5 Dog-Friendly Beaches on the Sunshine Coast for Family Photos

If there is one thing I hear all the time when planning a family photo session, it’s this: “Can we bring the dog?” My answer is always an enthusiastic yes! Your dog isn’t just a pet; they are a huge part of your family’s story. From chaotic puppy energy to the gentle loyalty of a senior dog, I absolutely love capturing the bond between kids and their furry best friends.

However, finding a beautiful, photogenic location on the Sunshine Coast that also legally allows dogs off-leash can be tricky. To save you the research, here are my top 5 dog-friendly beaches for your next family photo session.

1. Stumers Creek, Coolum

This is arguably the most famous dog beach on the Coast, and for good reason! Stumers Creek offers the best of both worlds: a calm, shallow creek that empties into the ocean, and a wide stretch of sandy beach. The creek water creates incredible, glass-like reflections at sunset, and it’s a very safe spot for dogs (and kids!) who love to splash but aren’t strong swimmers.

2. Point Cartwright (Buddina Beach)

If you want a location with a bit more drama and variety, Point Cartwright is stunning. The off-leash area stretches along the beach, but the real magic is the rocky headland. The textured cliffs, rock pools, and coastal grasses provide an earthy, rugged backdrop. Tip: This spot is best at low tide when the rocks are exposed!

3. North Shore Beach, Mudjimba

If your dog gets easily distracted by crowds or other dogs, North Shore is my go-to recommendation. It is significantly quieter than places like Noosa or Mooloolaba. It has a beautiful, nostalgic “wild coast” feel with sweeping sand dunes and wide-open spaces, giving your dog plenty of room to run and just be themselves.

4. Sunshine Beach (North End)

For families wanting that premium “Noosa aesthetic” without the strict dog restrictions of Noosa Main Beach, the northern end of Sunshine Beach is perfect. It offers premium white sand, gorgeous dunes, and a vibrant, energetic surf. It’s an off-leash paradise that looks incredibly high-end in portraits.

5. Currimundi Beach

Located just north of the lake, this stretch of coastline is fantastic for families. The sand is incredibly soft, and there are beautiful coastal scrub areas bordering the beach that provide a beautiful pop of green in your gallery. It’s spacious, relaxed, and perfectly captures that laid-back Sunshine Coast lifestyle.

---

Tips for a Stress-Free Session with Your Dog

• Exercise first: If you have a high-energy dog, take them for a quick run or play fetch for 15 minutes before we start shooting to burn off that initial adrenaline.
• Bring the bribes: Pocket some high-value treats (like roast chicken or cheese) and their favorite squeaky toy. I’ll use these right behind my camera to get their attention!
• Embrace the chaos: Dogs will be dogs. They might shake sand on you, refuse to sit still, or lick your face. Lean into it! Those chaotic, unscripted moments almost always end up being the favorite photos in the gallery.

Ready to book your whole family?

Grab the leash, pack the treats, and let’s go make some memories. Contact me here to book your dog-friendly photo session!