Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park Sunshine Coast

Dogs on leashes are only permitted on the beach between the 1st beach access cutting on Noosa North Shore and on the beach at the northern end of Teewah township. Photo credit: Rob Cameron © Queensland Government

Four-wheel drive past towering coastal sand cliffs and coloured sands in the paradise of Cooloola Recreation Area. Photo credit: © Tomek Z Genek

Noosa North Shore dog-friendly area

Enjoy some quality time with your family pet on this scenic dog-friendly stretch of Cooloola’s southern beach.

Journey type
Walk
Distance
5.6km (1st beach cutting to 3rd beach cutting) return Start and finish points are the same and the traveller must return via the same path
Time suggested
Allow 3hrs walking time.
Grade
Easy (walk)

Accessible by

  • Conventional vehicle

Journey facilities

  • Walking

Spend a fun-filled family day with your four-legged friend on this dog-on-leash section of Cooloola's Teewah Beach. On Noosa North Shore, head to the beach at the first vehicle cutting and walk north. Relax in the vehicle-free zone between the first and third vehicle cuttings or stride along the beach north to Teewah township. If that walk is too long for your pooch, you can drive north from third cutting to Teewah township in the dog-friendly area to find your perfect secluded patch of beach. Remember to keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times. Dogs are not permitted elsewhere in Cooloola Recreation Area including travelling in vehicles through the recreation area.

Admire scenic views of the high Cooloola sandmass to the north and the Noosa headland to the south and watch majestic brahminy kites and white-bellied sea eagles soaring above you.

Refer to the Cooloola and Inskip recreation areas discovery guide (PDF, 4.3MB) for a map and more details.

Getting there and getting around

Noosa North Shore dog-friendly area is in Cooloola Recreation Area, Great Sandy National Park, on the Sunshine Coast between Noosa Heads and Rainbow Beach (155–240km north of Brisbane).

  • The dog-friendly area extends along the southern section of Cooloola's Teewah Beach, from Noosa North Shore to Teewah township.
  • You can access the dog-friendly area of beach from Noosa North Shore. There are three access roads ('cuttings') to the beach.
  • From the first beach cutting, (southern boundary of the dog-friendly beach area), it is 2.8km one-way to the third beach cutting and 8.6km one-way to Teewah township.
  • From the second beach cutting, you can walk south to the first beach cutting or north as far as Teewah township.
  • From the third beach cutting you can walk south to the first beach cutting (2.8km one-way), or walk or drive north as far as Teewah township (5.8km one-way).
  • The beach between first and third beach cuttings is closed to vehicles.
  • The northern boundary of the dog-friendly area is the beach at the northern end of Teewah township.
  • If you plan to drive along Cooloola's beach, you need a high-clearance 4WD and vehicle access permit.
  • Remember all vehicles must be registered, drivers must be licensed and all Queensland road rules apply, even on beaches.
  • A vehicle access permit must be purchased. Display the permit on your windscreen before driving in the recreation area. 24hr number plate surveillance cameras in use. Please ensure vehicle registration details are correct on your permit. For more information see:
  • Book your vehicle access permit online using the Queensland National Parks Booking Service.
  • Visit the Great Sandy Information Centre, located near the Noosa River ferry on Moorindil Street for vehicle access permits, also camping permits and other information (business hours only).
  • Read 4WD with care for important information on 4WD safety and minimal impact driving.

Getting to Noosa North Shore

  • From Brisbane drive 135km north on the Bruce Highway or the Sunshine Motorway to Tewantin; or from Gympie drive 58km south and east on the Bruce Highway to Tewantin.
  • In Tewantin, follow Moorindil Street to the Noosa River ferry, cross the river to Noosa North Shore, and drive 2.2km on Maximillian Road.
  • Turn right onto Beach Road and drive 2.1km on sealed road.
  • Take the first exit (straight ahead) onto the first beach cutting and park in the car park or drive onto the beach. Beach closed to vehicles between first and third beach cuttings.
  • Alternatively turn sharply left and drive along the sealed Wilderness Track for a further 700m to the second beach cutting (pedestrians only) and park in the car park; or drive a further 2.1km to the third beach cutting, where you drive onto the beach.

Wheelchair access

There are no wheelchair-accessible facilities.

Before you visit

Opening hours

Noosa North Shore dog-friendly area is open 24 hours a day.

Check Park Alerts for the latest information on access, closures and conditions.

Visiting safely

For more safety information see Visiting Cooloola Recreation Area safely and Walk with care.