Dog-friendly beaches, parks and cafés near North Haven, Bonny Hills and Port Macquarie

Planning a coastal getaway with your furry best friend? North Haven, Bonny Hills and Port Macquarie are packed with dog-friendly beaches, coastal walking trails, off-leash parks and cafés where pups are treated like part of the family. Whether your dog loves sandy zoomies, scenic bush walks or relaxing beside you with a puppuccino, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to explore across the Mid North Coast.

Always check local signage and the council website before visiting, as leash rules and beach access can change seasonally.

North Haven

Dog-friendly beaches near North Haven

North Haven Beach and Grants Beach & Reserve

One of the best dog-friendly beach areas in the Camden Haven region, North Haven Beach and Grants Beach form one long stretch of coastline perfect for sandy paws, ocean dips and energetic games of fetch. The northern stretch towards Grants Head is especially popular with locals thanks to its wide open sand and quieter atmosphere.

After your beach walk, continue with a stroll along the nearby breakwall pathways where dogs can enjoy fresh sea air and river views beside their owners. The reserve is a great option for active dogs and owners wanting a longer scenic walk.

• Address: Ocean Drive, North Haven NSW 2443
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash from the northern end of the surf club car park north towards Grants Head. Dogs are prohibited south of the surf club towards the breakwall and patrolled beach areas.
• Website: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Dog-friendly parks and walking trails near North Haven

Queens Lake Trail

Starting from Henry Kendall Reserve, the Queens Lake Trail is a peaceful dog-friendly walking option surrounded by bushland, wetlands and lake views. The easy walking paths are ideal for slower strolls with your pup while enjoying the natural beauty of the Camden Haven region.

• Address: Henry Kendall Reserve, Laurieton NSW 2443
• Leash rules: Dogs are welcome on leash along the trail and surrounding reserve areas.
• Website: https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/

Henry Kendall Reserve dog park

Located near Queens Lake, Henry Kendall Reserve includes a large fenced off-leash dog exercise area where dogs can run and socialise safely. It’s a great stop before or after exploring nearby walking trails.

• Address: Henry Kendall Drive, Laurieton NSW 2443
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash within the fenced exercise area. Dogs should remain on-leash outside designated zones.
• Website: Port Macquarie Hastings Council

Dog-friendly cafés near North Haven

Beach Break Cafe

A laid-back beachfront café in Bonny Hills serving breakfast, coffee and casual lunches with ocean views and dog-friendly outdoor seating.

• Address: 48 Ocean Drive, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Website: facebook.com/beachbreakcafe/

Piece Of Mind Wholefoods

A relaxed wholefoods café in North Haven offering healthy breakfasts, coffee and outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.

• Address: 1/617 Ocean Drive, North Haven NSW 2443
• Website: facebook.com/pieceofmindwholefoods/

Riverview Cafe on Camden

A lovely riverside café perfect for breakfast or lunch with your furry friend beside you outdoors.

• Address: 679 Ocean Drive, North Haven NSW 2443
• Website: facebook.com/riverviewcafeoncamden/

Bonny Hills

Dog-friendly beaches near Bonny Hills

Rainbow Beach & Reserve

Rainbow Beach is one of the most popular coastal spots in Bonny Hills for dog walks, offering scenic ocean views, beach access and plenty of space to explore with your pup.

• Address: Beach Street, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash from Duchess Creek north to Middle Rock. Dogs are permitted on leash only in designated access areas leading to the off-leash section. Dogs are prohibited south of the leash-free access area.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Spooney’s Bay

Tucked between Bonny Hills and North Haven, Spooney’s Bay is a quieter off-leash beach popular with locals looking for a more relaxed dog walking spot. The sheltered setting and natural surrounds make it ideal for beach strolls and exploring rock pools.

• Address: Ocean Drive, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash and should remain under effective control at all times.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Dog-friendly parks and walking trails near Bonny Hills

Middle Rock Boardwalk

Located near Lake Cathie, just south of Bonny Hills, Middle Rock Boardwalk is an easy coastal walking option through dunes and bushland. The peaceful setting makes it perfect for a slower-paced walk with your dog.

• Address: 51 Summer Circuit, Lake Cathie NSW 2445
• Leash rules: Dogs should remain on leash throughout the reserve and boardwalk areas.
• Website: https://www.pmhc.nsw.gov.au/Places/Sport-Recreation/Parks-and-Reserves/Middle-Rock-Reserve

Dog-friendly cafés near Bonny Hills

Bonny's Beach Cafe

Located near Rainbow Beach, this laid-back café is a great stop after a coastal walk or beach visit with your dog.

• Address: 44 Beach Street, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Website: facebook.com/bonnysbeachcafe/

Bonny Hills Garden Cafe

A standout local favourite tucked inside the Bonny Hills Garden Centre, this relaxed café is perfect for breakfast or coffee with your pup beside you in the outdoor seating area. After brunch, wander through the nursery, browse handmade local goods and soak up the peaceful garden surroundings.

• Address: 5 Jolly Nose Drive, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Website: bonnyhillsgardencentre.net.au/

Crave at Bonnys

A popular local café known for quality coffee, all-day breakfast and casual lunches, with outdoor seating suitable for dogs.

• Address: 2/12 Jungarra Crescent, Bonny Hills NSW 2445
• Website: facebook.com/craveatbonnys/

Port Macquarie

Dog-friendly beaches near Port Macquarie

Nobbys Beach

One of the most popular dog-friendly beaches near Port Macquarie, Nobbys Beach is an off-leash paradise for energetic pups. The wide stretch of sand gives dogs plenty of space to run, splash and socialise.

• Address: 71 Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash provided they remain under effective control.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Lighthouse Beach

This well-known off-leash beach stretches from Watonga Rocks towards the Lake Cathie 4WD access point, making it ideal for long beach walks with your dog.

• Address: Matthew Flinders Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash from Watonga Rocks south to the Lake Cathie 4WD beach access point. Dogs are prohibited north of Watonga Rocks towards Tacking Point.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Rocky Beach

A quieter and more secluded option south of Oxley Beach, Rocky Beach is ideal for dogs and owners wanting to escape the crowds.

• Address: Pacific Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash but should remain under effective control at all times.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Dog parks near Port Macquarie

Stuart Park dog park

One of the most popular off-leash dog parks near Port Macquarie, Stuart Park features agility equipment, open grassed areas and separate spaces for small and large dogs.

• Address: 2 Woods Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted off-leash within designated fenced exercise areas. Dogs should remain on-leash outside designated zones.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park

Located close to the Port Macquarie town centre, Kooloonbung Creek Nature Park offers peaceful shared walking paths through wetlands and bushland, making it a lovely option for quieter on-leash walks with your dog.

• Address: Gordon Street, Port Macquarie, NSW 2444
• Leash rules: Dogs are permitted on leash only.
• Website: https://www.portmacquarie.nsw.gov.au/

Dog-friendly cafés and restaurants near Port Macquarie

Bandwagon

One of the best-known dog-friendly cafés in Port Macquarie, Bandwagon is loved for its great coffee, brunch menu and welcoming outdoor seating for dogs.

• Address: 76 William Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: bandwagoncafe.com.au/

Sandbox

A beachside favourite near Flynns Beach, perfect for coffee or breakfast after a morning walk with your pup.

• Address: 36 Tuppenny Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: facebook.com/Sandbox.pmq/

Little Shack

With beautiful water views and outdoor seating, Little Shack is a popular stop for breakfast, lunch or sunset drinks with your dog.

• Address: 1 Hay Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: littleshack.com.au/

COAST Lighthouse Beach

Located near Lighthouse Beach, this relaxed café is ideal for post-beach coffee or brunch with your furry mate.

• Address: 40 Matthew Flinders Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: facebook.com/COASTLighthouseBeach/

Social Grounds Cafe

A relaxed local café with great coffee and outdoor seating, popular among dog owners in Port Macquarie.

• Address: Shop 1/160 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: facebook.com/socialgroundscafe/

The Beach House

A casual beachside dining spot near Town Beach with outdoor seating where dogs are welcome.

• Address: 1 Munster Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: facebook.com/thebeachhousepmq/

Tacking Point Tavern

A popular local tavern with a spacious outdoor beer garden where dogs are welcome.

• Address: 156 Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie NSW 2444
• Website: facebook.com/tackingpointtavern/

Tips for travelling with your dog on the Mid North Coast

Travelling with your dog is one of the best ways to experience the Mid North Coast, but a little preparation helps make the trip smoother for everyone.

Check local leash rules

Many dog-friendly beaches near North Haven and Port Macquarie have designated off-leash sections or time restrictions, so always check signage before letting your dog roam freely.

Pack the essentials

Bring fresh water, dog waste bags, towels, leads and a collapsible bowl for beach days and long walks.

Book dog-friendly accommodation

Staying somewhere dog-friendly makes all the difference. Reflections Bonny Hills and Reflections North Haven welcome dogs, making it easy to holiday with your pup by your side.

Plan for downtime

After a full day of beach walks and adventures, your dog will appreciate some downtime back at your accommodation. Bringing their bed or favourite blanket can help them settle in comfortably.

Dog-friendly places to stay on the Mid North Coast

From sandy beaches and coastal walks to off-leash parks and welcoming cafés, North Haven, Bonny Hills and Port Macquarie offer endless ways to holiday with your dog. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer coastal escape, there are plenty of dog-friendly places to explore together.

Looking for more inspiration for travelling with your pup? Check out our guide to dog-friendly camping and discover more pet-friendly adventures across the Mid North Coast with Reflections Holidays.