Dog-friendly beaches within driving distance of Canberra
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It’s well known that we Canberrans love our four-legged furry friends, but where can you take them down the coast for a day trip?
We’ve rounded up the closest dog-friendly beaches, so you no longer have to feel guilty waving goodbye to their sad faces as you head off for a day. Pack your bags with water, snacks, sunscreen, a towel, paw-lenty of your dog’s favourite balls, and let’s get going!
Cookies Beach, Durras
You won’t believe this is just ten minutes off the highway! This beach is long, and relatively uncrowded with shallow water, perfect for your dog to have a good splash to cool off. Eastern grey kangaroos are also fans of this spot so if your dog loves to chase them, beware! Visitors often share the beach with the roos basking in the sun. Basic facilities like toilets are available, but make sure you bring some snacks and water for you and your pup to keep your energy up!
Drive: Two hours, 11 minutes
Location: Cookies Beach, South Durras
Google Map location
Pretty Point Beach, Malua Bay
If your dog loves a good adventure, Pretty Point Beach is perfect! Bring your shoes for this one – it’s quite a rocky beach, providing your pet with lots of things to sniff and scamper over. Once you’ve found a good spot to put your bags down, and head to the water, splash around in the calm,gentle waves. This beach is fairly secluded, with the nearby dog prohibited McKenzie Beach being more popular and drawing the crowds.
Drive: Two hours, 50 minutes
Location: Pretty Point Beach, Malua Bay
Google Map location
Long Beach, Batemans Bay
This is one of the many calm bay beaches within Batemans Bay, partially protected from the full force of the ocean and north-easterly winds. The beach is often fairly isolated, giving you some peace and quiet to play with your dog. It’s important to note dogs are only allowed off-leash on Long Beach from Bay Road car park west to National Park.
Drive: Two hours, four minutes
Location: Long Beach, Batemans Bay
Google Map location
Sunshine Bay Beach, Batemans Bay
This is a protected and pretty little beach with a pebbly shoreline. Your dog will love racing up and down the 300-metre-wide semi-circular bay, before jumping in the water. When in the water, make sure to keep an eye out for rocks and reefs around the point!
Drive: Two hours, six minutes
Location: Sunshine Bay Beach, Batemans Bay
Google Map location
Circuit Beach, Lilli Pilli
If you’re looking for a cosy beach for you and your dog to enjoy, Circuit Beach is the one for you! Small and secluded, it’s nestled snugly beside Lilli Pilli Beach. Located only 10 minutes from Batemans Bay, you can head to town to get a bite to eat before the drive home. It’s moderately sheltered, with waves averaging 0.5 metres, with access to the beach limited.
Drive: Two hours, 10 minutes
Location: Circuit Beach, Lilli Pilli
Google Map location
Broulee Beach, North Broulee
This beach offers pups the chance to run! It’s a long sweeping beach, with dogs allowed off-leash between Francis Street beach access and the National Park. Broulee Beach is often fairly busy – known for its clear aquamarine water, large spotted stingrays, soldier crabs and an array of birds.
Drive: Two hours, 16 minutes
Location: Broulee Beach, Broulee
Google Map location
Surfside Beach, Batemans Bay
If you’re a Batemans Bay fan, you may be familiar with the well protected Surfside Beach. These waters are shallow for many metres with gentle, lapping waves – the ideal water for wading with your dog! This is a popular place for families too. Dogs are allowed off-leash between Pinnacle Point headland and Mundarra Way intersection, including the adjacent reserve, so after splashing in the waves you can go for walkies!
Drive: Two hours
Location: Surfside Beach, Batemans Bay, NSW
Google Map location
