Dog Friendly Beaches on the Gold Coast
We know all the best dog walking spots on the Gold Coast!
As dog walkers who walk hundreds of kilometeres across the Gold Coast and Brisbane, we have a fair bit of inside knowledge on the best off-leash spots to let your pooch run free like the wind. On this blog post, we’re sharing our favourite spots for off-leash beach areas on the Gold Coast. Although this is in aid of helping you enjoy some lovely nature time with your furry friend, if you need a helping hand with providing a bit of adventure for your doggo, we’re more than happy to take them to any one of these lovely spots on our Adventure Dog Walks.
The Spit, Main Beach
Location: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
The Spit is one of the most popular dog friendly beach on the coast. With views of Surfers Paradise and what feels like endless kilometres of beach, you’ll find it a gorgeous spot for you and your dog. If your dog is the social sort and loves a good frolic with the other canines, Saturday and Sunday mornings are the perfect time to visit the Spit. You also have easy access to amenities and food, like that served up at the Seaway Kiosk where you can find burgers, chips and dog-friendly ice cream.
If your dog is the more anxious type and not a fan of large crowds, we recommend visiting the Spit in the evenings, when you’ll find less dogs and people. And if you’re lucky, a nice sunset !
Marine Stadium Main Beach
Location: Seaworld Drive, Main Beach
For an alternative to the Spit Dog Beach, head to the opposite side of the Spit, where dogs are allowed off-leash on the eastern side of the enclosed Marine Stadium. Dogs are permitted off-leash in between Muriel Henchman Park and Doug Jennings Park at the northern tip.
Thanks to the sheltered waters of the stadium, it’s a lot less intimidating for less confident and smaller dogs.
Biggera Waters Esplanade
Location: Marine Parade, Biggera Waters
For calmer waters and the opportunity of spotting a dolphin or two, head over to Marine Parade, Biggera Waters.
The foreshore at Biggera Waters is currently a dog off-leash beach at certain times of the day (5-8 am and 4-7 pm). The area is stocked with bags to clean up after your doggy pal. A fabulous area to take a stroll morning or night.
You’ll also find parking at Charis Seafoods and the opportunity to grab a quick coffee at Pelicano Espresso before heading up the beach.
Labrador Foreshore
Location: Marine Parade, Labrador
The off-leash dog area is located adjacent to Len Fox Park.
James Overell Park, Southport
Location: cnr Biggs Place and Brighton Parade, Southport
Though this beach may be slightly smaller than the others we’ve listed above, James Overell Park makes up for it with a large green space, that makes the perfect spot for your pooch to have a run without getting too wet and sandy. Nestled between the canal and Southport’s skyscrapers, you’ll find a large rugby field, gym exercise area, kid’s playground and small sandy beach. This is popular spot on the evenings and weekends for local families and pet parents to enjoy the view of Southport and Surfers Paradise, while playing a game of footy and exercising the dog.
There are ample car park spots around the local streets, but you’ll need to be quick! Parks are often taken on the weekends and have a 2 hour limit for free parking.
Boat Harbour Park
Location: 59 Lindsay Parade, Paradise Point
Boat Harbour Park is located on the Western side of Paradise Point and is fed by the Coomera River. A local neighbourhood park with playground, picnic facilities and shelter, there's also a boat ramp at the other end of the park to the dog exercise area and playground.
This park has an area where dogs may be exercised off leash and can play in the ocean inlet, but please be mindful dogs must be walked on leash in all other areas and are prohibited from children's playground areas.
Paradise Point Parklands
Location: The Esplanade, Paradise Point
If you’re a local to the northern part of the Gold Coast, Paradise Point may be your go-to! You’ll find an off-leash dog area along the foreshore that is adjacent to the grassy parklands. The off-leash area is perfect for doggies that prefer calmer waters and for pet parents that are also looking for a safe, family friendly area that is occupied by BBQs and a children’s playground.
Tallebudgera Dog Beach
Location: 1511 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach
Tallebudgera Dog Beach is a well-loved spot by southern Gold Coasters, nestled behind the Burleigh Headland. Pet parents are welcome to park at the Tallebudgera Surf Living Club or Tallebudgera Leisure Centre and walk with their pooch on-leash until they reach the surf at northern Palm Beach.
Most of the beach is an off-leash for your dog to play and swim until their heart’s content, but do stay away from the flagged areas, at least until they’re taken down in the evening.
Currumbin Creek, Palm beach
Location: Palm Beach Parklands
At Currumbin Creek Dog Beach located at the southern end of Palm Beach next to the Palm Beach Parklands, your dogs are welcome to run and play off-leash in a large area that extends from the northern side of the entrance to Currumbin Creek all the way to South Palm Beach at lifeguard tower 13.
Not all areas of Currumbin Creek are off-leash so be sure to take note of the signs saying where you can and can’t let your pooch run free.
Grab a bite to eat at Dune Cafe next to the carpark at Palm Beach Parklands. While some outside tables are dog-friendly, booking in advance for the dog-friendly area is recommended. Alternatively, head to the Barefoot Barista about a kilometre north along the highway, where outdoor tables are also dog-friendly.
Enjoy your beach adventures!
For a map of the dog friendly area, check out the Gold Coast City Council website.
And if you're also fancying a coffee before or after your beach walk, check out our list of favourite Gold Coast dog-friendly cafes.
If you think your furry family member could enjoy more beach time when you're away or at work, our Dog Walking & Adventure Walks may be just what you're looking for. Our team of professional dog walkers can take your pooch out to the beach at just an additional $5.00 on any standard 60, 75, 90 or 120 min dog walk. Contact us to book a doggy adventure.