Dog-Friendly Beaches in Agnes Water and 1770
Agnes Water and 1770 are genuinely great destinations for dog owners. The beaches are beautiful, the area is relaxed, and there are a few solid spots where your dog can run free. But the rules do vary by location and time of year, so it's worth knowing before you go.
All rules below are sourced directly from Gladstone Regional Council's official dog management guidelines and are accurate as of 2026.
Where Are Dogs Allowed Off-Leash in Agnes?
Agnes Water Beach (North of Atlantis Boulevard)
Dogs are permitted off-leash year-round on Agnes Water Beach north of the Atlantis Boulevard beach access point, up to the southern boundary of Joseph Banks Conservation Park. This is the main off-leash stretch and a great spot for a run along the sand.
Chinaman's Beach (April to October only)
Chinaman's Beach allows dogs off-leash from April to October each year. Outside of those months, dogs are prohibited entirely due to turtle nesting season (see below). It's a quieter beach and worth the visit during the cooler months.
Where Are Dogs Prohibited?
A few spots in Agnes Water are completely off limits for dogs, regardless of whether they're on a leash:
Agnes Water Main Beach bathing reserve (the area south of the Tom Jeffrey Park beach entry) - dogs are not permitted here at any time
Springs Beach through to the northern boundary of Deepwater National Park
Chinaman's Beach from November to March each year (turtle nesting season)
Turtle Nesting Season - What You Need to Know
Agnes Water and 1770 sit within one of Queensland's most important loggerhead turtle nesting areas. From November to March each year, turtles come ashore at night to nest, and the beach restrictions are in place to protect them.
During this period, Chinaman's Beach moves from off-leash to dogs prohibited entirely. If you're visiting between November and March, stick to the north end of Agnes Water Beach for off-leash time.
General Rules That Apply Everywhere
Whether your dog is on or off leash, Gladstone Regional Council requires:
Dogs must be under effective control at all times
You must clean up after your dog
Dogs must be registered, vaccinated, and wormed
In off-leash areas, your dog must return to you when called and not be a nuisance to other dogs or people
If a beach or public space isn't specifically listed as off-leash or prohibited, your dog must be on a leash.
Quick Reference Guide
| Location | Rules |
|---|---|
| Springs Beach to Northern Boundary of Deepwater National Park | Dogs prohibited year-round |
| Chinaman's Beach |
Off-leash April to October Prohibited November to March |
| Agnes Water Main Beach (south of Tom Jeffrey Park entry) | Dogs prohibited year-round |
| Agnes Water Beach (between Main Beach and Atlantis Blvd) | On-leash year-round |
| Agnes Water Beach (north of Atlantis Blvd to Joseph Banks Conservation Park) | Off-leash year-round |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, but there are some limitations. The main bathing reserve south of Tom Jeffrey Park is a no-dog zone. Between the main beach and Atlantis Boulevard, dogs are allowed on a leash. North of Atlantis Boulevard all the way up to Joseph Banks Conservation Park, dogs can be off-leash year-round.
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Yes - dogs are welcome on the beach at 1770 on a leash.
