Best dog-friendly beaches in Evans Head

The Richmond Valley, including Evans Head, offers a relaxed coastal escape with dog-friendly beaches, off-leash areas and plenty of places to stop for a bite with your pup. Airforce Beach is the standout, with a long designated off-leash section where dogs can run, splash and explore.

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 zone is only one section of the beach, so check signage when you arrive and make sure your dog stays within the designated area.

Airforce Beach is shared with 4WD vehicles, so keep an eye out for traffic and make sure your dog is under effective control. Beach users have right of way over vehicles, and Richmond Valley Council requires vehicles to stay at least 15 metres from pedestrians.

Off-leash area near the Fishermans Co-op

• Location: East of the Fishermans Co-op, Evans Head
• Leash rules: Off-leash in the designated area

For dogs that prefer grass to sand, Evans Head also has an unfenced off-leash area east of the Fishermans Co-op. It’s a handy alternative to Airforce Beach when you’re looking for somewhere close to town to give your dog a run.

Because the area is unfenced, dogs should remain under effective control.

Where dogs aren't permitted in Evans Head

Not every beach and reserve in Evans Head is dog-friendly. Dogs are prohibited at several popular locations, including Main Beach, Shark Bay, Razorback Lookout and Kalimna Park.

If you're exploring somewhere new with your pup, check local signage before setting out or refer to Richmond Valley Council's current dog exercise area information.

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.

Plan your dog-friendly Evans Head getaway

With wide-open beaches, designated off-leash areas and a laid-back coastal atmosphere, Evans Head is an easy place to enjoy a getaway with your dog.

Give them a run along Airforce Beach, stop for a bite at one of the town’s dog-friendly cafes, then settle in nearby at Reflections Evans Head. Just remember to check local signage and stick to designated dog-friendly areas while you explore.