The best dog friendly beaches on the Gold Coast (2022 edition)

The Gold Coast is a dog-friendly city with many lovely beaches where you can take your dog for swim, walk and play in a secure atmosphere. Your dog will have lots of choices with the city’s 70 kilometre long beach. We’ve compiled a list of the best dog beaches based on Google reviews submitted by fellow dog owners, to help you plan your next adventure. 

Some of these locations bend the traditional definition of a “beach”. But, rest assured that each location does feature and body of water and sand for your pup to play in. 
 
Note: Google ratings were collected on 24/03/22, so they are subject to change. 
 
Have we missed any of your favourite dog friendly beaches? Be sure to drop a comment bellow so we can add it to the list. 

Looking to make it a full day out? Check out or list of the best dog friendly cafes on the Gold Coast.

Image courtesy of @roxy_bentley_and_co

📍 110 Cabana Blvd, Benowa 
✅  Off leash area: Yes 
⭐  Google Rating: 4.8/5 (216 Reviews) 

 Cabana Off Leash Dog Area is ideally located right next to Nerang River in Benowa. This dedicated dog park is well-kept and suitable for all dogs, making it an ideal spot for socialising your dog.

This park features a walking path, a dog beach as well as a large grassy area for your pooch to play. With all this activity, hydration becomes important. Luckily, this park features water fountains with dog bowls to quench a well earnt thirst. 

Image courtesy of @ziggythepomsky

📍 The Spit, Main Beach 
✅  Off leash area: Yes
⭐  Google Rating: 4.7/5 (900 Reviews) 

The Spit Dog Beach is a on Main Beach’s northern most tip 3km up from Sea World. It is one of the Gold Coast’s most popular dog-friendly destinations. Be sure to visit at sunrise to kick off your day in the best possible way. 

There is a designated swimming area, and other play equipment designed for dogs. Water bowls take care of the post-dip refreshments. This beach also features a handy hose to wash off your fury friend before they hop in the car. 

Image courtesy of @yukiandmiko__

📍 1511 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach 
✅  Off leash area: Yes 
⭐  Google Rating: 4.7/5 (329 Reviews) 

 This magical location is the ideal spot to cool down your pooch on a hot day. Tallebudgera Off Leash dog beach is hugely popular with locals and visitors alike, and it is easy to see why. With it’s various swimming options, wide-open expanses and rocky perimeter, there is a plethora of possibilities for you and your pup. 

 If you are up for a walk, take a stroll down to the dog friendly Espresso Moto Café, which is known for it’s locally roasted coffee and handcrafted menu options. 

Image courtesy of @bobbysborderlife

📍 Palm Beach 
✅  Off leash area: Yes 
⭐  Google Rating: 4.7/5 (589 Reviews) 

 Whether your dog enjoys the rough and tumble of the ocean waves or the calm of a crusey inlet, this dog beach has it all. This park is perfect for those doggos that love to socialise . Be sure you make you way to this spot early as it is extremely popular, and parking can be an issue. 

Image courtesy of @luckyhoundsgc

📍 24 Pizzey Drive, Mermaid Waters
✅  Off leash area: Yes 
⭐  Google Rating: 4.7/5 (81 Reviews) 
 
This pine tree lined hidden gem features a dedicated off leash area for dogs, crystal clear swimming lake for doggos and BBQ/picnic facilities for humans. What else could you ask for? Take care on the walking trails as not all of features sealed pathways. For doggos that like to wander be sure to be diligent as some areas of this park have no fence.  

Image courtesy of @shiftingtidescounselling34

📍 152 The Esplanade, Paradise Point
✅  Off leash area: Yes 
⭐  Google Rating: 4.5/5 (315 Reviews) 

 On the northern end of the Gold Coast is Paradise Point Beach. This off-leash dog beach is located on the beachfront, next to the Paradise Point Parklands. Why not plan a BBQ with your puppy’s pals? With massive play areas, BBQ facilities, swimming spots, cafes, restaurants and even ice cream shops this place is perfect for everyone. 

Image courtesy of Bentes Dog Training

📍  Paradise Parade, Paradise Point
✅  Off leash area: Yes
⭐  Google Rating: 4.2/5 (90 Reviews)  

The views of the seaside are stunning, the playground is ideal for the kids and the park is quiet most days of the week. This well-planned park features shade sails, an off-leash dog beach and a large, grassed area for your dog to roam. Be sure to take a stroll along the waterways and visit one of the nearby cafes for a coffee or a brunch.

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