The Spit Dog Beach, Southport
If you have a dog and have never been to The Spit, then you are missing out. Nestled at the beach’s northern end between the rock seawall and bridge, the Spit offers rolling dunes and wide open space for your little mate to run wild. With ample parking and plenty of amenities, including dog bowls and hoses to clean your pup after a sandy day out, it’s no surprise that this beach is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular dog hangouts. Better yet, the Seaway Kiosk offers dog and human-friendly treats as the perfect post-play refuel.

Gold Coast Botanic Gardens, Benowa
The Gold Coast Botanic Gardens are tucked away in Benowa and are home to the information centre, cafe and Cabana off-leash dog area. The gardens boast a bounty of beautiful walking tracks for you and your four-legged friend to get your steps up in nature, as well as a dedicated off-leash dog zone and swimming area at the end of Cabana Boulevard. Just make sure you’re little mate has good recall, as this area is not fenced.

Tallebudgera Dog Beach, Palm Beach
A trip to Talle dog beach at the northern end of Palm Beach will often have you paw-to-paw with your fair share of oodles, sausages, Frenchies, goldens and everything in between. If it’s not within walking distance from your place, you can park at Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club before walking north along the path until you see the ‘dogs off-leash’ sign. Here, you can let your pup frolic in the waves and sprint along the beach while you soak up views of Burleigh Heads National Park.

Albert Park, Broadbeach Waters
Next to the PCYC on Monaco Street is Albert Park, home to a two-kilometre walking track, basketball courts, accessible amenities, barbeques, playgrounds and a large open area perfect for letting your furry friend run wild. While the site is not fenced, the entire park allows dogs to be off-leash, with swimming in the lake highly encouraged for dogs fond of a splash.

Biggera Waters Beach, Biggera Waters
Located just off Marine Parade in Biggera Waters is a small beachy area perfect for pooches and owners seeking a slightly quieter place to splash. Just keep in mind that dogs are only allowed off-leash between 5:00-8:00 am and 4:00-7:00 pm. Beyond these times, they are welcome to enjoy views of the Surfers Paradise skyline while trotting along on leash.

Currumbin Creek, Currumbin
Currumbin Creek is the perfect location for dogs that can’t decide between a leisurely dip in still waters and catching a few waves in the surf. Dogs big and small can frolic in the calm inlet or head up to the pup-friendly beach just a few steps away. Locals take great pride in this stunning oasis, so make sure you take care to clean up after your pup and leave nothing but paw prints.

Muriel Henchman Park, Main Beach
If you’re up near Southport but are not keen on the super-busy Spit, consider taking your pup to this less-populated spot. Muriel Henchman Park marks the start of the dog-friendly beaches that lead up to The Spit, with access to the Broadwater and beach. This spot is popular for family picnics and fishing while the dogs have fun against a picturesque harbour backdrop.

Kamholtz Park, Nerang
The fenced agility dog park and off-leash area at Kamholtz Park is one of the many grassy areas along the scenic Nerang Riverwalk. Found at the end of Souter Street, the dog park has plenty of space, shade and agility equipment so your best mate can run wild and get rid of all that energy. There are also barbeques, drinking taps, a playground and tables so the whole family can come along for some fun.

Pizzey Park, Mermaid Waters
Pizzey Park is a suburban dog oasis between Nobby Beach and Miami off the Gold Coast Highway. The fenced agility park and off-leash area are best accessed from Bardon Avenue, with parking spots on Pizzey Drive. From here, a short walk through the pine trees will quickly unveil the beauty of the lake, with dogs living their best life on the small beach. The calm waters and fenced agility area provide the perfect place for dogs of all sizes to burn some energy while their parents sit back and relax to soak in the views. Dogs are welcome in the wider park with barbecue areas, playgrounds, a skatepark and sporting fields – just be mindful that they need to be on a leash while exploring beyond the designated off-leash area.

Hinterland Regional Park, Mudgeeraba
If you’re inland from the beach and need some space to let your pup roam free, why not check out the hinterland regional dog off-leash area? The parklands cover more than 62 hectares and are a beautiful place to spend a day in nature. The specific off-leash area is best accessed from the roundabout at Hardys Road and Bertana Drive. You can drive in and find a park before trotting your mate over to the large, tree-lined agility park and running area. The park is also home to barbeques, playgrounds, picnic areas and accessible toilets – just ensure your dog is on-lead when not in the designated area.

Musgrave Park, Southport
If your pup is due for a wash, we recommend heading to Musgrave Park in Southport first. Not only is there a fenced off-leash area where your dog can let loose, but there are a few ponds that are a magnet for furry friends in need of a cool-off. These ponds can get pretty muddy, hence bringing your mate here just before a bath to avoid a return trip to the groomers. Musgrave Park is quite large and a great place to take the family, with the fenced dog area and agility park located on the corner of Nakina Street.

Frascott Park, Varsity Lakes
Accessible from Frascott Avenue and Mattocks Road, Frascott Park in Varsity Lakes is a winner for kids and pups alike. The kids can let loose and slide to their heart’s content at the stellar safari playground while the pups have a ball in the fenced exercise areas. The benefit of Frascott Park is that there are two sections – one for big furry boys and girls and another for the smaller pups. That way, you can let your best mate play with other dogs that match their size – and the big dogs can hide from those feisty little pups with BDE (big dog energy). Chihuahuas, we’re looking at you.

Still looking for more spots to hang with your pup? Don’t forget that dogs are allowed on most Gold Coast beaches providing they are on leash and more than 200 metres away from the flags. Wherever you choose to take your pup, make sure you clean up after their mess and always have an eye on them. Paws up!

Image credits
Header images: 1 – Kojirou Sasaki on Unsplash, 2 – Elisa Kennemer on Unsplash, 3 – Joe Caione on Unsplash
In-text images: 1 – Iliya Jokic on Unsplash, 2 – Damian Barczak on Unsplash