If you have a four-legged friend of the canine variety, you’ll know how fun it is for both of you when you’ve got the freedom to walk and run in the open. Sadly there are very few off-leash dog beaches in Brisbane - luckily, dog parks and beaches in Moreton Bay Region are plentiful and beautiful. So grab the leash and check out the places you have to leave it on and the places you can take it off - and take off!
First up, a quick dog beach etiquette reminder:
Dogs may be exercised on a leash on the foreshore between Red Beach access off Tully Street, Bongaree, heading east along the beach for a distance of about 700 metres.
At this point there is signage installed indicating the end of the on-leash area and the commencement of the off-leash area.A few changes have been made at Beachmere Beach recently for dogs. The foreshore north of Prince Street to opposite the end of Louise Drive is now on-leash only.
To compensate, you can now exercise your dog on the leash all the way from the southern end of Biggs Avenue from opposite the end of Louise Drive. Try the foreshore parkland adjacent to Timothy Esplanade, Bakers Flat Road as well.
Dogs are allowed on-leash in the foreshore area on South Esplanade from Edith Street to the south.
Dogs are allowed on-leash on the foreshore at Godwin Beach, including the grassed area adjacent to the Esplanade. This is another good option for little kids and their dogs.
There’s a lovely on-leash spot on the Esplanade from The Crescent, north to the creek.
There are a few good areas in Deception Bay where your dog can run free, including the foreshore between Wallin Avenue and Beach Road and between Seaview Parade and Windlass Street. This is a terrific place to bring your toddler and dog as the beach is huge, flat and shallow.
Another option is on the leash on the foreshore from the boat ramp adjacent to Wallin Avenue to Webster Road, but only along the walking path.
There are some great options for taking your dog for a walk on the leash in Redcliffe. Try any beach between the Houghton Highway and Woody Point Jetty, Clontarf and Woody Point, and any beach between Jamieson Park and Endeavour Park, Scarborough.
The only Redcliffe dog beach on the peninsula is Queens Beach, a 600 metre stretch of sand between Scarborough Beach in the north and Osbourne Point in the south. If you are looking for a spot to let your furry friend run wild, find a 357m stretch off-leash beach area between the rock groyne at the northern end of Queens Beach and the stairs to the beach on Flinders Parade near Griffith Road.
If you are just looking for a quiet stroll with the sand between your toes (and paws) find the on-leash area between the stairs to the beach on Flinders Parade near Griffith Road, heading south to the rock groyne at the southern end.
There’s also a massive dog park at Kroll Gardens, Clontarf that boasts an agility course as well as bushy nooks and crannies for active dogs to explore. Find it on the corner of Snook Street and Duffield Road with the entrance off Duffield Road. Check the wind direction as it backs onto the water treatment plant!
Ultramarine Parade Park in Griffin is fully fenced for off-leash play.
Dogs are welcome off-leash at Sunstone Circuit Park on the corner of Sunstone and Bonnet Parades. Pop in here before hitting the Deception Bay Dog Beach.
Take your dog for a run off-leash at Blatchford Reserve. Murrumba Downs is conveniently located for Brisbane families wanting to get out and about with their dogs!
North Lakes has a couple of good off-leash areas. Aurora Boulevard Park and Woodside playing fields are both fully fenced. Check out other things to do in North Lakes here.
For an off-leash run check out Bleakley Park on Old Northern Road.
William Scott Park, Bunya Road opposite Arlington Drive, is another great spot for off-leash play.
Les Hughes Reserve in Baker Street has excellent facilities for off-leash activities.
Bunya Crossing Reserve Swimming Hole is a favourite for many. Hidden smack bang in the middle of the 'burbs this spot is perfect for an on-leash doggie swim. If you're more interested in a heart pumping walk, visit the beautiful Bunyaville State Forest Park and spend some quiet time experiencing nature with your best friend.
There are a couple of off-leash areas in Burpengary including Pump Station Reserve at the end of Springfield Drive Park as well as the fenced dog enclosure in Crendon street and the parkland adjacent to Burpengary boat ramp at the end of O’Leary Ave.
Leash free areas include the fenced dog enclosure on the corner of Grout Street and Rowe Street. There’s another fenced dog enclosure at Centenary Lakes – behind houses in Elliott Street and adjacent to Riverview Street (featured below). You can also take your dog off-leash in the park adjacent to Bluebell Street and Central Lakes. For an on-leash walk check out the grassed areas from the Caboolture River walk-bridge along the land adjacent to the Caboolture River to Centenary Lakes. The park adjacent to Bellmere Road and Wararba Creek also has a good area for taking your dog out on the leash.
The open grassed area western end of the Arboretum bounded by the billabongs, tree line, river, private property and houses in Mainsail Drive is a good place for off-leash fun. On the leash, you’ll find the walking track and grassed area from the Caboolture River walk-bridge west to the Arboretum ideal.
It’s on-leash only at Tinney Road Park and Darley Road. There are tons to do in Caboolture while you’re out and about, learn more here.
There’s just the one off-leash area at Carramar Reserve on Alma Road.
Draper has a fully fenced area at Sargent Reserve on Bunya Crossing Road to take your dog off-leash.
The western section of the treed area of the Elimbah Sports and Recreation Reserve on Rose Creek Road is an off-leash area.
Apex Park, Apex Grove has a fully fenced area for your dog to play off-leash. This is a smaller dog park hidden away behind the shopping centre– you may need to do a little exploring to find it!
Sylvia Gibbs Park is 75% fenced with access from Nyora Street.
Thomsett Park on Olakuna Crescent is fully fenced.
Freshwater Reserve on Park Grove Court is fully fenced for off-leash fun.
There are a couple of options in Morayfield. For off-leash, Glenwood Drive drainage easement on the western side of the concrete drain as well as the fenced dog enclosure at the parkland in Grogan road are well-loved. On-leash, check out the parkland behind houses in Jonkers Court bounded by Walkers Road and Sheep Station Creek, as well as Glenwood Drive drainage easement on the eastern side of the concrete drain and the pathway at Brodies Park on Glenwood Drive.
Take your dog down to Ferrier Road Park or Tuckeroo Street Park for a run off the leash. Harris Avenue is also popular. On the leash, try McCullagh Park.
Mungarra Reserve on Affleck Avenue is a fantastic spot, with dog agility equipment to keep your dog on its toes. This is an off-leash area.
In the hinterland suburb of Samford, find a fully fenced area for off-leash play at Samford Valley Dog Park. You're canine friends will also enjoy exploring the on leash areas of Samford Parklands, Samford Conservation Park, Brian Burke Reserve and the numerous reserves along the South Pine River in Samford Valley.
You’ve got a couple of off-leash options in Strathpine. Piggott Reserve on Nicol Way or Rob Akers Reserve in Bells Pocket Road are both great. Dogs have also been known to hit the pond in Pine Rivers Park but it’s not a designated dog swimming area!
Boxwood Court Park on Boxwood Crescent has a fully fenced area for off-leash play. Frank Nichols Reserve on Lilley Warner Road is another good option. Being so close to Brisbane, this is a good option if you’re taking a day out with your dog!
There’s a grassed area on the southwest corner of the Woodford showgrounds, behind the football field, that many dogs love to play off the leash.
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