their leash and sprint to their heart’s content. The ample room allows visitors to swim, throw down a picnic, or just soak up the sun – there’s room for everyone at Seven Mile Beach.
3. South Golden Beach
Seven Mile Beach is a 25 minute drive from Beach Suites
South Golden Beach is a secluded costal haven, perfect for you and your four-legged pals. Picture your dog dashing by the surf, kicking up sand in the off-leash zones – they can’t get enough of it. It’s the kind of place where you can kick back while your furry buddy frolics freely. Think of South Golden Beach as your go-to getaway, where every visit feels like a serene day out for you and your pet.
4. New Brighton Beach
Belongil Beach is a 27 minute drive from Beach Suites
Just up the road from Byron Bay, past South Golden Beach, you’ll stumble upon the local secret – New Brighton Beach. It’s a great place for the kids to build sandcastles and your dog can run around to their heart’s content, all in designated off-leash areas. Pack a picnic, grab your beach toys, and discover what makes New Brighton such a fantastic beach for families, friends and pups.
5. Tallow Beach / Suffolk Park
Tallow Beach Dog Exercise Area is a 11 minute drive from Beach Suites
If you’re looking to venture slightly beyond the heart of Byron Bay, Tallow Beach in Suffolk Park is a local favourite for dog lovers. With a generous off-leash section stretching from Jarman Street down to the Boundary of Broken Head Nature Reserve, this stretch is perfect for a long run or a relaxed coastal stroll with your pup. It’s quieter than central beaches and loved by locals for its wide open space and relaxed vibe.
Tips for a Stress-Free Beach Day with Your Dog
- Preparation is Key: Before heading out, check weather forecasts and beach regulations, especially those regarding leash areas. Pack essentials including fresh water (enough for you and your pet), a bowl, doggie bags, and sunscreen for both of you.
- Safety First: Always keep an eye on your furry friend, ensuring they’re comfortable and safe from hazards like strong currents or hot sand. Remember, not all dogs are strong swimmers, so consider a doggy life jacket if venturing into deeper water.
- Respect Shared Spaces: Ensure your dog is well-behaved and responsive to commands, especially in off-leash areas.
Navigating Beach Guidelines
Ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit for all starts with understanding Byron Bay’s beach guidelines. As a responsible pet owner, keeping your dog under control and respecting leash regulations are key to a harmonious beach experience. Stay informed about designated off-leash areas and always clean up after your pet.
Book a Pet-friendly Stay at Beach Suites
Whether you’re staying in town or exploring the surrounding coastline, Byron Bay’s dog-friendly beaches offer plenty of space for pets to roam and relax. From the popular sands of Belongil to the laid-back vibe of Tallow Beach, there’s a stretch of shoreline to suit every pup’s personality.
Planning a coastal stay with your furry companion? Consider a stay at Beach Suites, where our pet-friendly accommodation welcomes your furry friends with special treats, a comfy food bowl, and a luxurious bed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Although dog-friendly, this doesn’t mean that there isn’t still etiquette to keep in mind:
- Even if it depends beach to beach on whether leashing is mandatory when outside an off-leash area, it’s important to be respectful of other beachgoers and owners, and know whether or not your dog is fine interacting with others.
- Having an established recall is second to this; although these beaches allow for dogs to be unleashed, this should assume that your pet won’t bother other walkers and beachgoers, harm surrounding amenities and environment, and more.
- Being well-socialised is related to this; if your dog is territorial or behaviourally aggressive towards others, you’ll be liable for incidents that they might incur.
The best beach to take your dog is ultimately case by case;
- For those visiting for the first time, we’d recommend Seven Mile for its large, versatile open space.
- For those who are more local to the area, Tallow Beach is a go-to, owing to its particular surfbreak conditions that make it a favourite among intermediate family surfers, not to mention its picturesque, sunny beach strip. Being a little further separated from the centre of the bay, the area attracts a smaller crowd, making it a great spot for your pup to enjoy the space.
- Where you’re around the bay’s beachfront, Belongil Beach is a must-go for its position just opposite our array of accommodations! The area is nicknamed ‘The Wreck’ for its epic surfbreak around a series of shipwrecks originally blown ashore in the area.
Although it depends on your breed, once temperatures begin to reach beyond 25℃, it’s advised that you do a quick 5 second test – lay the back of your hand against surrounding pavement or another similar solid surface, and if it’s too hot to bear within 5 seconds, it’s more than likely too hot for your dog. Aspects of overheating, dehydration and excessive drooling also become tell-tale signs, in these scenarios.