Off Leash Dog Beach Area

The main off-leash area at Goolwa Beach runs from the western pedestrian access point near the surf club west toward the Murray Mouth, with a second designated off-leash zone between Treleaven Place (Goolwa Beach) and Tongan Way (Middleton). It is a wide, exposed stretch of sand under Alexandrina Council rules, good for a proper run when the tide is out.

The rules. Dogs must be under effective control at all times, meaning in sight and returning on command, even in off-leash zones. Seasonal restrictions apply: from 1 December to 31 January dogs must be on-leash at all times, from 1 February to 30 April they must be on-leash between 10am and 6pm, and from 1 May to 30 November dogs may run off-leash. Dogs are not allowed within 5 metres of playground equipment or in marked wetland areas such as the Kessell Road Wetlands. Bring bags and carry out all waste.

What's there. Public toilets sit near the main car park. Kuti Shack, right at the Main Beach car park, has dog-friendly outdoor seating and is worth the stop after a walk. The Goolwa Surf Life Saving Club provides patrols during peak times, which is reassuring if you are swimming as well as walking.

Getting there. There is a large free public car park at the end of Beach Road. From Adelaide, take the Southern Expressway to Victor Harbor Road, follow signs to Goolwa, then turn onto Beach Road and follow it to the end. Goolwa is also reachable by Adelaide Metro regional bus, and boardwalks lead from the main car park onto the sand.

Nearby with the dogs. Motherduck Cafe on Cadell St and Bombora on the River on Barrage Road both have dog-friendly outdoor tables if you want to extend the day. For an overnight stay, Pet Let Holiday Homes specialises in pet-friendly rentals around Goolwa, and a number of holiday homes along The Esplanade also take dogs.

The beach is busiest on weekends, public holidays and sunny summer days near the surf club access, so walk further west toward the dunes for more space. It is widest, and best for a real run, at low tide. Early morning or late afternoon avoids both the heat and the crowds, and outside the December-January on-leash window this is one of the more generous off-leash runs on the coast.

Sources

• Dogs On and Off Leash - Alexandrina Council · alexandrina.sa.gov.au

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