Somerset Dog Beach

Somerset Beach runs along the Bass Highway between Burnie and Wynyard, and it is one of the more generous dog beaches on Tasmania's north-west coast. There is a long off-leash stretch open around the clock plus a clearly marked time-based section for the busier end near the Cam River, all backed by a grassy foreshore.

The dog setup

Dogs can run off-leash 24/7 on the beach between Woody Point and Arthur Street. From Arthur Street east to the Cam River, dogs must be on lead between 10am and 6pm, with off-lead allowed outside those hours. Effective control applies everywhere, meaning your dog needs to come back when called even inside the off-leash zone, and all waste has to be binned or carried out.

Waste bins are provided along the foreshore, though it is worth carrying your own bags as a backup. There is little natural shade, so bring water for your dog, especially through summer.

The beach faces Bass Strait directly, so wind and swell shape the day: mornings are usually the calmest for swimming, while afternoons often bring a sea breeze that suits runners more than swimmers. The wide, flat sand makes it easy to throw a ball well clear of the waterline. Check the signage near the creek mouths before letting your dog off, as seasonal restrictions can apply around those sections.

The beach faces Bass Strait directly, so wind and swell shape the day: mornings are usually the calmest for swimming, while afternoons often bring a sea breeze that suits runners more than swimmers. Check the signage near the creek mouths before letting your dog off, as seasonal restrictions can apply around those sections.

Getting there and parking

Somerset sits on the A2 roughly ten minutes west of Burnie and east of Wynyard, with the beach fronting the highway. Parking is along the foreshore reserve, and the sand is a short walk from the car parks. Access points near Woody Point and Arthur Street put you straight onto the off-leash stretch.

While you're out there

Stay on the water at Somerset Beachside Cabin & Caravan Park, or make the short drive east into Burnie for a bite. In Wynyard, Lemon Tree Providore is a good refuel stop on the way back along the coast.

More options are on the Tasmania dog beach guide and the Somerset destination page.