Back Beach

Back Beach sits just west of Mersey Bluff, off Coles Beach Road, and it is a designated dog exercise area where dogs can run off-leash under effective control. It is rockier and more rugged than the main Bluff beach, which is the appeal: a proper coastal run with dramatic cliffs, and quieter than the busier stretches nearby.

The rules. This is a dog exercise area, so off-leash is fine as long as your dog stays under effective control and returns immediately when called. Standard Devonport City Council by-laws apply for cleaning up and control. Keep an eye on other beach users and confirm current signage at the car park, as council designations can change.

The water and terrain. This is a mixed rock and sand beach, and the tide changes it completely. Low tide exposes far more open sand for running, while high tide covers most of the beach and leaves it rocky. Time your visit around low tide if your dog likes a long run, and watch the tidal currents and moving beach rock underfoot.

What's there. There is a bin with dog waste bags and a used-bag receptacle at the top of the concrete stairway between the car park and the beach. Sealed, cycle-friendly foreshore paths run nearby if you want to extend the walk.

Getting there. Drive to the car park at the end of Coles Beach Road, immediately west of the Mersey Bluff area. You can also reach it on foot via the coastal walking track from the city centre, roughly a 20 to 30 minute walk. Public transport to the beach itself is limited, so car or foot is easiest.

Nearby with the dogs. Drift on Bluff Road is a short hop away and welcomes dogs in its outdoor seating, with pupper-cinos on offer. Central Devonport has several pet-friendly places to stay within a few minutes' drive.

Best at low tide on a weekday morning, when the sand is widest and the crowds are thinnest. Good for confident dogs that like a rocky, active run rather than a flat sandy sprint.

Sources

• Animal exercise areas - Devonport City Council · devonport.tas.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.