Our pooches are spoilt for choice when it comes to beautiful dog beaches on the Gold Coast! It’s always a good day for a trip to the beach, and we’re sure our furry companions would agree. A day spent letting down their fur, the sand between their paws, and frolicking in the waves – what could be better! If you’re on the hunt for the next dog friendly beaches to take your pooch to, we have you covered. Here are just a handful of our favourites we think you and your pet will enjoy too.
Top dog friendly Gold Coast beaches
Here are some of our favourite dog beaches in no particular order:
The Spit Dog Beach, Gold Coast – Main Beach
At the very north-most tip of the Gold Coast you can find The Spit. Here your pooch can roam the sandy beach or relax in the cove on the Broadwater that includes a dog paddling lagoon! Dog bowls and clean water are provided to help quench your pooch’s thirst. There is also a designated washing area to hose the sand and salt water off your pup after a fun day of play.
Location: Muriel Henchman Drive to Seaway Wall, Seaworld Drive, Southport
Tallebudgera Off Leash Dog Beach, Palm Beach
One of the Gold Coast’s best kept secrets, Tallebudgera Off Leash Dog Beach is hidden away north of the Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club patrolled beach and extends to Tallebugera Creek. And best of all this off leash dog beach is accessible 24/7! Your pooch will enjoy a day of exploring different terrains, from sand and surf, the creek, to large climbable rocks.
Location: 1505 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach North
Currumbin Creek, Palm Beach
The calm inlet of Currumbin Creek is the perfect spot to swim and paddle with your pooch, especially if your pup isn’t a confident swimmer. But for those who enjoy the wildness of teh surf, just a few steps away is a dog friendly beach. End your day of surf and sand at a dog friendly cafe within walking distance of the Creek.
Location: 2/4 Thrower Drive, Currumbin
Biggera Waters Foreshore
A lesser-known and smaller Gold Coast dog beach, Bigger Waters Beach is on-leash. However, for a few hours in the early mornings and late afternoons the swimming area is offleash. And for those pooches wanting to avoid sand between their paws, a footpath follows right alongside the beach.
Location: Marine Parade, Biggera Waters
Paradise Point Foreshore
If you find yourself at the northern end of the Gold Coast, Paradise Point is the offleash dog beach to visit. Here the water is calm, perfect for those pooches who aren’t confident swimmers but still love the water. Should your pooch have enough of surf and sand, the Paradise Point Parklands runs adjacent to the beach.
Location: The Esplanade, Paradise Point
Palm Beach Dog Offleash Beach Gold Coast
One of the busiest dog beaches on the Gold Coast, especially on the weekends, we recommend visiting Palm Beach on weekdays to avoid much of the crowds. Be aware there are designated dog areas, but all these areas are offleash.
Location: 945 Gold Coast Highway, Palm Beach
Beach essentials for dog beaches on the Gold Coast
Before setting off for a day at the beach, remember to pack the essentials:
- Make sure to pack plenty of fresh clean drinking water
- If your pooch loves spending time in the sun, pet sunscreen is a must as our pooches can become sunburnt just as much as us
- A beach umbrella or beach tent is great to help give your pooch a break from the sun
- Towels are a must to make sure your pup is nice and dry for the ride home
- Always check signs, even if you have visited before, in case the rules have changed regarding on/off leashing
- Brush up on the top beach dangers for dogs and what to do if your pooch encounters any
But most importantly – have fun!
Off leash rules sign-posted at The Spit Dog Beach (photo credit: Travelnuity)
If your pet is ill or injured, contact your local vet, or your closest Gold Coast emergency vet immediately.