The Byron Shire is a region of New South Wales that is around eight hours drive north of Sydney or 2 hours drive south of Brisbane. The area is super popular with travelers and holidaymakers from both within Australia and overseas, but as for locals the shire only has a population of around 30,000 people of which around 10,000 reside in Byron Bay.
Despite being a full seven hour drive from our Central Coast home, Byron Bay is by far my family's most popular road trip location. When we do head up we almost always take our two dogs with us, so I thought given how much everyone seemed to love my Central Coast Guide that I would share all the awesome Dog-Friendly things to do and see on the Byron Shire ... hope you enjoy it.
Dog Friendly Accommodation
I thought I would start with some Pet Friendly accommodation options first as if you are planning a visit you will most likely be starting here. This is not the entire list but a few awesome ones that I think tick the most boxes for pet owners.
Star Cottage - Byron Bay.
Starr Cottage is a charming 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom cottage that sleeps upto 8 people. The cottage has a swimming pool, tropical garden and fenced yard perfect for the pooch.
If you don’t want to drive during your holiday, the cottage is located central to everything so is super handy, but being down it's tucked down Shirley Lane you don’t feel like you are living in the hustle and bustle that Byron is renown for.
The property has been stylishly renovated and has two living areas with a parents retreat and en suite upstairs. Bedding configurations are flexible with all linen provided.
BB’s Beach House - Byron Bay.
If you want to be a little further out of town BB’s Beach House is perfect being a 10 min walk to town. Air Conditioned, WiFi and recently restyled and refreshed throughout this original fisherman's cottage is a short stroll to Wreck Beach.
The property is fully fenced with a BBQ area perfect for hanging with the fur babies (there is a small fee for pets). There are 3 bedrooms with linen supplied, one with a King bed, one with a Queen bed and one with a Double … portable single beds can be set up on request also. Kitchen is fully equipped and there is a laundry with washing machine, dryer and ironing gear.
Riley’s Apartment - Lennox Head.
This is a comfortable 3 bedroom apartment located in the heart of Lennox Head Village so easy walk to everything. It is light, airy and spacious with air-conditioning in the lounge/dining/kitchen area, fully equipped kitchen, queen beds in 1st and 2nd bedrooms and the third room offering a single bed with TV and DVD player, linen and towels supplied.
The fully fenced outdoor courtyard area is perfect to hang out with the pup (even has a doggy door for non Hooman access), you can listen to the waves and feel the refreshing ocean breezes.
Dog Parks
There is nothing better than a big open space to head specifically to wear your pooch out. Byron Shire Council has a bunch of council owned parks that allow and encourage usage from pet owners. Here is a pick of my dogs favourite parks to go visit, but remember, they are shared with sports and non pet owners so be respectful of this and keep your dog under your control and please pick up their poop.
Suffolk Park Public Reserve - Beech Drive, Suffolk Park
Heritage Park, Mullumbimby - Starting from opposite Gordon Street to the opposite of Mill Street
Community Land, Bangalow - The area bounded by Ashton Street, Deacon Street and Byron Creek
Dog Friendly Beaches
If an endless stretch of soft white sand, rolling waves and a tennis ball is something that gets you and your best mates tail wagging then the Byron Shire has you covered. There are plenty of awesome beaches that are fur buddy friendly … the list includes.
Main Beach, Belongil - Starting from Manfred Street, Belongil and extending to the western side of the Main Beach car park and including the Cavvanbah Reserve. Park near The Tree House Cafe (Dog Friendly) for access to this popular dog beach which is a great long walk with the reward of a swim afterward.
Tallow Beach, Suffolk Park - From Jarman Street, Suffolk Park to the boundary of the Arakwal National Park. A little less crowded than Belongil but no less beautiful, for dogs that love some ball or Frisbee action this is your spot.
Seven Mile Beach, Lennox Head - This pristine stretch of sandy beach starts at the Lennox Point headland and stretched across Seven Mile Beach which is a mecca for surfers, swimmers, fishermen and beach lovers. The off lead area is north of Lake Ainsworth.
South Beach Road, Brunswick Heads - Access point 20 metres south of the Brunswick Heads Surf Club and continuing 400 metres to the boundary of the Tyagarah Nature Reserve.
New Brighton - Starting from a point adjacent to Strand Avenue, New Brighton and extending to 500 metres north of the northern break wall of the Brunswick River.
South Golden Beach - Starting adjacent to Gloria Street and extending as far as the Billinudgel Nature Reserve.
Dog Friendly Cafes
After all this exercise and play, both you and your fur baby will be in need of some serious refueling. Here is a list of places in the Byron Shire where you will be welcomed with your pooches and be able to enjoy a tasty feed or grab a great coffee.
The Farm, Byron Bay - One of my favorite food places to visit in Byron. The Farm is perfect for all occasions … whether it is popping in for a coffee and Portuguese tart (you must) while the kids have a play and walk around to see all the animals or having an indulgent lunch at Three Blue Ducks this is a must see in Byron. Dogs are most welcome, you can even do Dog Yoga there … but they do request that they are on a lead at all times.
The Italian Diner, Bangalow - Bangalow is a great place to visit to grab a break from the hustle and bustle of Byron, and the best spot for a feed with the pups is The Italian Diner. As the name suggests it is Italian cuisine for the Hoomans, but also has a Doggy Menu with Lamb Shanks, Kangaroo Tail, Pig Ears and Chicken Fillets … Meals with Dogs are served outside where there is plenty of shade and dogs bowls for water.
Treehouse on Belongil Beach Byron Bay - This Cafe and Bar is perfectly positioned for Dog Lovers as it is right opposite one of Byron’s best Dog beaches. Whether you drop in for a Coffee, Cafe lunch or a Beer and Wood Fire Pizza, both you and the pooch will love the dog friendly deck area which offers a bunch of shade (and lots of water bowls).
If you haven't had Byron Bay experience yet, I highly recommend it as one of Australia’s (if not the worlds) best holiday destinations.
If you do manage to get there and are taking your pet, remember that your dog's safety while travelling is paramount and you should have your dog's name and your contact details on their collar so they can be returned if adventuring away without you in an area they don’t know.
Personalised Pet Collars are the best on the market and will handle all the beach play better than most, visit www.petcollars.com.au and use BYRON10 for 10% off your collar purchase.
Thanks For Reading.
