Dog-friendly beaches & dog parks in the Northern Rivers

Looking for the best dog-friendly beaches in the Northern Rivers? From Byron Bay to Evans Head, this guide covers where your pup can run off-leash, swim safely and enjoy the coast alongside you.

The Northern Rivers, on the Far North Coast of NSW, is a fantastic destination to travel with your dog, with plenty of coastal spots, parks, open spaces and restaurants & cafes to explore together.

Like many popular coastal regions, some areas have specific guidelines to help protect local wildlife and ensure everyone can enjoy these spaces. It’s always worth checking signage when you arrive. The good news is there are still plenty of dog-friendly beaches, parks and off-leash areas across Byron Bay, Brunswick Heads and surrounding areas.

Best off-leash dog beaches in the Northern Rivers

Some of the most popular off-leash dog beaches in the Northern Rivers include:

• Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head – long, open stretches perfect for running
• Airforce Beach, Evans Head – ideal for active dogs who love space
• Belongil Beach, Byron Bay – social, relaxed and close to town

Ballina Shire dog-friendly locations

Ballina Shire is one of the most dog-friendly areas in the Northern Rivers, with a great mix of off-leash beaches, riverside parks and walking paths. From the calm waters of the Richmond River to long stretches of coastline, there are plenty of spots where your dog can stretch their legs.

For the most up-to-date information on dog-friendly areas and local guidelines, visit the Ballina Shire Council website.

Dog-friendly beaches and parks in Lennox Head (Northern Rivers NSW)

Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head

• Address: Pacific Parade, Lennox Head NSW 2478
• Leash rules: Off-leash (north of Surf Club); on-leash elsewhere

Seven Mile Beach is one of the most iconic dog-friendly beaches in the Northern Rivers. The off-leash section north of the Surf Club gives dogs plenty of space to run freely along the sand.

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Lennox Head

After a run along Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head has a handful of relaxed, dog-friendly spots perfect for refuelling.

• Shelter Lennox is a local favourite right on the beachfront, offering outdoor seating where dogs are welcome
• The Point Café is a great option for a laid-back coffee or breakfast with ocean views.

Dog-friendly accommodation nearby

Stay nearby at Reflections Lennox Head, near Seven Mile Beach, with dog-friendly cabins, tiny homes and campsites.

Dog-friendly beaches and parks in Ballina (Northern Rivers NSW)

Angels Beach, East Ballina

• Address: Angels Beach Access, East Ballina NSW 2478
• Leash rules: On-leash with seasonal and time-based restrictions in place. Check signage or Ballina Shire Council maps before visiting.

Angels Beach is a peaceful, expansive stretch of coastline bordered by natural dune vegetation. Typically less crowded than other Ballina beaches, it’s ideal for relaxed coastal walks with your dog.

The Spit, Ballina

• Address: River St, Ballina NSW 2478
• Leash rules: Off-leash (designated areas)

The Spit is one of the most popular off-leash dog beaches in Ballina. With calm, shallow water and plenty of space to run, it’s perfect for dogs who love to splash, play and socialise.

Bicentennial Gardens

• Address: 1 Norton St, Ballina NSW 2478
• Leash rules: On-leash in designated areas. Refer to Ballina Shire Council for current access zones.

Set along the Richmond River, Bicentennial Gardens offers shaded walking paths, open lawns and picnic spots. It’s a great option for a quieter, on-leash stroll close to town.

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Ballina & Shaws Bay

After a great day packed with fun activities, you and your pup might need some sustenance - here's where to go with your dog in Ballina and Shaws Bay:

• The Belle General: local favourite with dog-friendly outdoor seating
• Shaws Bay Hotel: relaxed waterfront venue where dogs are welcome outside
• Ballina Gallery Café: leafy outdoor space perfect for a coffee with your pup

Dog-friendly accommodation nearby

Stay nearby at Reflections Ballina for dog-friendly cabins and sites, while just a few minutes down the road, Reflections Shaws Bay offers pet-friendly cabins, tiny homes and campsites.

Richmond Valley Council dog-friendly locations

The Richmond Valley, including Evans Head, offers a more relaxed pace with scenic coastal lookouts, riverfront walks and open green spaces to enjoy with your dog. While most areas are on-leash, it’s a great region for quieter walks and laid-back exploring.

You can check the latest dog-friendly locations and regulations via the Richmond Valley Council website.

Evans Head & surrounds dog-friendly areas

Airforce Beach – off-leash

• Address: Terrace Street (4WD access), Evans Head NSW 2473
• Leash rules: Off-leash (designated section only)

Airforce Beach is the main dog-friendly beach in Evans Head, offering a long stretch of sand where dogs can run freely. The off-leash area extends north from the 4WD access point for around 1.3km.

It’s a great spot for active dogs, with plenty of space to explore and swim, but keep in mind it’s a shared beach with vehicles.

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants nearby

• Sandpit Café - great coffee stop with dog-friendly seating
• The Break Restaurant Hotel Illawong - A solid pub option with a relaxed beer garden where dogs are welcome on a lead in outdoor areas.
• Vespas on Oak - Popular main street café with dine-in and takeaway options, often listed among local dog-friendly stops (outdoor seating).

Dog-friendly accommodation nearby

Reflections Evans Head is close to Airforce Beach with pet-friendly campsites, cabins and tiny homes.

Byron Shire dog-friendly locations

Byron Shire is known for its stunning beaches and natural beauty, and there are several designated off-leash beaches and parks where dogs are welcome. Because of the region’s sensitive coastal environment, dog access is carefully managed, so it’s important to stick to signposted areas.

For current rules, maps and designated dog exercise areas, visit the Byron Shire Council website.

Byron Bay dog-friendly beaches and parks

Belongil Beach (south) – off-leash

• Location: Manfred Street towards the Main Beach car park
• Leash rules: Off-leash (clearly signposted sections only)

Belongil Beach South is one of the most popular dog-friendly beaches in Byron Bay. This designated off-leash stretch gives dogs space to run, play and swim.

Dogs must remain in the intertidal zone (on the sand) and off the dunes, but it’s otherwise a relaxed and social spot.

Tallow Beach (north of Jarman Street) – off-leash

• Location: Jarman Street access, Suffolk Park
• Leash rules: Off-leash (designated section)

Tallow Beach is one of the best off-leash beaches near Byron Bay, with a long stretch of sand perfect for energetic dogs.

As with other local beaches, dogs must stay on the sand and out of dune areas.

Beech Drive Lake Park

• Location: Beech Drive, Suffolk Park
• Leash rules: Off-leash in designated areas

Beech Drive Lake Park is a favourite with locals. This park offers a dedicated off-leash space with open grass and a peaceful lake setting

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants nearby

• Top Shop Byron Bay – relaxed outdoor seating, very dog-friendly
• Folk Byron Bay – leafy courtyard where pups are welcome
• The Byron Bay General Store – great for breakfast with your dog

Dog-friendly accommodation nearby

• Reflections Lennox Head – an easy drive with dog-friendly cabins, tiny homes and campsites. Plus an enclosed dog-run with heaps of space to play.
• Reflections Ferry Reserve (Brunswick Heads) – great location near the freeway and river, complete with dog-friendly tiny homes, cabins and campsites.

Brunswick Heads dog-friendly parks and reserves

Brunswick Heads Main Beach (south of Surf Club) – off-leash

• Location: South Beach Road / The Terrace, Brunswick Heads NSW 2483
• Leash rules: Off-leash (designated section only)

Dogs are allowed off-leash south of the surf club for a designated stretch of Main Beach, south of the surf club. It’s a great option for a quieter walk with plenty of space to roam.

Dogs must stay within the intertidal zone and off dune areas.

New Brighton Beach – off-leash

• Location: The Esplanade, New Brighton, NSW 2483
• Leash rules: Off-leash (designated section)

New Brighton Beach offers a wide, open stretch of sand where dogs can run freely in the designated off-leash zone.

South Golden Beach – off-leash

• Location: Pacific Esplanade, South Golden Beach NSW 2483
• Leash rules: Off-leash (designated section)

Another excellent option for long beach walks, with a clearly defined off-leash area and plenty of space for dogs to explore.

Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants nearby

• The Footbridge Café – relaxed riverside dining with outdoor dog-friendly seating
• Old Maids Café – cosy spot where pups are welcome outside

Dog-friendly accommodation nearby

• Reflections Ferry Reserve – great location near the river and dog-friendly sites and cabins.

Dog-friendly Mullumbimby

Mullumbimby dog park

• Address: 152 Stuart Street, Mullumbimby
• Leash rules: Off-leash

A dedicated off-leash dog park, perfect for social dogs and a quick run around.

Heritage Park, Mullumbimby

• Locations: Mill Street, Mullumbimby NSW 2482
• Leash rules: Off-leash in designated areas; dogs must be kept away from playgrounds and shared facilities.

Offers a mix of open space and riverside walking, with designated off-leash sections. Dogs should be kept away from playgrounds and BBQ areas.

Plan your Northern Rivers dog-friendly getaway

With so many dog-friendly beaches, parks and off-leash areas in the Northern Rivers NSW, it’s easy to plan a holiday where your dog is part of the adventure.

From the calm waters of the Richmond River in Ballina to the iconic coastline of Byron Bay, there’s no shortage of places to explore together.

So pack the car, grab the leash (or let it loose where you can), and discover why the Northern Rivers is one of the best dog-friendly destinations in NSW.