We all hate leaving our furry family members at home when it’s holiday time, but with countless pet-friendly activities and accommodation options on the Coffs Coast – you won’t have to!
From some of NSW’s best dog-friendly beaches to puppy parking at cafes and shops just for pets, it’s never been a better time to pack your doggies bag and visit beautiful Gumbaynggirr Country.
Pet Friendly Outdoor exploration and activities
NSW’s first certified ECO Destination, the Coffs Coast, is bursting with natural beauty and outdoor activities. Your four-legged friends don’t need to miss out – many of them are pet-friendly.
Explore them all here and check out our recommendations below:
Get your zoomies on at off-leash beaches and parks.
– Off-leash pooches are welcome from North Wall down to Coffs Creek and you’ll find water fountains, a dog wash and poo bags to make your trip a breeze. Afterwards, pop the lead on and wander up to the marina to spot some marine life before grabbing a bite to eat.
– Dogs and horses are welcome at Boambee Beach. Park at the Gallows Beach car park, drive along the beach or park at the Southern End (by Boambee Headland) and walk across the bridge to enjoy the sparkling tidal creek.
– The picturesque off-leash parks on Thompsons Rd and West Coffs Reserve are the perfect place for your pooches to run off some extra holiday energy.
Have a BBQ at Reflections Boambee Creek Reserve.
Popular with families, Boambee Creek Reserve has BBQ areas, plenty of shade, a playground and even a shop serving hot chips and ice cream. Visit at low tide to explore the sand flats and bring your pup on lead.
Get a birds’ eye view of the Coffs Coast at the Forest Sky Pier.
Offering soaring views from Sealy Lookout, as well as brilliant dog-friendly walking tracks through State Forest, the Forest Sky Pier is an award-winning attraction the whole family can enjoy.
Take a spin along the Coffs Creek Walk and Cycleway.
Nearly 8kms in length, this shared path bushwalk meanders along the Coffs Creek and links some of the city’s major destinations. Dogs are welcome on lead and may enjoy a dip in the creek.
Be sure to check the Coffs Harbour City Council website for detailed maps of dog-friendly areas.
Pet friendly retail
Maggie’s Pet Co. at Coffs Central.
The lower level at Coffs Central shopping centre is completely pet-friendly and your visit wouldn’t be complete without stopping at boutique store Maggie’s Pet Co. From natural treats to Australian-made toys and doggy fashion, everything at Maggie’s is hand-selected to help our pets live a healthier and more stylish life.
Sammie’s Dog Café and Spa at Moonee.
Sammie’s offers fear-free dog grooming, doggy day care and coffee in a relaxed environment. The team at Sammie’s aim to make your dog’s experience as comfortable as possible through compassion, reward-based training and desensitisation.
Pet friendly restaurants and bars
Your four-legged friends are welcome to join you when seated outside at plenty of Coffs Coast cafes, restaurants and bars. You can check them all out here. In the meantime, these are some of our favourites who go above and beyond to make your pups feel at home.
Café Treeo, Sawtell.
A First Avenue staple, Cafe Treeo serves all-day breakfast and lunch along the famous fig-lined street and dogs are welcome outside. Just grabbing something to go? Take advantage of the “puppy parking” and easily duck inside to order.
Black Apple, Moonee Market.
Open seven days a week, Black Apple is a Moonee favourite serving classic brekky, bagels and more. Dogs can join their owners outside, with plenty of water bowls and comfy spots to choose from.
The Hilltop Store, Sawtell.
A Sawtell icon, The Hilltop Store offers a refined seasonal menu inspired by the local area. Take your pup into their sunny courtyard for breakfast or lunch or grab a takeaway coffee and walk two minutes to Murray’s Beach where dogs are welcome on-lead.
Jetty Beach House, Jetty Beach.
Boasting one of Coffs Harbour’s best views, Jetty Beach House overlooks the iconic Coffs Harbour Jetty, Muttonbird Island, Southwall, and Gallows Beach. There’s an epic grassed area that’s perfect for enjoying a cool beverage on sunny days. Just grab your four-legged friend and pull up a bean bag!
King Tide Brewery, Coffs Harbour.
Hidden down a laneway in the centre of Coffs, King Tide is a pet-friendly brewery offering a European inspired kitchen, two bars, expansive beer garden and a cutting edge brewhouse. They even hold Ocktoberfest celebrations every year.
Woopi Brewing Co., Woolgoolga.
Woopi Brewing Co. is a proud community-focused craft brewery. With a laidback vibe that reflects the vibrant beach culture of the coast, Woopie Brewing serves up craft beer, woodfired pizzas, live music and good times. Your pup will love the expansive beer garden.
Pet friendly Accommodation
Whether you’re after a cosy mountain cottage, a laidback rainforest retreat or a luxurious coastal estate, the Coffs Coast has pet-friendly accommodation options for everyone. You can explore them here.
Pets can become distressed when being on the move, so ensure a smooth ride by providing your pet with enough water and monitoring the temperature. Follow these helpful tips about travelling with pets:
- Ask your vet for advice before you travel.
- Exercise your pets about 20 minutes before the trip.
- Restrain your pets in a carrier or harness in the car.
- Never leave your pets unattended in your vehicle.
- Take regular bathroom breaks on your journey.
