Dog-friendly beaches in Northern Rivers

Belongil Beach has an off-leash area in the inter-tidal zone between Manfred Street and the Main Beach car park. Dogs must be kept off the dunes and rehabilitation areas. The beach north of this section is prohibited. There's shade, toilets, and parking. It's a social, relaxed dog beach in Byron Bay.

South Golden Beach is an open, uncrowded far north coast beach where dogs can run off-leash along the intertidal zone. Access runs from Gloria Street north towards Billinudgel Nature Reserve, with dogs kept off the dunes and rehabilitation areas. It is a wide, easygoing beach for long walks, firm-sand running and plenty of space by the water.

Brunswick Heads Main Beach has off-leash access 24/7, with the breakwall providing partial shelter from the open ocean. It's better suited to confident swimmers than first-timers — the surf can pick up. The dedicated dog exercise area extends 400 metres south of the surf club. Parking is metered.

Seven Mile Beach has a dog-friendly off-leash stretch north of the Lennox Head/Alstonville Surf Life Saving Club, with on-leash access outside that section. Dogs can run off-leash on the open sand under supervision, with drinking water, toilets and parking on hand. Vehicles are permitted on parts of the beach, so keep an eye out, and shorebird nesting can bring extra rules in spring and summer. A beautiful, peaceful beach for an off-leash run.

New Brighton Beach is a lovely, uncrowded beach at New Brighton with a large dog-friendly stretch. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the inter-tidal zone only, from Strand Street south to the Brunswick River northern breakwall, and must be kept off the dunes and rehabilitation areas. The surf is unpatrolled, so take care. A relaxed off-leash beach with respectful locals.

Dog-friendly beach in Angourie where dogs can enjoy off-leash play along the…

Dog-friendly beach in Skennars Head where dogs are welcome on lead.

Beach. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.

Beach. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.

Beach in Byron Bay. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.

Beach in Byron Bay. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.

Beach in Brunswick Heads.

Beach in Byron Bay. Dogs are not currently allowed at this beach.