Dog-Friendly | Queensland
Whitsundays QLD, Australia
About the business listing
DOG-FRIENDLY QUEENSLAND
GREATER WHITSUNDAYS
AIRLIE BEACH - BLOOMSBURY - CAPE GLOUCESTER - CANNONVALE - COLLINSVILLE - DINGO BEACH - GLENDEN - HAMILTON ISLAND - HIDEAWAY BAY - JUBILEE POCKET - LAGUNA QUAYS - MACKAY - MIDGE POINT - MOUNT JULIAN - MOUNT MARLOW - MORANBAH - PROSERPINE - SARINA - SHUTE HARBOUR - WOODWARK
Beach Details: Queens Beach in Bowen features a long, sandy shoreline with a mature, natural feel. The northern end of the beach (near The Esplanade toward Don River) is designated as off-leash.
Highlights: Let your dog roam freely in the off-leash zone while you enjoy a scenic stretch of coastline, with cafΓ©s and the town just a short stroll away.
β Pros
- π€© Long stretch of beachfront to roam
- π€© Easy access to nearby amenities
- π€© Quiet and natural atmosphere outside peak times
β Cons
- π Off-leash only in parts (not whole length)
- π Amenities such as toilets may be limited closer to certain access points
- π Potential overlap with horse exercise area (dogs and horses must be comfortable)
Getting there: Drive to Bowen and follow signs to Queens Beach via Esplanade. Parking is available near the beach. The off-leash zone is located toward the northern end, beginning near Don River. Dogs should be leashed until within the designated area.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Trail Details: Doughty Creek Mouth is less of a conventional walk and more a shoreline and mangrove edge area characterised by mudflats with occasional sand. It lies just south of Bowen town centre and offers a quiet space for pet parents to let their dogs explore freely.
Highlights: Quiet off-leash zone, close to town, mangrove and creek scenery.
β Pros
- π€© Off-leash area for dogs
- π€© Very close to town, easy access
- π€© Quiet and low foot traffic
β Cons
- π Not a sandy beach, mostly mudflats
- π Limited scenic beach appeal
- π Can be tidal or muddy during wet periods
Getting there: From Bowen town centre, head south toward Quay Street and follow signage toward the mouth of Doughty Creek and the designated off-leash exercise area.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Trail Details: Kings Beach is a long sandy beach just north of Bowen town. It offers shallow, calm water in many parts, making it suitable for dogs and families. There is minimal infrastructure, so expect a natural beach setting without many amenities. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Highlights: Spacious sand for running, good off-leash access, views of Gloucester Island, and relatively calm surf for gentler water play. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
β Pros
- π€© 24-hour off-leash dog access
- π€© Long stretch of beach - lots of space
- π€© Nice views toward Gloucester Island
- π€© Natural, relaxed beach atmosphere
β Cons
- π Limited amenities (e.g. few facilities, shade, cafes nearby might require walking or driving)
- π No lifeguard patrols listed in all sections; higher hazard rating in some parts (hazard = 2/10)
- π Shore break/wind can affect water conditions depending on weather direction
- π At high tide or rough weather, parts might be less gentle for small dogs or less confident swimmers
Getting there: Kings Beach is accessed via Kings Beach Road. From Bowen town centre, head north and follow signage toward beach access. Park in formal parking areas where provided.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Trail Details: Denison Park is a spacious off-leash dog park in Bowen with open grassy areas, walking trails, and plenty of room for dogs to run. Itβs close to Kings Beach and Flagstaff Hill, making it convenient for combining visits.
Highlights: 24-hour off-leash access, large open lawn, shady trees, easy to reach from Bowen town centre.
β Pros
- π€© Off-leash any time
- π€© Convenient location near Bowen amenities
- π€© Open large green space ideal for active dogs
- π€© Shade and trails for both pet parents and pups
β Cons
- π Not a beachβno water or swimming access directly
- π Minimal amenities (e.g. no dedicated beach facilities like showers)
- π Surface can become muddy after rain
- π May have busy usage during peak times
Getting there: Denison Park is on Hay Street / Queens Road, Bowen. Easy drive from Bowen town centre. Park in nearby designated car parks.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Trail Details: The eastern end of Shingley Beach is a designated off-leash zone where dogs can roam freely at any time. It lies adjacent to Coral Sea Marina and features coarse sand mixed with rocky sections. Because of its location next to the marina, scenic views of boats and Whitsunday Islands are common.
Highlights: True 24-hour dog access, marina views, proximity to town and easy beach access, relaxed atmosphere.
β Pros
- π€© Off-leash all day, no time restrictions
- π€© Close to Airlie / Cannonvale amenities
- π€© Marina and island views
- π€© Easy access road from Coral Sea Marina turn-off
β Cons
- π Surface is mixed - coarse sand & rock in places
- π Not a classic soft sandy beach along entire stretch
- π Views of marina activity may reduce natural feel for some visitors
- π Potential for drift debris or marine litter near marina region
- π Tidal, with muddy sand at low tide
Getting there: Access via the turn-off to Coral Sea Marina from Shingley Drive / Cannonvale, then follow tracks toward the eastern end of Shingley Beach. Park nearby and walk in to the off-leash zone.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Trail Details: Bicentennial Park is a large green reserve in Cannonvale featuring open grass areas, childrenβs playground, BBQ facilities, and paved walking paths. Itβs situated between Shute Harbour Road and the Cannonvale foreshore, adjacent to the foreshore reserve and SES office.
Highlights: Easy access from Cannonvale, off-leash areas, good open space for dogs to play & run, play equipment and picnic facilities for families.
β Pros
- π€© Large open grass with shade
- π€© Off-leash in designated areas
- π€© Bicentennial Boardwalk - 4km walk from Airlie Beach to Cannonvale
- π€© Playgrounds & BBQs - good for families + pet parents
- π€© Close to Cannonvale amenities & beach foreshore
β Cons
- π No beach or water access directly within the park
- π Some parts have paved surfaces - may get hot in full sun
- π Busy during peak times (weekends / school holidays)
- π Limited facilities in off-peak hours (shade, water etc.)
Getting there: From Cannonvale town centre take Shute Harbour Road towards the foreshore. Bicentennial Park lies between Shute Harbour Road and the beach front. There is local parking near the park border; access via Salmon Street and nearby streets.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Beach Details: At Cannonvale Beach, the eastern end is designated as a dog-friendly section during specific hours. Dogs can be off-leash in this part, enjoying sand, surf, and socialising with pups.
Highlights: This location offers a balance between beach access and controlled times so that pet parents can enjoy off-leash play in calmer periods. The proximity to Coral Esplanade and local amenities makes it easy to combine a beach visit with cafΓ©s or shopping.
β Pros
- π€© Designated off-leash section makes it safer for dogs and people
- π€© Convenient access from Coral Esplanade and nearby parking
- π€© Good balance of amenity and dog access in the Whitsunday region
β Cons
- π Off-leash allowed only during restricted times, not 24/7
- π Some hours are excluded
- π Full beach is not off-leash - only a section is designated
Getting there: Access via Coral Esplanade, Cannonvale. Park nearby and walk to the eastern beach section. Note the dog rules require dogs to remain leashed outside the permitted times and zones.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Trail Details: Gailbraith Park is a popular riverside park in Cannonvale, offering a safe off-leash area for dogs and picnic facilities for families. It has shaded grassy areas, walking paths, and easy access to the water.
Highlights: Off-leash dog-friendly, picnic areas, riverside views
β Pros
- π€© Safe off-leash area for dogs
- π€© Shaded picnic areas and grassy spaces
- π€© Scenic riverside views
- π€© Easy access from Cannonvale streets
β Cons
- π Limited parking on busy days
- π No fenced dog areasβdogs need to be well-controlled
- π Can be muddy after heavy rain
Getting there: Located off Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale. Easy access by car, with nearby street parking. Walking paths connect to adjacent parks and riverside areas.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Details: Whisper Bay Boat Ramp provides convenient access for launching boats and kayaks. The area has a small sandy shore for dogs to play and is adjacent to grassy picnic spaces.
Highlights: Boat access, dog-friendly, picnic areas
β Pros
- π€© Easy boat ramp access
- π€© Small dog-friendly sandy area
- π€© Picnic-friendly grassy areas nearby
β Cons
- π Limited beach area for swimming
- π Can be busy during peak boating times
- π No fenced dog area, dogs must be supervised
Getting there: Access via Shute Harbour Road, Cannonvale. Car parking available nearby; suitable for launching boats or walking dogs.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Details: Wildlife Estate Park provides grassy and paved pathways where dogs can be walked on leash in designated areas. Some areas are restricted to protect wildlife and park facilities.
Highlights: Dog-friendly on-leash areas, walking paths, green spaces, wildlife observation
β Pros
- π€© Safe on-leash areas for dogs
- π€© Green spaces and walking paths
- π€© Opportunities to observe local wildlife
- π€© Well-maintained park environment
β Cons
- π Dogs must remain on leash
- π Some areas are restricted to dogs
- π Can be busy during peak hours
Getting there: Access via Jubilee Pocket Road. Car parking available nearby; park entrance leads to designated dog-friendly areas and walking paths.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Details: Keith Johns Estate Park is a spacious, grassy area in Proserpine, offering a designated off-leash zone for dogs in the southern section, away from the playground. It's an ideal spot for pet parents seeking a safe and enjoyable environment for their dogs to exercise and socialise.
Highlights: Expansive grassy areas, designated off-leash zone, family-friendly environment.
β Pros
- π€© Spacious grassy areas for dogs to run and play
- π€© Designated off-leash zone away from playgrounds
- π€© Family-friendly environment suitable for all ages
β Cons
- π Limited amenities such as seating and shade
- π No fenced enclosure for dogs
- π May be subject to weather conditions affecting park usability
Getting there: Located on Keith Johns Drive, Proserpine, QLD 4800. Easily accessible by car with ample parking available nearby.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au
Details: Hideaway Bay is identified in the councilβs dog off-leash register as an off-leash beach, meaning dogs may roam freely along the shoreline. Itβs a quieter stretch of sand ideal for dog walks, splash time, and relaxed waterfront strolls.
Highlights: Secluded beach, freedom for dogs to roam, scenic views, great for early mornings
β Pros
- π€© Full off-leash beach access
- π€© Less crowded than many beaches
- π€© Scenic shoreline for long walks
- π€© Freedom for dogs to explore shoreline
β Cons
- π Limited facilities nearby (e.g., shade, toilets)
- π No control over terrain or crowds
Getting there: Follow Hideaway Bay Road from the Bruce Highway north of Bowen. Continue to the coastline access points, and park as directed.
Source: whitsundayrc.qld.gov.au