23 Best Dog Friendly Beaches, Bars and Activities in Coffs Harbour
Situated 532 km north-east of Sydney, Coffs Harbour is a thriving city with a subtropical vibe. Here, many furry visitors enjoy the stunning views of dog friendly beaches and marine life that the Australian coastline offers, especially during the summer. But being one of the largest coastal resort towns in NSW with plenty of dog friendly bars and cafes, it is also the ultimate destination for families. There are plenty of things to do! And as you already know, when we say family, we certainly include the four legged favorites.
DOG FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION NEAR COFFS HARBOUR
Converted Church | Bellingen
Guests 12 | Bedrooms 3 | Bathrooms 2
Gorgeous open living Balinese – inspired dog friendly accommodation on the river. Perfect for groups or family / friends get togethers (furry ones included of course)! Property features manicured fenced gardens, a massive outdoor living space with special features such as an outdoor shower, hammock and a Balinese Daybed. Inside living space is equally inviting with brand new Gourmet Kitchen, Pool Table, Media Room, Bathroom with original Church windows and many more stunning features.
OFF LEASH DOG BEACHES, PARKS & DOG FRIENDLY WALKS
1. Boambee beach
Dogs are allowed off the leash on the entire stretch of the beach, from the Bream Hole against the northern rocks, by the numerous gutters along the beach, and towards the deep Boambee Creek at the southern end.
2. North Wall Beach
It is also known as Park Beach South, for it is the southern part of Park Beach near the mouth of Coffs Creek. In fact, that is how you can find it on your phone’s map. Dogs are allowed off leash south of Coffs Creek to North Wall.
3. Emerald Beach
Located 20 km north of Coffs Harbour, this is a quieter beach often enjoyed by families and surfers. Dogs are not allowed on the southern end but they can be walked off leash north of Fiddamans Creek.
4. Hearnes Lake Beach
You can walk your dog without the leash along the entire length of the beach, 2 km from the south of Flat Rock Point to the next reef-tied foreland.
5. Woolgoolga Back Beach
Popular among those who enjoy fishing and kite surfing, this beach allows dogs off the leash except during the Little Tern breeding season. Check out the Buster shipwreck which got stranded on the shore in 1893.
6. Thompsons Road Reserve Dog Park
This picturesque park has a very large dog off leash area with lots of grass, shade, a water fountain and a small creek where local pups love to jump in.
7. West Coffs District Reserve
This park has two separate off leash areas, one for small dogs and one for large ones. There are water stations and biodegradable poo bags available. For the rest of the family, there is plenty of shade, shelter and seating, and flying foxes!
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
8. Urunga Boardwalk
Walking along the beach along the Urunga boardwalk, you will find many families with furry members splashing around or enjoying the breathtaking views of the beaches and the Kalang and Bellinger River mouth. If you are lucky, you might spot some interesting wildlife.
9. Coffs Harbour Jetty
Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Coffs Harbour International Marina towards Muttonbird Island. Step onto the long jetty with your pup on lead to see the breakwater, the marina and the people enjoying their meals in the bustling jetty dining precinct.
10. Orara East State Forest
Dogs are welcome in all NSW state forests, and this beautiful reserve located within a short drive from Coffs Harbour is no exception. At the end of the road, the Sealy lookout offers stunning views of the city and coastline.
DOG FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES
11. The Big Banana
Australia is known for its collection of big structures scattered across the country, but the big banana is allegedly the first ever one to exist. Once a thriving banana industry now overshadowed by Queensland’s production, Coffs Harbour holds this iconic piece for you and your pup to take a picture with. You can both walk around the general area but dogs are not allowed into the stores and attractions.
12. Clog Barn
One of the major, longest running attractions in Coffs Harbour is the Clog Barn. This little Dutch village is a family run business, and as such, they most certainly welcome pups. Dogs can walk through the gift shop and around the miniature village. There is also a dog friendly outdoor seating area in the Cafe.
13. Harbourside Markets
This boutique beachside market is open every Sunday from 8am to 2 pm. They not only proudly claim to be dog friendly, but they also admit to enjoy dog watching better than people watching. Being close to an off leash beach, they are a natural stop for a regular Sunday funday. They even feature regular homemade dog treat stalls and a seasonal handmade dog coat stall.
14. Paddle Boarding with C-Change Adventures
Enjoy Coffs Harbour’s coast waterways without leaving your pup onshore. At C-Change Adventures, they often have people paddling with their dogs on their Standing-Up-Paddleboards (SUPS) and Kayaks. In fact, their resident pup loves it, although he spends more time swimming. Unfortunately, they cannot provide life jackets for dogs at the moment, but these are not a maritime requirement. Boambee Creek Reserve is pet friendly, and pups must be on the leash while on the reserve but once on the water, they do not need one.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
DOG FRIENDLY PUBS, BARS AND CAFES
15. Moonee Beach Hotel
Moonee Beach Hotel is a favourite for tourists, and locals to soak up and enjoy. It offers a family friendly environment that few pubs can offer. Menus are packed with deliciousness, from the signature pizzas to healthy eats, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for something a little different, try out La Cantina. Taste the flavours of Mexico with tacos, burrito bowls and more!
Dogs are always welcome on the partly covered outdoor seating area.
It is the perfect place for your whole family to relax and enjoy. They’ve got a whole host of activities that will keep your little ones entertained all day long. From big screen movies, mini golf and climbing walls, there’s always something going on, even Yoga on Thursday mornings.
16. Toormina Hotel
Dog friendly pub with a great beer garden, bistro and bar. Family friendly and locals favourite. Toormina Hotel is the best local pub on the Coffs Coast, as voted by its locals. Dogs are welcome on the outdoor seating area.
Toormina Hotel sits on the edge of the Toormina Gardens Shopping Centre, in the heart of a lively community junction. A large venue including public bar, casual dining spaces, TAB and VIP Lounge, recreation areas, beer garden and drive-through Bottleshop, the hotel truly has something for everyone.
It has become known for its family friendly atmosphere, great service and quality food and beverage menu. Recently refurbished, the Toormina boasts a new bistro with comfy booth seating and is a great place to dine with the family or a group of friends.
17. King Tide Brewing
This family owned and operated brewing company is currently training their latest staff member, a KTB Brewery puppy who cannot wait to be old enough to join the team. They have a large undercover area that welcomes pups as you sip quality beers.
18. Coramba Hotel
Enjoy beautiful views in this family friendly atmosphere – and we mean the whole family. They have a dog friendly beer garden with picnic tables and umbrellas, while their kitchen is busy cooking up some doggie treats.
19. Pansabella Providore
Enjoy fresh food and beautiful coffee surrounded by sustainably grown flowers that you can also take home. It is located at Coffs Central, which is now dog friendly, so all of their outside corridor and their undercover outdoor seating welcomes pups.
Free V.I.Pooch Travel Kit with every booking!
20. Surf Street Cafe
Just a little hop from Emerald beach, you will find seasonal locally sourced food in this dog friendly cafe. They are unquestionably dog friendly, with a lovely outside seating area that has also welcomed a few cats, ferrets and snakes. Although only pups get a bacon treat if they are well behaved.
21. Lime Mexican
A fresh take on modern Mexican street food, they are located in the vibrant Jetty precinct. They have two dog friendly outdoor decks where fur babies are most welcome.
22. Latitude 30
Seating on Coffs Harbour’s coastline, this relaxed restaurant offers locally sourced seasonal ingredients. Committed to delivering a memorable dining experience, they have even considered the needs of furry visitors, offering water and umbrella shade.
23. Mana Chita
Enjoy authentic East African cuisine in this family-run restaurant in the greater Coffs Harbour metro area. They have a partly covered outside deck with seating and a gas heater that welcomes pups and keeps them hydrated.
