Queensland’s Sunshine Coast is an ideal family holiday destination. Perfect for a summer getaway, there’s no shortage of gorgeous beaches, seaside cafes and relaxed coastal charm. But it particularly takes the cake when it comes to pet-friendly adventuring. Many beaches are leash-free and there are plenty of accommodation and dining options that welcome people and pets.
From luxury farm-stays to relaxed beach houses, we’ve pulled together a list of go-to dog friendly accommodation. And while you’re at it, make sure to stop in on our recommended cafes. These local favourites are sure to get the tick of approval from the (latte) hound of the family!
ACCOMMODATION:
Galway House Noosa
Showcasing the very best the Noosa Hinterland has to offer, Galway House is situated halfway between Noosa’s incredible beaches and the gorgeous township of Eumundi. This is perfect for those who want to completely unwind and enjoy peace, space and countryside tranquility. The property is 100% dog friendly – with sun-soaked decks and a large garden that’s fully fenced for their safety, your pet will be completely content exploring, while you recline in a hammock or relax in the gazebo. Galway House boasts scenic views of Noosa and Mt Cooroy and is set across 2x tropical acres. And as secluded as you feel, you’re only a short drive from Noosa’s main beach and all it’s culinary and shopping delights.
Coolum Ocean Views
This gorgeous rental provides stunning panoramic sea views across Coolum Beach, which are particularly enthralling during whale migration season. Enjoy these views from your deck, where you can enjoy the privacy of being perched amongst the trees and relax to the sounds of surf and local bird song. Suitable for dual living, this three bedroom holiday accommodation is set on two levels – the first has its own bedroom, bathroom, kitchenette and private deck, while the second offers two bedrooms, bathroom, furnished lounge and deck. You’ll love the tasteful furnishings and elegant paintings collected on the owner’s travels through the Middle East and Asia. Foxtel is available, alongside books, movies and boardgames, pay-as-you-go internet, air-conditioning and even a heated spa.
Your fur-baby is more than welcome, and you can rest assured the property has a secure fenced area particularly suitable for a small/medium sized dog. There’s plenty of leash-free parks in the local area, as well as dog friendly, leash-free and patrolled surf beaches, surf clubs, skate park and children’s playground and sensational cliff-top walks the whole family can enjoy.
Lakeside Apartment A
Located in Maroochydore, this quaint lakeside apartment is perfect for a couple or family getaway. Set in a peaceful residential area, while still being a short distance from shops, cinemas and restaurants, Lakeside Apartment A offers you the opportunity to relax, with your fur-babies in tow too. The air-conditioned apartment sleeps 4 people, with 1x queen bed and 2x single beds, and a private car parking space.
Pets are more than welcome inside and the fenced garden gives them the chance to run around safely. Pet bowls and bedding is supplied. On the same property, there’s also another 2 bedroom apartment which sleeps 4 people. While these apartments are private and self-contained, this offers a great opportunity for rental with another family or group of friends.
Mudjimba Beach House
This gorgeous holiday home is the ideal setting for your next beach holiday. Sleeping up to six people, it’s spacious, airy and always filled with a tropical breeze. There’s 2x queen beds, 2x single beds and 2x bathrooms, as well as a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ indoor and outdoor dining setting. Perfect for families, there’s tons of board games, books, pool toys and DVDs. The pristine Mudjimba Beach is only a 10 minute walk away and is well worth a visit. But on the days where you barely want to move from the hammock? There’s a private swimming pool too!
This property is totally pet-friendly, with a secure, fenced backyard, outdoor dog bed and spare bowls for water and food. Well behaved pups are more than welcome inside on hard-floor areas. When it comes to exploring, the surrounding area has plenty to offer. You can head to Mudjimba Beach on-leash or head to North Shore, which is not only off-leash but boasts calm waves and a fantastic picnic spot. Local tip? Take a leisurely walk around the headland and let your pup play in the rock pools.
Noosa Avalon Cottages
Nestled in a tranquil bush setting, Noosa Avalon Cottages is the perfect base to explore the Noosa Hinterland. This pet-friendly, luxury farm-stay sits on 30 private acres of plentiful flora and fauna. It comprises of 5x fully furnished, self-contained cottages, each accommodating up to 6 people. From the Hideaway Cottage with two bedrooms and breathtaking Pinbarren Mountain views to the romantic Heritage Cottage, there’s something to suit every visitor. Whether you’re on a family holiday, heading off on your honeymoon or on a business retreat, you’ll feel totally off-the-grid while still enjoying all the creature comforts of a luxury stay.
Dogs are absolutely welcome at Noosa Avalon Cottages. Because there are plenty of natives and farm animals on the property, it’s important to keep them leashed when walking outside the accommodation. There’s plenty of space to roam and explore and you can be assured that the expansive grounds are entirely poison-free and eco-friendly. If you’re ready to venture off the property, you’re a stones throw from Lake Cootharaba, Eumandi markets, galleries, antique shops and Noosa’s best restaurants.
CAFES:
Costa Noosa Espresso
Costa Noosa is a local favourite in Sunshine Beach. With a bustling atmosphere and the smell of coffee beans wafting through the place, it’s the place to be any morning of the week. This boutique espresso bar is renowned far and wide for their incredible, award-winning coffee, with signature blends available for purchase in-store. You can also enjoy their rotating selection of locally made cakes and treats; a flaky croissant or decadent slice is the perfect accompaniment to their famed long blacks!
Pooches are totally welcome on your morning coffee run. Known as one of the best dog-friendly cafes on the Sunshine Coast, Costa Noosa Espresso has plenty of outdoor seating. Your pup can set up shot on the lower level deck and in some selected areas on the top deck. There’s tons of shade for those steamier days too. This cafe and coffee roaster opens Monday to Sunday 6am – 2pm.
The Velo Project
This dog friendly cafe can’t be missed on a visit to the Sunshine Coast! With a big focus on sustainability and locally sourced produce, their menu is fresh and delicious. Tuck into a banana, ginger and date loaf or treat yourself to the peri peri smoked chicken with grilled broccolini and roasted maple pumpkin. Their big brekky won’t disappoint either, with pork and fennel sausage, bacon, haloumi and smashed avo.
But the real attraction for pet-parents? Their divine doggie menu! With donuts, lattes and biscuits on offer, your pup can feel totally spoilt while feasting on doggie-safe flavourings. The peanut butter, lactose-free milkshake and the rice beef carob crackle are total (canine) crowd-pleasers!
Murray’s Cafe
This cafe and espresso bar is a go-to amongst pet parents. With puppycinos and stacks of homemade dog treats, Murray’s Cafe put on a feast that can suit the whole family. Plus, the staff go above and beyond with their pet-loving service!
The human menu is equally delicious, with fresh muffins, cakes, juices and healthy, more-ish cafe fare. As well as great coffee, they’re also a licensed venue.
New Earth Cafe
Calling all vegans and vegetarians – look no further than New Earth Cafe! With a 100% plant-based menu and tons of raw, organic and gluten-free goodies, this is a Sunshine Coast institution. Who says healthy food has to be boring – this menu is anything but! Try the protein pancake stack (choose from snickers, apple caramel or chocolate berry), tuck into the chia and veggie wraps or share a raw nachos. There’s also an extensive drinks menu that includes elixirs, teas, probiotic and superfood smoothies and frappes.
New Earth Cafe welcomes your four-legged companions, with a dog-friendly outdoor courtyard. It’s open Monday to Saturday, 7am – 4pm.