Last updated on 6 May, 2023
Are you searching for dog friendly Queensland things to do, experiences, tours, attractions and activities you and your dog can do together? Have you found it difficult to find dog friendly day out in Queensland that will allow your dog to accompany you, allowing you to enjoy time together?
Sharing experiences strengthens bonds and creates the memories we treasure the most. Sadly though, too often, tours and tourist attractions exclude dogs.
For you, we have put together a comprehensive list of dog friendly activities in Queensland. All tours, attractions and activities on this list welcome your dog to accompany you and are fun! No tying your dog up to wait for you or needing pet sitting. Instead, enjoy fabulous days out with your dog.
When visiting any of the Queensland dog friendly tours and tourist attractions listed, please keep your dog on a lead, be mindful of other people’s reactions (fearful) and always clean up after your dog.
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Dog Friendly Queensland Things To Do, Tours and Attractions
Dog Friendly Cruises Queensland
Brisbane CityCats and River Ferries
Brisbane | Brisbane City
After a successful six month trial, dogs are now allowed on Brisbane’s CityCats and ferries during off peak times (8.30 am – 3.30 pm and 7 pm – 6 am weekdays and all weekend). Our suggestion is to go on the free CityHopper loop for a ‘cruise’ of the Brisbane River with your dog. It is a great way to see the river and Brisbane city and many of the paid cruises follow the same route.
Daintree River Cruise
Daintree | Far North Queensland
A Daintree River cruise is a must when visiting far north Queensland. Witness the remarkable beauty of the world’s oldest rainforest and see an ancient predator, the saltwater crocodile, in their natural habitat on a dog friendly cruise with either Express Crocodile Cruise or Daintree River Cruise Centre.
Noosa Ferry and Cruise Company
Noosa | Sunshine Coast
Experience the magic and beauty of the Noosa River by boarding the dog friendly Ferry Cruise, operated by the Noosa Ferry and Cruise Company. Onboard the Ferry Cruise, a classic riverboat, sit back, enjoy the serenity and the entertaining commentary from the captain. The options are, to complete the 90 minute loop or get off at any of the seven stops along the route.
Restrictions: Allow lapdogs only and no dogs are allowed on Sunset Cruise
Port of Gladstone Harbour Tour
Delight in a lovely dog friendly cruise on the Port of Gladstone Harbour Tour (running April to November) run by Curtis Ferry Service. The pleasant round trip is a great way to see Gladstone Harbour, its islands and learn the local history all while enjoying coffee and snacks.
Sandytown River Cruises
St George | Darling Downs Region
Brett from Sandytown River Cruises loves to share his knowledge of the Balonne River, the local history and birdlife while you relax and take in the natural beauty of the river. The outback colours are incredibly vibrant, so along with your dog, is it recommended that you bring your camera and if you would like nibbles and BYO drinks.
Restrictions: each cruise needs six adults to go ahead.
Dog Friendly Train Ride Queensland
Australian Sugar Cane Railway
Bundaberg |
Take a fun ride on an immaculate sugar cane steam train through the Bundaberg Botanical Gardens with dogs allowed on laps or the floor (not on seats). Train rides, operated by volunteer train conductors, run on Sundays and Wednesdays or Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday during Qld school holidays (weather permitting). Buy tickets at the train station; no pre-booking and cash only.
Mary Valley Train Rattler
Gympie | Wide Bay–Burnett Region
Get onboard the vintage carriages of the charmingly restored steam and diesel locomotives of the Mary Valley Train Rattler for a sensational day out that journeys through beautiful scenery. A Pets Onboard Service operates on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday services and it is on these services your dog can go along for the ride too (subject to availability).
Dog Friendly Arts and Culture Queensland
Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail
Aramac | Barcaldine Region
Australia’s most amazing art trail, the Lake Dunn Sculpture Trail, has 40 unique metal sculptures representing Australian animals and outback life. The sculptures created by artist Milynda Rogers are along a 200 kilometres loop (sealed and unsealed roads) and include Gray Rock historical site, Horsetailer’s Gorge, Healing Circle and Lake Dunn. The entire trail and all sites are dog friendly. Either complete the trail in a day (8 hours) or over two camping at Lake Dunn.
Dog Friendly Mine and Fossicking Tours
Bobby Dazzler Sapphire Mine Tours
Rubyvale | The Gemfields
At Bobby Dazzler Sapphire Mine Tours, grab a bucket of wash from the Gem Shop or go on the dog-friendly guided fossicking trail. Under the guidance of the hosts, learn how to fossick and, fingers crossed, go home with some sapphires or other precious gems.
Lady Luck Fossicking Tours
Rubyvale | The Gemfields
Fun and a unique experience for all ages, fossicking the Gemfields for sapphires, rubies and topaz is such a thrill. Pamela from Lady Luck Fossicking Tours is genuinely happy for your dog to tag along on a fossicking tour.
Dog Friendly Museums and History Queensland
Aramac Tramway Museum
Aramac | Barcaldine Region, Outback Queensland
The heritage-listed tramway station and surrounding buildings are now a museum. Stroll around with your dog to see machinery and other items from the pioneering days.
Australian Workers Heritage Centre
Barcaldine | Outback Queensland
Set out on two hectares of manicured gardens with a lake, the Australian Workers Heritage Centre allows dogs on a lead. Together, explore and learn about the history of Australia’s workforce through the permanent and changing exhibitions on display.
Also, wander from the heritage centre over to the awe-inspiring Tree of Knowledge.
Bulloo Town Attractions
Bulloo | Far South West
The town of Bulloo is a small far southwest outback town with lots of friendly hospitality and a few attractions that are dog friendly. From the Visitor Information Centre, purchase a swipe card that will give you and your dog entry into the old gaol, hydropower plant, old hospital and historical house.
There are also kayaks for hire at the Channel Country Kayaks from the Explorers Caravan Park. Dogs are allowed on the kayaks.
Restrictions: When your dog accompanies you inside the attractions, please be mindful of others who may be afraid of dogs.
Calliope River Historical Village
Gladstone | Gladstone Region
Step back in time at the Calliope River Historical Village with a self guided tour with your dog on a lead. Go for a wander through the quintessential old buildings with displays of items from yesteryear, visit the monthly markets or grab something to eat at the kiosk. There is also a free camp overlooking the Calliope River.
Herberton Historical Village
Herberton | Atherton Tablelands
An open air museum, Herberton Historical Village has over 60 notable buildings from yesteryear when Herberton was a tin mining town. A full day or more is needed to see and do everything. It is a fun, brilliant way to learn about the local history and best of all your pupper can be right with you for all of it.
Herberton Mining Museum
Herberton | Atherton Tablelands
Herberton Mining Museum on the original Great Northern Mine site. At the museum, with your dog, check out the informative displays about the mining industry, pan for tin and enjoy any of the several walking tracks. you can enjoy
Flinders Discovery Centre
Hughenden | Flinders Region
Meet a lifesize Muttaburrasaurus, an Australian dinosaur, at the Flinders Discovery Centre! The small centre, part of the Australia Dinosaur Trail, has fossils displays and is informative. Dogs are also welcome.
Mareeba Heritage Museum
Mareeba | Atherton Tablelands
Within the Information Centre, Mareeba Heritage Museum is free, dog friendly and has interactive displays and exhibits on the local history. It also has Australia’s most extensive tobacco memorabilia display.
Miles Historical Village Museum
Miles | Western Downs Region
Step back in time at the Miles Historical Village Museum 3.5 hour drive west of Brisbane. The village has over 30 buildings from yesteryear filled with quantity paraphernalia and dogs are allowed to wander about with you.
Mount Morgan Historic Township
Mount Morgan | Rockhampton Region
Mount Morgan is a small township proud and excited to share its fascinating history with visitors, so much so the local attractions are dog friendly. Visit the Mount Morgan Railway Museum to see wonderful old trains and railway treasures and the Mount Morgan Historical Museum and be captivated by the local artifacts and history.
Dog Friendly Boat, Kayak, SUP or Bike Hire Queensland
Airlie Beach Boat Hire
Airlie Beach | Whitsundays Region
The picture-perfect Whitsundays, alongside the Great Barrier Reef and home to over 70 tropical islands, is a dream holiday location. One of the most loved things to do is get on the breathtaking azure water and you can with your beloved pet by hiring a boat from Airlie Boat Hire (licensed or unlicensed).
Aquavue Cafe Surrey Bike Hire
Torquay | Hervey Bay
Aquavue Cafe believes, as we do, dogs are family. For something different, hire one of their wheel bikes called Surrey bikes and ride the 14 kilometre pathway along the iconic Esplanade for ocean views and beautiful scenery. They also have SUPS and kayaks for hire. Dogs are welcome to accompany you at the cafe and on the equipment for hire.
Babinda Kayaking
Babinda | Cairns Region
Babinda Creek is incredibly scenic with tranquil crystal clear waters and secluded beaches. Kayak the creek by drifting (with the creek’s current) or paddling with your dog onboard with Babinda Kayaking.
Restrictions: Provide no transport for dogs, so requires there to be two of you – one to stay with your dog and the other to be transported back to your car at the end of the paddle.
Bribie Island Boat Charters
Bribie Island | Moreton Bay Region
The Pumicestone Passage, inhabited by beautiful dugongs, dolphins, sea turtles and many different sea birds, is a stunning place to visit and explore. Bribie Island Boat Charters has both BBQ (with a toilet) and fishing boats available for hire, so you can get on the waters of the passage with your dog and explore.
O Boat Hire
Noosa | Sunshine Coast
The breathtaking Noosa waterways comprise the Noosa River, everglades and channels. Hiring a dog friendly boat, tinny or kayak from O Boat Hire means you can have a blast touring the waterways for an hour through to an entire day. Discover secluded fishing and swimming spots, soak up the beautiful scenery and with some boats with a bbq on board, enjoy a great feed as well.
1770 SUP and Kayak Hire
Seventeen Seventy 1770 | Whitsundays Region
The Whitsundays are magical. The islands, azure waterways, white sandy beaches, perfect weather and sealife attract many tourists every year. We hear the ocean sunsets are out of this world. Sadly, it is a struggle to find dog friendly attractions with many national parks in the area.
1770 Liquid Adventures or Sup Dog Oz at the beachside town of Seventeen Seventy have a fun and adventurous solution – hire a dog friendly SUP or kayak. The excellent water conditions and the magnificent scenery mean you could be out on the water for hours, relaxing. You may even see dolphins.
Dog Friendly Cinemas and Movies Queensland
Moonlight Cinema
Brisbane | Brisbane City
Going to the movies is a fantastic treat. To see a movie outdoors, under the stars, with your puppy dog is an extra special experience to be enjoyed at the Moonlight Cinema in Brisbane. Take a picnic dinner (but no BYO alcohol) for a magical movie evening. Buy tickets online, gates open at 5.30 pm and the movie starts at sundown.
Restrictions: No aggressive dogs or dogs that bark are allowed.
Yatala Drive-in Theatre
Yatala | Gold Coast
Is there anything more nostalgic than an evening at the drive-ins? The fun atmosphere at Yatala Drive-in is ideal for a romantic or family night out and your dog can join you on a lead. Food is available to buy at movie cinema prices or bring your own. It is best to buy tickets online and arrive an hour early to get a good spot.
Queensland Dog Friendly Tours and Attractions Map
We have mapped all the Queensland dog friendly dog friendly tours and attractions mentioned in this blog post. Click here to see and download the map.
Please let me know of any dog friendly Queensland things to do, attractions or tours that are missing from this list. The criteria are that a dog must be able to join its owner and not be restricted to a dog friendly area only. Also, this list does not include eateries, wineries, gardens or the like.
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