Stumers Creek Dog Offleash Area

Stumers Creek Dog Offleash Area is one of the Sunshine Coast's best-known dog beaches, at the northern end of Coolum Beach. A shallow, calm creek sits alongside open surf, so timid dogs and small breeds can paddle the creek while bigger dogs take the sand, and the whole stretch stays social and busy, especially on weekends.

The dog setup

Since 3 July 2026, Sunshine Coast Council requires dogs to be on-lead from the car park until at least 10 metres beachside of it, then off-leash under effective voice control beyond that.

The off-leash area runs roughly 3km north and south of the creek. Keep dogs out of the patrolled main beach to the south, away from the dunal preservation areas and the Stumers Creek Bushland Conservation Reserve, and bag and bin all waste.

The water and the tide

The creek is at its best at low tide, when it spreads into wide, shallow sandbanks that suit small and cautious dogs. At high tide the creek mouth runs deeper and faster, which changes the character for waders.

Mid-week mornings and late afternoons are the calmest windows, while Saturday and Sunday mornings draw the biggest crowds.

Pepsi: low tide is the one. The sandbanks turn the creek into a giant shallow splash zone, perfect if your dog is still working up to the surf.

Getting there and parking

Head to the end of Stumers Creek Road off David Low Way. The large free car park sits right at the beach access point, with accessible bays included, and it fills quickly on weekend mornings.

TransLink buses run along David Low Way, leaving a moderate walk to the entrance. Public toilets sit near the car park and a tap is available for rinsing off sand and salt.

While you're out there

There is little natural shade on the sand, so plan hot days around the picnic shelters at the park end, and finish with coffee at Ma Boulange Cafe in town or Canteen Kitchen + Bar for a longer lunch.

If your dog needs a fully fenced session instead, Marcoola Fenced Dog Park is a short drive south, and the softer shoreline of Coolum Beach north makes a quieter beach alternative.

See more dog beaches in QLD or our guide to Coolum Beach with the dogs.