17 Jul 2024
You’re sprawled out on a damp towel that’s keeping you cool in the early afternoon Gold Coast sun. It’s a perfect day, alternating between swimming and relaxing on the sand. You’ve got a t-shirt on your face to block the sun but soon become hot. Time for another dip.
Suddenly there’s a rush of relief, like a cold sprinkler over you. You pull the shirt from your eyes and see your dog shaking off the water and sand, tail wagging and waiting for you to wake. The beach is their favourite place, too.
On the Gold Coast, you’re spoiled for choice with beaches you can safely bring pups to – all within reach of Discovery Parks in Queensland and New South Wales.
The best bits of a holiday can’t be planned, and that’s the point of travel. To escape your daily responsibilities and routine, and live in the moment. Moments that truly matter, with all those you love. Your family, friends, and fur kids.
Beach days are everyone’s favourite thing to do.
Dog friendly beaches Gold Coast
The Spit
‘The Spit’ is a stretch of coastline that includes Main Beach and Surfers Paradise. It’s a popular spot for outdoor activities including dog walking. Near the jetty you’ll spot a designated area called The Spit Dog Beach, where your pooch can run around leash-free.
What to know before your visit:
Notable amenities include a flagged swimming area, water bowls, and hoses to wash down your dog. Better still, a good amount of The Spit permits dogs to be off-leash.
How to get there:
There are two carparks at The Spit, making driving a convenient transport option. Although there are public transport routes, dogs aren’t allowed on Translink without an approved pass.
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Tallebudgera Beach / Palm Beach
At Tallebudgera Beach, there’s an off-leash area for dogs. It’s an unfenced dog park, so keep a close eye on your pup at all times. This is a stunning piece of land that’s more private than Gold Coast’s Main Beach.
What to know before your visit:
There’s a drinking fountain, tables to prepare food, and visitors can take dogs off-leash at all hours of the day. It’s known as one of the most dog-centric beaches in the Gold Coast.
How to get there:
With nearby parking at the Surf Life Saving Club, it’s easy to walk to the off-leash dog area at the northern end of Tallebudgera Beach.
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Currumbin Creek Inlet / Palm Beach
Close to where the Currumbin Creek inlet meets the Pacific, there’s the Palm Beach dog-friendly spot. It offers shallow swimming areas, water fountains, wash stations, and tree shade on hot days.
What to know before your visit:
The Currumbin Creek inlet features a sandbank that calms the water, making it a safe area for dogs. This is a popular attraction for owners to bring their dogs, so expect lots of other visitors.
How to get there:
It’s best to drive, park at Dune Café, and walk 300 metres to the Palm Beach off-leash dog beach.
Image credit: Tourism and Events Queensland
Biggera Waters Beach
Biggera Waters is located off Marine Parade, with a footpath trail that you can bring your doggo along. This is a good option if you want to bring your dog down to the water without worrying about sand.
What to know before your visit:
The small beach off Marine Parade allows off-leash walking and swimming between 5.00 – 8.00am and 4.00 – 7.00pm. If you visit outside of these hours, you’ll need to keep your dog on a leash.
How to get there:
Park anywhere on or near Marina Parade, Biggera Waters, and walk along the esplanade.
Paradise Point
North of Biggera Waters is another slow trail option for dogs. Paradise Point Parklands is pet friendly spot for swimming, walking, playing and barbecuing.
What to know before your visit:
The off-leash dog area is at the northern end of the Paradise Point foreshore. Dogs must be walked on-leash on your way to the designated area.
How to get there:
Park in the northern end of the Esplanade. It’s an easy walk to the off-leash dog beach.
Shaws Bay – Ballina
If you seek a brief escape from the bustling Gold Coast beaches, Discovery Parks - Ballina is the perfect destination. Just a short 1 hour and 30-minute drive away from Gold Coast, Ballina, situated in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, offers a serene atmosphere and pristine, quieter beaches. Our park is designed with pets in mind, providing ample space and top-notch amenities.
Beach safety for dogs
Plan your day out to dog friendly beaches on the Gold Coast with a few extra items. Pack dry food, treats, water and bowls, poop scoop and bags, a lead, a ball to throw, towels, and sunscreen.
Put sunscreen on your dog’s nose and consider a life jacket if your pooch loves the water. Stay with your dog at all times and don’t let pups drink salt water.
Find a grassed area for food, water, and bathroom breaks. Always clean up after your dog and watch out for nearby dangers – other reactive dogs, ocean life, waves, sharp rocks etc.
Gold Coast beaches, the best in the world – for the entire family
Discovery Parks aren’t just accessible for pets. They’re designed intentionally for families with pets. You can now stay in a caravan park with amenities for dogs, and travel out for day trips to local, pet-friendly beaches. The best part of your holiday will be unexpected and serendipitous. But you can plan to stay in accommodation that has everything you need.
Stay at Discovery Parks and make your next beach day a splash hit for the whole family. Book your stay near dog friendly beaches on the Gold Coast today.
