Exploring dog-friendly Nambucca Heads - a paradise for pooches!

Nambucca Heads offers plenty of places to explore with your dog, from beaches and parks to walking trails and cafés. Use the guide below to discover dog-friendly spots around the area, and always check the latest Nambucca Valley Council on and off-leash area guide before you visit, as dog access rules can change. Please note, dogs are prohibited on Shelly Beach, Main Beach, Beilbys Beach, Swimming Creek Beach (southwards to Main Beach), V-Wall Beach, V-Wall River Beach and Wellington Beach.

On-leash areas in Nambucca Heads

The spots below allow dogs on leash at all times:

• V-Wall - Nambucca Heads - extend your walk along the boardwalk of the Foreshore Walk (west of the V Wall ) and along the walkway (on leash)
• Nambucca Foreshore Walking Trail -
• Captain Cook & Rotary Lookouts

Off-leash areas in Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Heads has one dog-friendly off-leash beach. Swimming Creek Beach access northwards to the walk bridge access to the beach from the public reserve adjoining Valla Park Resort.

More dog-friendly spots near Nambucca Heads

• North Valla Beach (approx. 15 minutes' drive) – Off-leash from the beach access off the car park at the northern end of Cockburn Street (4WD access) to the northern boundary of the Nambucca Valley Shire. A long stretch of beach that's perfect for energetic dogs.
• Scotts Head Beach (approx. 20 minutes' drive) – Off-leash from the beach access on Banksia Crescent northwards. Dogs are not permitted within Hat Head National Park, so be sure to follow the signage at the northern end of the beach.
• Stuarts Island (approx. 5 minutes' drive) – The northern end of Stuarts Island is a designated off-leash area on the Crown Land Reserve. Dogs must not chase wildlife within the intertidal zone.
• Valla Beach Lions Reserve (approx. 15 minutes' drive) – A designated off-leash reserve beginning 10 metres south of the amenities block and extending to the southern end of the reserve. Dogs must be on a lead during organised public events.
• Urunga Boardwalk and Urunga Beach (approx. 25 minutes' drive) – Enjoy a scenic walk along the Urunga Boardwalk with your dog on a lead, before reaching the off-leash beach south of the river mouth, where dogs can run, play and swim.

Nambucca Heads dog-friendly cafés and restaurants

After a morning of exploring, there are plenty of places where your dog is welcome to join you outdoors while you grab a coffee or a bite to eat.

• Wharf Street Café – Waterfront café with dog-friendly outdoor seating overlooking the Nambucca River.
• Nambucca Boatshed & Café – Casual riverside café with outdoor tables where dogs are welcome.
• Matilda's Nambucca – Dogs are welcome in the outdoor dining area.
• The Beach House Café – Outdoor seating available for guests visiting with their dogs.

A dog-friendly weekend in Nambucca Heads

When Ambassador Sarah was keen to take her dogs, Nala and Benji, to Reflections Nambucca Heads, we couldn't wait to follow along and find out all the dog-friendly spots in Nambucca Heads...

"Nambucca Heads is, without a doubt, one of the most stunning pieces of coastline we have seen, and we were thrilled to head there for our latest ambassador trip with Reflections. Why "thrilled", you ask? Because the whole family could come along - yep, we could bring the dogs and stay in a dog-friendly cabin (includes a veranda that's perfect for snoozing dogs).

The park has direct access to Swimming Creek Beach, which is dog-friendly on the northern end and an off-leash zone! And of course, Nala and Benji couldn't wait to check it out. And there isn't a dog in the world happier than one running into the waves. Sand - check, sopping-wet dogs - check, happiness - check, check, check!

There are also more dog-friendly beaches at Valla Beach and Main Beach (Scotts Head), but sadly, we didn't have time to check them out.

A visit to Nambucca Heads is not complete without checking out the V-Wall Outdoor Gallery, with the dogs on a leash.

Another great spot is the Nambucca Heads boardwalk, where the dogs could look into the water along the trail - did somebody say turtle spotting?

We found the town of Nambucca Heads to be super pet-friendly! We headed straight to Matilda's, only a few minutes' drive away, which is a beautiful café near the water with delicious pizza & a stunning outdoor, pet-friendly area! Wharf Street Cafe is also dog-friendly.

We also got takeaway pizza, eaten at the picnic tables at the park and washed down with some of the most stunning ocean views we could wish for. And yes, a couple of pizza crusts may have gone astray and never been seen again...

The crystal clear waters that surround the town are unlike anything we have ever seen. Perfectly nestled in the Mid North Coast, you are only a day trip away from places like Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, South West Rocks and Port Macquarie.

Do yourself the favour, and make time for this one-of-a-kind location."

Sounds like a great time for the whole family, Sarah - thanks for sharing.

Ready to book your Nambucca Heads stay?

If you are looking for a fab destination for a dog-friendly holiday, book your Nambucca Heads holiday here.