By Allison Britton for Exceptional Canine

What better way to spend the long hot days of summer than at the beach with the people — and pets — you love. At these fabulous spots, both you and your dog are welcome. Just remember to always be in control of your pooch, and pick up after him!

New South Wales

• Tallow Beach, Byron Bay
  A golden 7km stretch of sand for you and your dog to stretch your legs on. The dog-friendly area starts near Suffolk Park and extends north to the boundary of the Arakwal National Park.
• Sirius Cove Reserve, Mosman
  This stunning Sydney Harbour foreshore reserve has still waters ideal for swimming as well as playground equipment, barbecue facilities, public toilets and poo bins with bags. Dogs are allowed on the beach all day Monday to Friday, and from 4pm to 9am on weekends and public holidays.
• Culburra Beach, Culburra
  A lovely long cream-sand beach in a quiet beach town a couple of hours south of Sydney just waiting for you and your furry friend to visit.
• Bagnalls Beach, Nelson Bay
  Part of Bagnalls Bay, this flat water spot is perfect for doggie dips while its long shore is great for runs.

Queensland

• Sunshine Beach, Noosa
  Dogs can freely explore the shoreline and sparkling water from Noosa National Park to the car park in Seaview Terrace.
• Fingal Heads Beach, Gold Coast
  Swim in the surf and run along the sand with your four-legged friend any time and, afterwards, you can go for coffee at a cafe that has fresh bowls of cool water for your pooped pooch.
• Currimundi Beach, Currimundi
  Join other canines and their owners walking along the sand, body surfing and paddling around in the lagoon just off the beach. Dogs are permitted off-leash at all times south of Gothic Parade to Buderim St.

Victoria

• St Kilda Beach, Melbourne
  This buzzing city beach with its wide sandy shore lined by a pathway and park is the perfect place to hang with your pup. Dogs are only allowed between Brooks Jetty and the northern end of the car park towards St Kilda Marina.
• Altona Dog Beach, Melbourne
  With shallow, warm water that has no waves, this city beach is a great place for children and dogs. At low tide, a pool and huge flat sandbars are formed where dogs can paddle and play.
• Narrows Beach, Queenscliff
  The off-leash area of this pretty beach begins at the end of the boardwalk and extends east finishing at the end of Fraser Street. Accessed from the car park off the Bellarine Highway, opposite Roddick Grove.

Western Australia

• Peasholm Beach, Perth
  Famous for its gleaming-white sand, this spacious beach is perfect for a game of fetch or frisbee. Showers with hoses are available on beach for rinsing sand and salt off your dog.
• Bremer Beach, Bremer Bay
  Your dog can frolic on the white sand and swim in the crystal clear water – as long as you leave it unblemished by picking up any poo!

South Australia

• Long Beach, Robe
  On the northern side of this popular beach holiday town, this 17km strip of sand is perfect for long walks, and you can swim, snorkel, surf and even four-wheel drive as well!

• O’Sullivan Beach, Adelaide
  Dogs can run free in the area from the marina to Christie Creek – however they must be leashed between 10am to 8pm during daylight savings months, from October to March.

Tasmania

• Muirs Beach, Coles Bay
  This beautiful, unspoilt patch of sand is located on the western side of the Coles Bay, just 1km from Freycinet National Park. Muirs is a beautiful beach that welcomes dogs, with its long shore great for strolls, or sitting and watching the boogie boarding and windsurfing that is popular there.

New Zealand

• Lyall Bay beach, Wellington
  With an off-lead area available all day, Lyall Bay beach is a great place to play with and socialise your dog. You can even walk the path back over the mountain back to Seatoun if you’re feeling energetic!

Allison Britton is the president of Canine Disc Australia, the country’s
sanctioning body of dog frisbee, aimed at providing a cohesive framework for
the national development of the sport.

Find more dog-friendly beaches Down Under view here.