If you want to know where you can go swimming or run on the beach with your dog, you’ve found the right blog. There are numerous beaches on the Gold Coast where you can let your pup off the lead and run wild on the sand and in the surf.
Below is a list of beaches I’ve been to with my dog that is worth visiting if you are looking for a beach to take your dog to.
Off-Leash Beaches for Dogs on The Gold Coast
- The Spit Dog Beach
- Palm Beach Dog Beach
- Tallebudgera Dog Beach
- Hedges Avenue Dog Beach, Broadbeach
- Biggera Waters Dog Beach
- Marine Stadium, Main Beach
- Paradise Point Dog Beach
- Boat Harbour Park, Paradise Point
- South Cabarita Beach
The Spit Dog Beach
Directions to The Spit Dog Beach
Possibly the most popular dog beach on the Gold Coast (in my opinion), The Spit is an easy-to-access dog beach where you will be able to wear your pooch out. There is a lot of space on the beach to throw and kick balls and the surf beach for swimming.
Features include:
- Hose to wash your dog afterwards
- Water bowls for before and after beach time
- Showers and bubblers for the dog mums and dads
- Public toilets
- Lots of car parking available
- Cafe nearby
Palm Beach Dog Beach
Directions to Palm Beach Dog Beach
Here you have the choice to play in the surf or in the calm Currumbin Creek. A very popular spot for dog owners, your pup will always find a friend to play with.
Features include:
- Kids playground nearby
- Cafe nearby
- Dog drink bowls
- Car parks available (gets very busy during the day)
Tallebudgera Dog Beach
Directions to Tallebudgera Dog Beach
If you can find yourself a car park, just south of the Tallebudgera Creek river mouth is an off-leash dog beach. Not as popular as other dog beaches, if your dog likes their space this may be the ideal beach for you.
Features include:
- Drinking bowls for the dogs
- Nearby kids playground
- Nearby cafe
- Car parking available (very busy)
Hedges Avenue Dog Park, Broadbeach
Directions to Hedges Avenue Dog Park, Broadbeach
The Hedges Avenue dog beach at Broadwater is a great spot to play with your dog on the beach. There is lots of room to run and throw toys on the sand, or you can throw the toys into the surf to get your dog to run through the waves.
Be mindful that there are swimming beaches nearby so if your dog will run and not stop running then maybe try another beach.
Features include:
- Dog water bowls
- Kids playground nearby
- Surf club cafe nearby
- Public toilet
- Car parks and street parking are available
Biggera Waters Beach
Directions to Biggera Waters Beach
There are restrictions for when your dog can be off lead at this beach, from 5 am to 8 am and 4 pm to 7 pm only. Any time outside of then your dog will have to be on a lead or you risk a fine.
If you don’t want to walk in the sand yourself you can walk along a path along the beach.
Features include:
- Footpaths around the edge of the beach
- Kids playground and exercise equipment nearby
- Public toilet
- Tables and seats nearby
Marine Stadium, Main Beach
Directions to Marine Stadium, Main Beach
On the opposite side of The Spit dog beach is a protected dog beach in an area referred to as the Marine Stadium. There are some available car parks there now (it used to be all-street parking). The dog beach starts from the Muriel Henchman Park and goes north from there.
Features include:
- Off-leash dog beach
Paradise Point Dog Beach
Directions to Paradise Point Dog Beach
Starting from the northern side of The Sovereign Mile bridge going north is a convenient spot to take your dog if you live on the northern side of the Gold Coast. The water here is calm, which is perfect for your dogs to go crashing through the water.
Boat Harbour Park, Paradise Point
Directions to Boat Harbour Park, Paradise Point
Features include:
- Fenced-in kids playground
- Dog grassed area (unfenced)
- Protected beach
South Cabarita Beach
Directions to South Cabarita Beach
If you are near the NSW border you might like to travel south to Cabarita. South of Norries Headland is an off-leash dog beach. If you are lucky you might see whales or dolphins swimming in the water near here.