The Best Dog Beaches on the Gold Coast

Perhaps you're a local pet sitter, dog walker or tourist visiting the glittering Gold Coast. Either way, there's no better way for your dog to burn energy than a run on a dog-friendly beach.

The Gold Coast has many dog-friendly beach spots for you to choose from. Here, we share our all-time favourite beaches for you to visit with your dog.

Paradise Point Parklands

The Esplanade

Paradise Point

Head to the northern end of the foreshore at Paradise Point for access to a leash-free doggy exercise area. You'll find it nestled between the northern platform and Sovereign Mile Bridge.

Fortunately, this dog-friendly zone has unrestricted hours. As such, your dog can enjoy a run on the beach at any time of day or night. Plus, the waters here are clear and calm, so they're perfect for a dog paddle or swim for humans!

Currumbin Beach (North Palm Beach)

Pacific Parade

Currumbin

This clean, well-kept beach has both calm waters for paddling at the Currumbin Creek inlet. It also has some surf for the more adventurous swimmers.

Your dog will have plenty of new friends to play with! Pack a picnic and make a day of it, or pop over to a local cafe for a coffee or puppacino. Little humans can also enjoy play equipment, so no one needs to feel left out. This dog-friendly beach is very popular on the weekends so be prepared to fight for parking!

Tallebudgera Beach (North Palm Beach)

Gold Coast Highway

Palm Beach North

Tallebudgera Beach is North of Currumbin Beach. To find it, follow the path just north of Tallebudgera Surf Life Saving Club.

Enjoy the natural beauty of the Burleigh Heads National Park that wraps around this gorgeous stretch (how's the serenity?). Again, this dog-friendly spot is a busy favourite with locals and tourists on the weekends. As such, it's worth popping by for a visit on a weekday if you want a bit of P&Q.

The Spit

Seaworld Drive

Main Beach

The famous Spit is well-known for good reason! The gorgeous views, sand, and surf is a draw card for many dog owners. You will find the dog-friendly areas marked from Muriel Henchman Drive to Seawall Drive.

Whether it's the wild surf or dog-paddle lagoon on the other side of the spit, you'll find something for everyone. Plus, you can enjoy access to water and shade when you and your pup need a break from the sun. There is plenty of nearby parking, but the area is very popular on weekends.

Biggera Waters Beach

Marine Parade

Biggera Waters

This dog-friendly beach is less famous than some of the others we've covered. However, locals adore it, plus it's a relaxing spot if you want to avoid tourists. This is perfect if you and your dog prefer a more chilled-out Gold Coast vibe.

Your dog can frolic leash-free in the early morning and evening, but will need a leash at other times. As such, be sure to plan your visit for between 6 am to 8 am or 4 pm to 7 pm.

Tips for visiting a dog-friendly beach on the Gold Coast:

• Bring a bag of supplies for your pooch's comfort (here's a handy checklist of dog walking supplies we prepared earlier).
• Avoid the hottest hours between mid-morning and mid-afternoon. This is especially important if your pup has light skin on their ears, nose or paws. Also, don't forget to pack sunscreen and a hat for yourself too.
• You can walk a leashed dog on many Gold Coast beaches, although not near flagged areas. As such, be sure to check the signage before unclipping your dog.

Do you have no time to walk your dog to the beach? Or are you visiting the Gold Coast and need a dog walker to help you out? Visit Pawshake to find the perfect dog walker near you!