Benwell Road Park

Benwell Road Park gives South Townsville dogs something rare close to town: about 520 metres of unfenced beach foreshore where they can run off lead and swim.

Off-lead rules

Townsville City Council lists the stretch as an off-leash beach area. The land belongs to the Port of Townsville, and the council notes it does not look after the infrastructure.

There is no fence, so solid recall matters before you unclip.

The foreshore

This is sand and tidal flat rather than a paved path. Open water and views over the port and foreshore frame the walk, and dogs can head straight in for a swim.

Locals rate it for room to run and splash, especially as the tide drops. Formal facilities are minimal, so bring water, bags and a towel.

Pepsi: Lower tides open up the most sand for running and splashing, so time your visit around them.

Make a day of it

Rinse off and grab a coffee nearby at Padoka Cafe or Levanti.

Aim for lower tides and cooler mornings. It suits confident, water-loving dogs with good recall more than dogs that need a fence around them.