Top 5 dog-friendly locations in Australia & places to visit

Updated 9 April 2025

Live Down Under with a canine companion, or house sitting and want to know the top dog-friendly places Australia has to offer? Look no further, fellow canine enthusiast! Here we dive into the country’s most dog-friendly locations, along with a handy list of places to visit. 

Find pet-friendly restaurants, dog parks, cafes and places to hike with your furry friend in Melbourne, Gold Coast, Canberra, Perth and Adelaide. 

Melbourne

There are heaps of dog-friendly places in Melbourne for you, your Melbourne pet sitter and your canine companion to explore - take a look below for pet-friendly activity ideas, places to eat and local dog parks. 

Things to do with your dog in Melbourne

Most state parks in Melbourne will welcome your furry friend on a lead, but there are plenty of beautiful walking spots that provide off-leash areas, too. 

These can be found in Fawkner Park, Princes Park and Yarra Bend Park. Dogs are also allowed on a lead at Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens. 

There are also many dog-friendly beaches to visit in Melbourne, such as Marengo Beach or Johanna Beach. Brighton Beach with its colourful, beach-box lined shore also provides the perfect backdrop for taking photos with your dog. 

Places to eat and drink with your dog in Melbourne

Dining with your furry friend is one of the best things about having one, but despite Melbourne being one of the best destinations in Australia to own a dog, we still recommend you plan ahead and check your furry companion is welcome.

• The Angry Dog. 435 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003, Australia
• Arbory Bar & Eatery. 1 Flinders Walk, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
• Leonard’s House of Love. 3 Wilson St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia
• The Local Taphouse. 184 Carlisle St, St Kilda East VIC 3183, Australia

Dog parks in Melbourne

If you’re house sitting in Melbourne, it’s well worth checking out the local dog parks - they’re often a safe bet when it comes to letting your furry companion off the lead, pet parents permitting of course. We’ll list a few Melbourne dog parks below to get you started.

• Clayton Reserve. 201-241 Macaulay Rd, North Melbourne VIC 3051, Australia
• Garden City Reserve Dog Off Leash Area. 47 Beacon Rd, Port Melbourne VIC 3207, Australia
• Gasworks Arts Park Dog Off Leash Area. 21 Graham St, Albert Park VIC 3206, Australia

For more pet–friendly recommendations including more cafes, parks and dog-friendly beaches, visit our guide to dog-friendly Melbourne.

Gold Coast

With endless miles of white sandy beaches, many of which welcome dogs, Australia's iconic Gold Coast is a destination both you and your dog can enjoy. 

Things to do with your dog in Gold Coast

Where to begin? At The Spit, of course, Australia’s go-to, off-leash dog beach. With lots of sand to dig and open space to explore, this is a must on any dog (or dog lover’s) itinerary. 

And if you’re looking for places that are dog-friendly and go the extra mile to make your pooch welcome, you can even go for a spot of yoga (also known as ‘Doga’) with your dog. Currently taking place online, Hot Tropical Yoga’s 'Doga' classes involve doggie meditation, dog tricks and obedience with stretching. All you need is a space to stretch, a towel, a yoga mat — and of course, your furry friend.

And if it’s dog-friendly hiking trails in Gold Coast you’re after, check out Federation Walk Coastal Reserve, Schuster Park or Hinterland Regional Park.

Places to eat and drink with your dog in Gold Coast

Looking for places to take dogs that have pet-friendly outdoor seating? Start with our list of locations to eat and drink with your furry friend in Gold Coast, and remember to always call beforehand to double check they’re still dog-friendly.

• Dog and Parrot Tavern. 2 Scottsdale Dr, Robina QLD 4226, Australia
• Cafe Catalina. Broadwater Parklands, 10/11 Gold Coast Hwy, Southport QLD 4215, Australia
• Le Vintage Boutique Cafe. 1 Kurilpa St, Worongary QLD 4213, Australia
• Commune Cafe. 1844 Gold Coast Hwy, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220, Australia

Dog parks in Gold Coast

One of the top dog-friendly places to take your dog in Australia has to be an off-leash dog park. So, whether you’re house sitting or you’ve got a pooch of your own, start with our list below when planning your dog-friendly day out in Gold Coast.

• Cabana Offleash Dog Area. 110 Cabana Blvd, Benowa QLD 4217, Australia
• Pizzey Offleash Dog Area. WCPF+58 Mermaid Waters, Queensland, Australia
• Musgrave Park Agility Dog Park. 21 Nakina St, Southport QLD 4215, Australia

For more pet–friendly recommendations, visit our guide to dog-friendly Gold Coast, and remember to share them with your local Gold Coast pet sitter ahead of their next visit.

Canberra

Canberra has to be one of the best destinations in Australia when it comes to walking trails, and there are a fair few restaurants and dog parks to choose from, too. So for things to do with your dog, take a look below - whether you’re house sitting in Canberra or you’ve got a pooch of your own.

Things to do with your dog in Canberra

Why not explore one of Canberra’s many walking trails? With 5km of lakeside footpaths, Canberra’s Bridge-to-Bridge walk loops between the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Kings Avenue Bridge. It’s a popular dog-friendly destination amongst local pet parents and a picturesque trail that your furry friends will certainly appreciate. 

You can also check out one of Canberra’s many dog-friendly wineries, such as Murrumbateman Winery or Surveyors Hill Vineyards. 

Places to eat and drink with your dog in Canberra

Looking for an outdoor seating area or want to catch some live music (that’s not too loud!) with your furry friend? Take a look below for a few ideas on where to eat, drink and relax with your dog in Canberra.

• Teddy Picker’s. 53/65 Constitution Ave, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
• Little Bird. 48 Macquarie St, Barton ACT 2600, Australia
• The Pedlar. 65 Constitution Ave, Campbell ACT 2612, Australia
• Assembly The People's Pub. 11 Lonsdale St, Braddon ACT 2612, Australia

Dog parks in Canberra

Finally, it’s always worth knowing about a nearby dog park where your pooch can socialize and you can get to know local dog owners. Take a look below for a few of Canberra’s green spaces designed for dogs.

• Inner North Dog Park. 41 Fairfax St, O'Connor ACT 2602, Australia
• Lake Ginninderra Dog Park. Belconnen ACT 2617, Australia
• Dog Beach: Uriarra Northeast. Australian Capital Territory 2611, Australia

For more pet–friendly recommendations, visit our guide to dog-friendly Canberra and be sure to share them with your pet sitters to keep your pooch occupied while you’re away.

Perth 

House sitting in Perth and want to know about the most dog-friendly locations to explore with your new furry pal? Start with our local suggestions below and head to our guide to dog-friendly Perth for more restaurants, walking trails and pet-friendly activity ideas.

Things to do with your dog in Perth

Unsure what to do this weekend? Go chasing waterfalls at Perth’s Noble Falls in Perth, the perfect dog-friendly place for quality time with your canine friend. As well as providing the perfect opportunity for your pooch to cool off, there is also a walking trail and picnic area, not to mention truly breathtaking views. 

Australia is known for its beautiful beaches, and Perth is no exception. Hillary’s Animal Exercise Beach is a great spot, with plenty of space for your dog to run around in, enjoy a swim, and feel the sand beneath his paws. It’s a true dog paradise, so give it a go — we promise your pooch will thank you for it!

Places to eat and drink with your dog in Perth

Looking for local restaurants, cafes and bars with an outdoor patio that’ll welcome your dog, and even provide water bowls? Start with our list of dog-friendly places in Perth below, and remember to always call ahead before bringing your dog along.

• The Old Laundry Bar & Kitchen. 22 Angove St, North Perth WA 6006, Australia
• Odyssea. 187 Challenger Parade, City Beach WA 6015, Australia
• Monk Street Breakfast Bar. 42 Mount St, West Perth WA 6005, Australia
• Slate Cafe. 4 Dulwich St, Bennett Springs WA 6063, Australia

Dog parks in Perth

If you’re looking for puppy-friendly places to take your new canine companion or somewhere safe to let your senior dog explore, your local dog park could be the answer. Many are complete with separate sections for small and large dogs for safety, so check ahead if this is a feature that’s important to you. Start with our list below and get ready for some off-leash fun with your furry friends!

• Perry Lakes Dog Exercise Area. Floreat WA 6014, Australia
• Macadamia Park. Macadamia Loop, Piara Waters WA 6112, Australia
• North Beach Dog Park. 86 N Beach Rd, North Beach WA 6020, Australia

For more pet–friendly recommendations, visit our guide to dog-friendly Perth.

Adelaide

Adelaide has miles of beautiful coastline to enjoy, and better still, many of them are dog-friendly. Take a look below for popular destinations in Adelaide to explore with your furry friends. 

Things to do with your dog in Adelaide

Glenelg is a popular choice, where dogs can freely run off-leash before 10am and after 8pm (during daylight savings). Outside of these hours, leashed dogs can still enjoy the soft white sands, not to mention Glenelg’s many dog-friendly dining options (see below!).

If you feel like taking some time to rebalance, head to Himeji Garden, Adelaide’s hidden gem. With lots of foliage and tranquil water features to enjoy, this traditionally styled Japanese garden is the perfect spot to spend a few peaceful hours. Dogs are more than welcome too — providing they are well behaved and kept on a lead.

Places to eat and drink with your dog in Adelaide

After a morning’s walk, nothing quite beats heading to a dog-friendly coffee shop, or finishing up the day at a pet-friendly restaurant. Start with our list of local businesses below, and be sure to call up before arriving with your dog.

• The Banksia Tree Cafe and Restaurant. 147 St Vincent St, Port Adelaide SA 5015, Australia
• The Flying Fig. 161 Jeffcott St, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
• Coffylosphy. 198A Hutt St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

Dog parks in Adelaide

If you’re looking for somewhere to get your dog used to other canines, start with your local dog park. They’re designed specifically for dogs, so are the perfect way to get out of the city’s hustle and bustle and into nature.

• North Adelaide Dog Park. Robe Terrace, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
• Pooch Park Tedder Reserve. Belgrave Ave, Flinders Park SA 5025, Australia
• West Torrens Dog Park. Moss Ave, Kurralta Park SA 5037, Australia

For more pet–friendly recommendations, visit our guide to dog-friendly Adelaide.

Tips for pet parents

So you’re all set with a list of Australia’s most dog-friendly locations! Follow our tips below on keeping your canine companion calm and collected during your next trip - whether you’re venturing around Aussie or further afield.

• Book dog-friendly dining ahead of time. It’s up to local businesses whether they allow your pup to dine with you in their outdoor seating area, so book ahead to be on the safe side.
• Hike with your pup. If you live in Australia, you’re surrounded by incredible national parks and dog-friendly places to hike with your dog, so pre-plan where you’ll want to walk and always double check the signage.
• Get your vacation pet care sorted. What if we told you that there’s no need to uproot your pooch from home next time you plan a trip? Yup - there’s no need to worry about visiting the most dog-friendly locations Australia has to offer. Instead, plan the trip of your dreams and keep your furry friend at home where vets agree they’re happiest. How? Simply connect with an in-home pet sitter - they exchange in-home pet care for a place to stay, and all it’ll cost you is one annual membership fee. So to keep your pup in the environment they’re happiest, click below to find out more.

Tips for pet sitters

It’s true - Australia is jam-packed with dog-friendly locations - from breweries to dog parks, to beaches and restaurants that allow dogs in the outdoor patio areas. So if you’d like to explore Down Under with a furry friend by your side, follow our tips below.

• Explore local dog parks. If you’re house sitting in Australia, one way to give the pup in your care a good time is to venture to a local dog park - you’ll also get the chance to chat to local pet lovers.
• Check beach rules. Dogs are allowed on some of Australia’s beaches, so always plan your day out ahead of time, check local rules and ask pet parents for advice on local places to take Fido.
• Get your Australian adventure started. What could be better than exploring Down Under? Exploring Down Under with a furry friend by your side, of course. So to see Australia’s top sights and lesser-known gems, get your house sitting adventure started by exchanging in-home pet care for a place to stay - click below to find out more.

Useful resources

• Dog-friendly guide to Perth: things to do in Perth with a dog
• Dog-friendly guide to Sydney: things to do in Sydney with a dog
• Pet-friendly NSW: things to do in NSW with a dog