25 Best Dog Friendly Accommodation, Beaches, Bars & Cafes in Cairns, Port Douglas and Far North Queensland
Enveloped by rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef, Far North Queensland is a tropical region that promises a great time for both two-legged and four-legged visitors. Whether you’re taking it easy in Cairns or Port Douglas or enjoying a road-trip along the coast, there are a number of magnificent dog friendly accommodation, beaches, bars and cafes to explore and admire. This is your Ultimate Guide to the best dog friendly places in Cairns, Port Douglas and the rest of Far North Queensland.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
1. Litoria Mission Beach
Wongaling Beach
Guests 8 | Bedrooms 4 | Bathrooms 2.5
Litoria is a dog friendly pavilion home tucked against reserve about 150m from the beach. Kids love the free splash pad, playground, skate park and basketball court just a 5–10min walk away. Access to the aquatic centre is also free. You’ll love Litoria’s breezeway and living pod that opens to capture the sea breezes. With 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a fully fenced yard, Litoria provides the perfect getaway for family, and friends (including the furry ones). You can also rent Couples Retreat part of the House.
2. Pink Flamingo
Port Douglas
Guests 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Affordable & intimate dog friendly accommodation in Port Douglas has a lot to offer for anyone looking to unwind. Pink Flamingo Resort is welcoming all adults and their pets (adults only resort). Between the private spacious accommodations, the stylish and bright decor and incredible tropical gardens, it’s a perfect getaway if you’re looking for an extraordinary vacation.
4. Chilverton Retreat
Evelyn
Guests 2 | Bedrooms 1 | Bathrooms 1
Dog friendly rainforest retreat with endless doggie features including a fenced off leash area, dog friendly restaurant and even a bathing facilities for your pooch. The retreat also offers pet sitting. Choose from 4 different pet friendly rooms in this picturesque 7 acre property with plenty of walking trails to explore. ROOM LINKS BELOW
Lorikeet Studio – Guests 2 | FROM $290
Platypus – Guests 2 | FROM $370
Lumholtz – Guests 2 | FROM $320
Rosella Cottage – Guests 2 | FROM $370
King Parrot – Guests 2 | FROM $290
Dog Friendly Beaches
We would like to highlight the constant threat of crocodiles and stingers in Far North Queensland beaches and creeks so please remember to keep an eye on your dog at all times.
5. Yorkey’s Knob Beach
Yorkey’s Knob
A popular beach in Cairns, this is a pawfect spot for a splash and a play with your pooch. The southern end of Yorkeys Knob beach south of the corner of Sims Esplanade and Kempton Street is dedicated for off leash activity.
6. Clifton Beach
Cairns
Clifton Beach in Palm Cove is a beautiful spot to throw the ball and enjoy the palm tree views. The northern end and the southern end are off leash areas.
7. Four Mile Beach
Port Douglas
With a fantastic stretch of soft sand to sink the paws into, Four Mile Beach is a popular place to meet furry friends in Port Douglas. Dogs are welcome off leash at the southern end, south of the Cowrie Street beach entrance.
8. Cow Bay Beach
Cow Bay
A beautiful beach surrounded by rainforest, Cow Bay Beach is a pawsome place to enjoy stretch the four legs. Dogs are welcome off leash at the section south of Buchanan Creek Rd car park area, southern section of Cow Bay Beach.
9. Bramston Beach
Bramston Beach
Approximately 45 minutes south of Cairns, Bramston Beach is a quiet and relaxed beach worth exploring. There are two off leash areas – one commences 100 metres south of the stinger net and extends to the southern end of the beach and the other one can be found adjacent to the Paperbark Street Park.
10. Trinity Beach
Trinity Beach
A favourite with the locals, Trinity Beach is a dreamy spot to enjoy with your canine companion. Dogs are welcome off leash on the northern and southern end of the beach.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING
Dog Friendly Walks
11. Earl Hill
Trinity Beach
A popular dog friendly hike up to Earl Hill. There are two tracks to choose from one being a a goat track straight up with a decent incline the whole way and the other newer track being a lot more gradual with switch backs and is well maintained.
12. Ivan Evans Walk
Bayview Heights
Fairly easy dog friendly walk along a narrow, one person-wide dirt track with some interesting rock formations and views over Cairns. The trail is dog friendly with a gradual ascent and descent. There is a BoiBoi´s Viewpoint in the middle and nice little waterfall at the Toogood Road. Parking available at both ends of the track.
13. Peterson’s Creek
Yungaburra
A scenic out and back forested dog friendly walk along Peterson’s Creek leading out to meet the Geoff Tracey Botanical Track where there is a nice lookout from the bridge over the creek.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING
Dog Friendly Cafes
14. Mayhem at Machans
Machans Beach
This super dog friendly cafe in the heart of Machans Beach, about 5 minute drive from the Cairns Airport and 10 minutes from the centre of Cairns CBD, focuses strongly on customers needs as well as fabulous yet affordable meals. The friendly staff love when you bring your pupper along. There is shaded seating out the front of the cafe, as well as water bowls for thirsty pups. For well behaved doggos, there are even tasty treats available at the counter.
Afterwards, why not take a stroll on Machans Beach with your pooch?
15. Wharf One Cafe
Cairns
Humans aren’t the only ones who love visiting this waterfront venue on Trinity Inlet! This dog friendly welcomes furry visitors with open arms (and lots of belly rubs), and there’s always fresh water available as well as tasty treats for purchase. Sit back, relax and be mesmerised by the stunning inlet views.
16. Choo Choo’s At The Marina
Port Douglas
Choo Choos at the Marina is located at the end of the Crystalbrook Super yacht Marina and has one of the most beautiful dining views in all of Port Douglas. They have plenty of shaded outdoor space and always encourage visitors to bring their fur children along.
17. St Crispins Cafe
Port Douglas
Boasting breathtaking views over the Daintree Ranges and the sprawling greenery of the Mirage Country Club golf course, this dog friendly cafe venue is complemented with shading from mature, native flora and fauna, all reflected by a calm lagoon. The cafe allows pups to join owners inside the cafe which has plenty of shade, water bowls and even doggy treats available at the counter.
18. 27 Degrees
Palm Cove
This fun and quirky cafe in Palm Cove is a great spot to enjoy breakfast or lunch with beach views and your doggo by your side. Take a seat in one of the beanbag chairs out the front of the cafe and enjoy the views whilst munching on a healthy and delicious Nourish bowl. There’s umbrellas and tree shade for your pup, as well as a water bowl.
19. Whistle Stop Cafe
Yungaburra
A family-owned cafe in Yungaburra, a rural town in the Tablelands, serving delicious breakfast and lunch options, coffee, plus delicious cakes and slices. There is a wonderful garden outdoor area where dogs are welcome to join owners and there is shade and water available.
20. Muddy’s Cafe
Cairns
Located in the heart of Cairns, Muddy’s is a must if you’re in the area. Known for its great coffee and relaxed atmosphere, this outdoor eatery offers lovely views and lots of undercover space for you to sit in the company of your fur baby. Plenty of water bowls around the cafe.
FREE V.I.POOCH TRAVEL KIT WITH EVERY BOOKING
Dog Friendly Pubs, Bars & Breweries
21. Salt House
Cairns
Perched in a priceless location on the Marina, boasting lengthy mountain, ocean and Trinity inlet views makes it near impossible not to unwind and soak up the beauty of Tropical North Queensland. Salt House has beautiful tropical garden area with bar where you can sit with your pup and admire the views.
22. Hemingway’s Brewery
Cairns & Port Douglas
Hemingway’s Brewery Cairns Wharf boasts a 19 metre long bar and 20 taps that offer at least 10 Hemingway’s brewed beers, guest beers, and ciders as well. The dog friendly brewery allows pups to sit with owners at the tables outside where there is plenty of shade. Water bowls can also be provided. They also have a brewery in Port Douglas where you can sit outside and enjoy stunning marina views with your pup.
23. Lure Restaurant & Bar
Port Douglas
Lure is located at the Reef Marina in Port Douglas, with water views overlooking the boats and spectacular vistas of the surrounding mountains and rainforest. They will welcome your furry friend with a water bowl and lots of pats.
24. BUKO Mission Beach
Mission Beach
Open for breakfast, lunch & dinner daily, BUKO in Mission Beach is the ultimate dining experience unlike anywhere else! Enjoy tropical drinks and Australian cuisine as you admire the beachfront view with your pooch. When you book, let the team know you’re bringing your dog and they’ll make sure you’re in the right spot.
25. Palm Cove Markets
Palm Cove
With a focus on sustainable local, quality handmade products, this community market is dog friendly and has over 130 stalls. The markets are held along the Williams Esplanade on the first Sunday of the month, from April through to December excluding September.
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