Pet-Friendly coastal areas in South East Queensland where your four-legged friend can run off-leash!

 

 

Did you just Google ‘dog friendly beach near me’? Well if you are in South East Queensland this post is for you!

In this feature article I’ll highlight seven of the best dog friendly beaches Gold Coast has to offer.

Here is how it has been organised.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Gold Coast Council Dog Policy
3. Dog friendly beaches Gold Coast
3.1 Paradise Point
3.2 Currumbin Creek
3.3 Palm Beach
3.4 The Spit
3.5 Biggera Waters Beach
3.6 Tallebudgera Dog Beach
3.7 Muriel Henchman Park Beach
4. FAQs

I hope this feature article gives you the scoop of all the best beaches on the Gold Coast to let your dog run off-leash.

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if you interact with them).

Read Time: 6 Minutes

 

Introduction

Looking for the best dog friendly beaches Gold Coast has to offer?

Then you’ve come to the right place. In this post, I’ll highlight seven of the best beaches on the Gold Coast to take your pooch.

If your idea of a Queensland family holiday involves bringing Fido along with you, then you’ll want to ensure you take them (and your kids!) to a place where they can stretch their legs and burn off some energy.

The seven dog friendly beaches outlined below are all great destinations to do that and can be visited year round.

Some rules might apply, but if you follow the local council regulations, your four legged friend should have the time of their lives feeling the sand between their pores and salty sea spray on their fur.

 

 

Gold Coast Council Dog Policy

In accordance to their Local Law #12, Gold Coast Council allows residents and visitors to take their dogs to the beach.

While most of the Gold Coast Beaches allow your furry friends to be walked on a leash, they are not allowed to go within 200 metres of flagged areas on any of them.

However, certain beaches have designated animal control areas where you can let your dogs run free off-leash.

To find out more about the proper protocol and rules you’ll need to abide by, please refer to this brochure . Failure to comply could result in you being issued with a fine.

 

Dog friendly beaches Gold Coast

There are plenty of outstanding Gold Coast Beaches you can visit from Coolangatta on the border of New South Wales to The Spit, which is the region’s northernmost stretch of sand.

While not all of these beaches are suitable for canines, the seven destinations outlined below are. So, if you find yourself Googling ‘dog friendly beaches near me’ while on the Goldie, the choices below are the main ones that will come up.

 

Paradise Point

If you are looking for a dog friendly beach around the Gold Coast’s northern end then Paradise Point is the place to go.

The off-leash area for dogs is down by the foreshore, right next to the beautiful Paradise Point Parklands. It runs from the north platform all the way up to Sovereign Mile Bridge and features placid waters that are ideal for splashing around in, particularly for those doggies who aren’t confident swimmers.

As the park is adjacent to the beach, your dog can enjoy a lovely run around there as well, if they tire of the sand and sea.

Location: The Esplanade, Paradise Point, Gold Coast, QLD 4216

 

 

Currumbin Creek

The stoic inlet of Currumbin Creek is one of the best dog friendly beaches Gold Coast has to offer.

Great for dogs of all sizes, it has a good spot for those whose four-legged friend is a bit nervous about getting into the water. At the same time, there is also a dog-friendly stretch of surf beach nearby where canines who love a bit of rough and tumble can get active.

You’ll find Currumbin to be one of the cleanest and well maintained beaches on the Gold Coast. After your mutt has run around until it’s heart’s content, why not take it to the Dune Café.

This pup-friendly venue is just a short walk away from the creek and serves terrific coffee, excellent meals and even the odd doggie treat.

Location: 2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin, Gold Coast, Qld 4223

 

Palm Beach

If you want to mingle with other dog lovers you should head on over to Palm Beach. It is one of the busiest dog friendly beaches Gold Coast has to offer, especially at the weekend.

As it gets quite crowded sometimes, it is a good idea to come here at the weekend. You’ll need to be mindful to seek out the designated off-leash areas. But when you find them, your pup can happily run around without its restraints.

Location: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach, Gold Coast, Qld 4221

 

 

The Spit

As mentioned previously, The Spit lies at the most northerly part of the Gold Coast.

Comprising rolling sand dunes, elongated stretches of sand and spectacular views, it is one of the most idyllic dog friendly beaches Gold Coast provides for dog mums and dads.

Whilst here your four legged friend can explore the sandy expanse of beach at their leisure or chillax in a cove that resides on the Broadwater, which even boasts doggy paddling lagoon.

The great thing about coming to The Spit with your pup is that you’ll find hoses to wash them off and dog bowls to drink out of. There is also plenty of parking, a flagged swimming area and good amenities.

This is another destination that gets busy at the weekend. However, it is also home to The Seaway Kiosk, which offers delicious treats for your pooch, as well as fabulous meals and coffees for you to enjoy.

Location: Muriel Henchman Drive to Seaway Wall, Seaworld Drive, Southport Qld 4215

 

Biggera Waters Beach

Although Biggera Waters Beach is one of the less busier dog friendly beaches Gold Coast possesses, you should make a point of heading their with your canine.

Throughout the day the small beach area is on-leash only. But between the hours of 5 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 7 pm, your furry tots can run around with full freedom!

If you don’t fancy taking your dog right onto the sand, there is a lovely footpath that follows right alongside it where you can take in superb views of Surfer’s Paradise.

Location: Marine Parade, Biggera Waters, Gold Coast, Qld 4216

 

 

Tallebudgera Dog Beach

When it comes to the best dog friendly beaches Gold Coast offers, Tallebudgera Dog Beach is one of the least well known.

Located just to the north of the beach area that is patrolled by the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club, the off-leash dog area here covers an area up to Tallebudgera Creek.

While your dog runs wild and free you can enjoy wonderful views of the Burleigh Head National Park. It is also a place that remains off-leash all day, so your four legged friend can have the time of their lives following their snout to explore everything from large rocks and the creek to the breaking surf and golden sand.

Location: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach North, Gold Coast, Qld 4221

 

Muriel Henchman Park Beach

Over at Main Beach, Muriel Henchman Park marks the beginning of the dog-friendly beach that leads up to The Spit.

The great thing about coming here with your mutt is that it provides access to both the beachside and Broadwater.

Boasting fabulous views of the harbour, it is one of the more quieter dog friendly beaches Gold Coast offers, so if your four-legged best friend isn’t great with crowds, this destination should be ideal for them.

Location: Muriel Henchman Park, Muriel Henchman Drive, Main Beach, Gold Coast, Qld 4217

 

 

FAQs

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the dog friendly beaches Gold Coast offers.

 

What are the best dog friendly beaches Gold Coast has to offer?

Some of the best dog friendly beaches Gold Coast has to offer include Tallebudgera Dog Beach, Biggera Waters Beach, Currumbin Creek and Palm Beach.

 

Can you take dogs onto beaches in Queensland?

While dogs are allowed on most beaches in Queensland if they are kept on a leash, they are not allowed to go within 200 metres of flagged zones.