New dog rules start 3 July 2026

Summary of new dog rules

From 3 July 2026:

Some beaches and reserves will no longer allow dogs
New on-leash and off-leash rules apply in different areas
Dogs are not allowed on active sports fields
Seasonal and time-based restrictions apply at some locations

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What are the new dog rules?

From 3 July 2026, updated local laws will change where dogs can go across the Sunshine Coast.

We know getting out with your dog is part of everyday life on the Sunshine Coast. These changes help protect the places we all love while keeping them safe and enjoyable for everyone.

From 3 July:

Dogs must follow updated on-leash, off-leash and prohibited area rules
Dogs are not allowed in some locations, including environmentally sensitive areas and specific beaches and foreshores
Dogs must be kept off active playing surfaces on sports fields
Dogs can still access many on and off-leash areas across the region, including over 1600km of on-leash pathways
Owners must follow responsible pet ownership requirements

Where can I view the changes to dog rules?

Council’s live mapping site pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au provides clear maps for the whole of the Sunshine Coast. This website will update on 3 July, 2026 with these changes.

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Signage is being updated in stages across the region. At locations where dog access is changing, updated signs will be installed from 3 July and rolled out progressively over the following weeks.

Changes to dog rules at beaches and foreshores

Stumers Creek, Coolum Beach

Dogs must be on-leash when entering from the carpark or surrounding access points.
Keep your dog on-leash until you are at least 10m beachside of the carpark.
Follow signage to identify where off-leash access begins.
Once past this area, dogs can access the existing off-leash area, which extends approximately 3km north and south of the creek.
The on-leash area at the creek mouth remains unchanged.

These changes are in place to:

Improve safety for pedestrians and motorists near the carpark
Reduce potential conflicts in a high-use area
Support safer access for everyone entering the beach

View the Stumers Creek map.

Currimundi Beach

Dogs are not allowed to cross the mouth of Currimundi Lake between Beach Access 253 and 254.
The off-leash area north of the lake (Beach Access 253) remains unchanged.

These changes help to:

Reduce conflicts in a busy, shared area
Improve safety for people and dogs near the lake mouth

View Currimundi Lake map.

Ballinger Beach, Ann Street, Currimundi

Dogs are allowed at Beach Access 261.
The existing 1.25km off-leash area remains, extending to just north of Ann Street.
A 50m buffer has been added near the Dicky Beach bathing reserve, where dogs are not allowed.

These changes help to:

Improve safety near a popular swimming area
Support clear separation between dog and bathing zones

View Ballinger Beach map.

Maroochy North Shore

Dogs are allowed off-leash between Beach Access 127 and 130.
This area provides an alternative to nearby seasonal closures.
A seasonal closure applies from October to April:
- Dogs are not allowed on a 500m section of beach on the southern spit at North Shore (Twin Waters).

These changes help to:

Protect threatened migratory shorebirds
Support important roosting habitats

View the Maroochydore Map.

Point Perry

Dogs are not allowed:

South of Beach Access 81
North of Beach Access 82
Within the rocky foreshore area

These areas are:

Important breeding and feeding grounds
Home to marine plants, fish, reptiles and birdlife

Keeping dogs out helps to:

Reduce stress on wildlife
Protect fragile coastal habitats

View the Point Perry map.

Point Arkwright

Dogs are not allowed from 100m south of Beach Access 84 to Beach Access 85.
This includes the rocky foreshore area.
These zones are sensitive habitat areas that support:
- Marine life
- Coastal vegetation
- Bird breeding and feeding
Restrictions help protect these environments and reduce disturbance.

View the Point Arkwright map.

Point Cartwright

Dogs are not allowed:
- At Carties Beach (Beach Access 196 to 196T)
- On the rocky foreshore
- In dune areas along Buddina Beach
- In parts of Point Cartwright Reserve
Dogs are allowed off-leash at all times between Beach Access 198 and 201.
These changes help to:
- Protect dunes and coastal vegetation
- Reduce impacts in high conservation areas
- Balance access with environmental protection

View the Point Cartwright map.

Moffat Headland

Dogs are allowed off-leash between 4pm and 8am from Beach Access 296 to 100m east of Access 275.
At other times, dogs must be on-leash in this area.
Dogs are not allowed on the rocky foreshore.
A seasonal off-leash area (4pm–8am, May to October) is also available south of the Moffat rockshelf at Shelly Beach.
These changes help to:
- Balance dog access with peak visitor times
- Protect wildlife and sensitive rocky habitats.

View the Moffat Beach and Headland map.

Caloundra Headland

Dogs are not allowed between Beach Access 281 and 283, including the rocky foreshore at Caloundra Headland and Happy Valley.
Dogs are allowed on-leash at all times between Beach Access 293 and 295.
Dogs are not allowed in Bribie Island National Park:
- Check signage for park boundaries that extend to the shoreline and with tidal movement.
These areas are important for:
- Wildlife habitat
- Coastal ecosystem health
Restrictions help protect these natural spaces for the future.

View the Caloundra Headland map.

Changes to dog rules for environment reserves and bushland

Dogs can still access most environment reserves on leash. Changes only apply to some reserves, where dogs are either not allowed or must stay on leash on signed trails only. See the drop-down list below for updated locations.

Lake Weyba Bushland Reserve Network

Dogs are not allowed:
- On the lake trail north–south connection
- In non-trail (bushland) areas
Dogs are allowed on-leash on all other trails.
These changes help to:
- Protect sensitive bushland and wildlife habitats
- Reduce disturbance in high conservation areas
- Keep dogs and native species safe

View the Lake Weyba map.

Maleny Community Precinct Riparian Reserve

Dogs are allowed on-leash on signed trails only.
Dogs are not allowed in all other areas of the reserve.
These changes help to:
- Protect creekside vegetation and wildlife habitats
- Preserve the health of the riparian environment

Mountain Creek Conservation Area

Dogs are not allowed in the southern section of the conservation area.
These changes help to:
- Protect high-value conservation areas
- Reduce impacts on wildlife and natural habitats

Kawana Forest Environment Reserve

Dogs are allowed on-leash on designated recreation trails (as signed).
Dogs are not allowed in all other areas of the reserve.
These changes help to:
- Protect sensitive ecosystems and bushland
- Support safe, shared use of designated trails

Glasshouse Mountains Environment Reserve

Dogs are allowed on-leash on signed trail connections between:
- Allan Avenue and Fullertons Road
Dogs are not allowed in all other areas of the reserve.
These changes help to:
- Protect significant natural and cultural landscapes
- Minimise disturbance to wildlife

Doonan Creek Environment Reserve

Dogs are not allowed in the western area, including:
- All western trails
These changes help to:
- Protect sensitive habitats and biodiversity
- Maintain safe and low-impact use of the reserve

List of Environment Reserves updates:

Mooloolah River Nature Refuge: Dogs not allowed in Mooloolah River Nature Refuge
Baxter Bluff Conservation Area: Dogs not allowed in Baxter Bluff Conservation Area
Crohamhurst Ecological Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Crohamhurst Ecological Reserve
East Mount Mellum Nature Refuge: Dogs not allowed in East Mount Mellum Nature Refuge
Eudlo Creek Conservation Area: Dogs not allowed in Eudlo Creek Conservation Area
Hussey Creek Esplanade: Dogs not allowed in Hussey Creek Esplanade
Marist Brothers Ecological Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Marist Brothers Ecological Reserve
Patten’s Ecological Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Patten’s Ecological Reserve
Policeman Spur Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Policeman Spur Environment Reserve
Pumicestone Esplanade: Dogs not allowed in Pumicestone Esplanade
Pumicestone Esplanade-Mekins Road: Dogs not allowed in Pumicestone Esplanade-Mekins Road
Pumicestone Esplanade-Red Road: Dogs not allowed in Pumicestone Esplanade-Red Road
Roys Road Esplanade: Dogs not allowed in Roys Road Esplanade
South Eudlo Creek Bushland Conservation Reserve: Dogs not allowed in South Eudlo Creek Bushland Conservation Reserve
South Eudlo Creek Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in South Eudlo Creek Environment Reserve
Triunia Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Triunia Environment Reserve
Upper Mooloolah Nature Refuge: Dogs not allowed in Upper Mooloolah Nature Refuge
Arcoona Road Bushland Conservation Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Arcoona Road Bushland Conservation Reserve
Baringa Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Baringa Environment Reserve
Bobbie Sattler Nature Refuge: Dogs not allowed in Bobbie Sattler Nature Refuge
Corbould Road Bushland Conservation Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Corbould Road Bushland Conservation Reserve
Doonan Wetland Conservation Area: Dogs not allowed in Doonan Wetland Conservation Area
Gull’bu rah Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Gull’bu rah Environment Reserve
Kenilworth Bluff-Wilcox Family Park: Dogs not allowed in Kenilworth Bluff-Wilcox Family Park
Kirbys Road Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Kirbys Road Environment Reserve
Lower Mooloolah River Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Lower Mooloolah River Environment Reserve
Maroochy River Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Maroochy River Environment Reserve
Ninox Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Ninox Environment Reserve
Sunshine Coast Ecological Park: Dogs not allowed in Sunshine Coast Ecological Park
Tuan Environment Reserve: Dogs not allowed in Tuan Environment Reserve

Some Bushland Reserves are being reviewed as part plan, with proposed changes to dog access over the next 1–5 years.
View the full list is available as part of the Dog Exercise Area Plan.

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When visiting any location with your dog, check Council signage at the location or view the live map via Sunshine Coast Council app or pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au

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Before heading out with your dog, the community is encouraged to:

Visit Council’s website for the detailed changes
View the interactive live maps at pets.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au from 3 July
Check local signage

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What is changing?

We’ve updated where dogs can go across the region.

Rules can now vary depending on the location, including:

Beaches and foreshores

Dog access can vary from beach to beach
Some beaches now have new leash rules
Some areas have time or seasonal limits
Most rocky foreshores are now dog-free

Environment reserves

Dogs are not allowed in some high conservation value bushland areas
In some reserves, dogs are allowed on-leash on designated trails only

Sporting fields

Dogs are not allowed on active playing surfaces
Dogs may be allowed in surrounding areas on leash

Parks and dog exercise areas

New and upgraded off-leash parks across the region.

Why are Council making these dog rule changes?

We are making these changes to better balance the needs of our community, pets and environment. They will protect wildlife and sensitive areas, improve safety for people and dogs, support shared use of public spaces and plan for a growing dog population across the Sunshine Coast.

Where can I view the dog plan?

You can view the full Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and check where dogs are allowed using the interactive map on Council’s website.

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Fines and compliance

Dog owners must follow local rules, including using a leash where required and picking up after their dog. Council officers may issue fines if rules are not followed, especially for dogs off-leash in restricted areas or not under control.

Frequently asked questions

Why are the dog rules changing?

The rules are changing to better balance dog access with community use, safety and environmental protection.

They are guided by Council’s endorsed Dog Exercise Area Regional Plan and Network Blueprint 2025–2045, which sets a long-term approach for managing dog access across the Sunshine Coast.

The Sunshine Coast is growing, and more people are using our beaches, parks and reserves. These updates help:

Keep shared spaces safe for everyone
Protect wildlife and sensitive habitats
Provide clear and consistent information
Plan for a growing dog population

The changes are based on community feedback and long-term planning for the region.

When do the dog rule changes take effect?

The new rules take effect from 3 July 2026.

Updated signage will be installed from this date and rolled out across the region over the following weeks.

Who can I talk to about the new dog rules?

You can speak with Council officers at our pop-up information booths across the Sunshine Coast.

These sessions are a great chance to:

Ask questions about the new rules
Get help understanding changes in your local area
See maps and talk through options with a real person

Find a location and time near you by visiting our community edication page.

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How do I know where I can take my dog?

Before you head out:

Check the interactive map

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Look for local signage
Visit Council’s website for location details

Search “Sunshine Coast dog exercise areas” to find the latest map and updates.

What happens if I don’t follow the new dog rules?

Fines apply if local and state dog laws are not followed.

As of 1 July 2026, penalties include:

$863 for dogs off-leash in on-leash areas
$345 for being in a prohibited area or not carrying a waste bag

Council officers can issue on-the-spot fines.

Under Queensland law, dog owners must always be able to control their dog in public places. This means:

Keeping dogs on-leash where required, or
Supervising and controlling dogs in off-leash areas

Following the rules is about more than avoiding fines. It helps:

Keep people and pets safe
Protect wildlife and sensitive environments
Support fair access to shared spaces

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Are there still dog off-leash areas available?

Yes. The Sunshine Coast continues to offer a wide range of dog-friendly spaces.

This includes:

34km of dog-friendly coastline
16km of off-leash beach areas
More than 1,600km of on-leash pathways

New and expanded off-leash areas are also being delivered across the region.

Why are dogs not allowed in some areas?

Some areas have high environmental or safety value.

Restrictions help to:

Protect breeding and feeding areas for wildlife
Reduce stress on animals and fragile habitats
Keep high-traffic areas safe for everyone

Many of these areas include rocky foreshores, conservation reserves and busy recreation spaces.

Can I still take my dog into environment reserves?

In many reserves, dogs are still welcome on-leash on designated trails.

However, dogs are not allowed in some high conservation areas or off-trail locations.

Always check signage or the online map before visiting.

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Why are there seasonal dog restrictions at some beaches?

Seasonal restrictions help protect migratory shorebirds during critical breeding and roosting periods.

These birds travel long distances and rely on quiet coastal areas to rest and feed.

Temporary restrictions help protect these species while still allowing access at other times or nearby locations.

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What are the changes to dog registration?

In Queensland, all dogs must be microchipped and registered.

Council has updated registration fees to help cover the cost of local animal management services for a growing community. Fees remain broadly consistent with other Queensland councils.

Registration helps fund: