Looking for a dog-friendly beach on the Gold Coast? You’ll be spoilt for choice with many great options to choose from! In this article, I’m excited to share with you some of my favourite picks for the best dog-friendly beaches near the Gold Coast.
Dog Beach Etiquette
To keep our beaches clean and to guarantee an inclusive, enjoyable experience for everyone, there are a few things to keep in mind when visiting a dog beach.
- Only take your dog to designated dog-friendly beaches
- Don’t forget to pick up after your dog
- Your off-leash dog needs to be under your effective voice control at all times
- Be aware that some dog-friendly beaches require you to keep your dog on a leash
- Have fun and communicate effectively
Can dogs go on the beach on the Gold Coast?
The short answer is that it depends on the beach. Some Gold Coast beaches are prohibited to dogs, some are designated off-leash dog exercise areas, and many other beaches allow dogs as long as they are on a leash at all times. Sometimes time restrictions apply and dogs are only allowed during certain periods of the day.
Also, please note that even in designated off-leash dog exercise areas, your dog needs to be under your effective control at all times.
For the most up-to-date information, you can check the ‘Dog exercise areas’ section on the City of Gold Coast website.
Where can I swim with my dog on the Gold Coast?
If you want to take your dog for an off-leash swim, you’ll need to visit one of the designated dog exercise areas on the Gold Coast. At every beach entry, you’ll find designated signs that you can check to familiarise yourself with the beach rules. For example, you’ll see if the beach is a designated area where dogs are allowed to exercise off-leash, if dogs are allowed but must be on a leash, or if dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Here’s a list of off-leash dog beaches on the Gold Coast:
- Palm Beach (Palm Beach Parklands and Salk Oval Parklands)
- Tallebudgera (Tallebudgera Beach)
- Surfers Paradise (Franquin Park, Paradise Waters Park)
- Broadbeach (Moana Park)
- Southport (Harry Bond Park *time-restricted, The Spit, Marine Stadium, James Overell Park)
- Labrador (Labrador Foreshore)
- Biggera Waters (Biggera Waters, Esplanade Foreshore *time-restricted)
- Paradise Point (Paradise Point Foreshore, Boat Harbour Park)
Palm Beach Dog Beach
Here’s everything you need to know about the Palm Beach dog beach:
- Perfect for swimming (there’s a creek with no waves but also beach access)
- Good protection from winds
- Cafe nearby
- Dog wash near the toilets with water trays for dogs
- It can get really busy on weekends and parking might be difficult
Tallebudgera Dog Beach
All you need to know about Tallebudgera dog beach:
- Lovely large beach
- Shower and drinking fountain available
- Cafe nearby
- The break can be a bit rough with strong currents
- Often not enough parking when it gets busy
Southport – The Spit Dog Beach
Here’s everything you need to know about The Spit dog beach on the Gold Coast:
- Great place to watch the sunset or sunrise
- A long stretch of beach for dogs to run
- Area to wash your dogs available including dog bowls
- It can get very busy at times
