Gold Coast: 10 of the best dog parks

The Gold Coast is blessed with spaces to take the dog for a bit of fresh air and exercise. Here are some of the most popular. READ THE FULL LIST

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The Gold Coast is blessed with spaces to take the dog for a bit of fresh air and exercise. Here are some of the most popular.

10 MOST POPULAR DOG BREEDS OF THE COAST

10. HINTERLAND REGIONAL PARK

MUDGEERABA

Just off Hardys Rd, dogs can roam around the big Hinterland Regional Park on-leash but have a special off-leash playground all of their own. With plenty of agility equipment to test any dog, it’s little wonder this Mudgeeraba park is a favourite.

Dreamtime beach, Kingscliff. Picture: Andrea Deeley.

9. DREAMTIME BEACH

KINGSCLIFF

Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the best. This is an unadorned stretch of beautiful beach where man and beast can let loose in the sun, sand and surf. Two paws up.

Jason Cadee with dog Peppa at Pizzey Park.

8. PIZZEY PARK

MIAMI

Pizzey Park has a great enclosed agility area which is safe for dogs of all sizes to play in. The lakeside area of this Miami dog park is also perfect for man’s best friend to have a scamper and sniff around. Enjoy a walk around the lake, with the pine trees as a backdrop.

7. ALBERT PARK

BROADBEACH WATERS

This comes complete with a lake, barbecue area and toilets and is bordered by million-dollar homes. It is a serene area for any dog to chill out.

6. DAMIEN LEEDING PARKLAND

OXENFORD

This friendly parkland is a favourite for sociable pairs of pets and humans. Walk around the lake to the off-leash dog enclosure where pooches can run free. There are also two water fountains near the lake for thirsty pups.

Sue Marshall and her dog Jackie with Jan Grew at Frascott Park.

5. FRASCOTT PARK

VARSITY LAKES

This medium-sized park with fenced off-leash area has plenty of options for owners and animals. A circuitous path around the park is great for leash walking and human exercise equipment is spread throughout the park. The off-leash area is divided into two sections, for small and large dogs, and has drinking water.

Hannah Scholar with Jackl at Musgrave Dog Park. Picture: Glenn Hampson

4. MUSGRAVE RECREATIONAL PARK

SOUTHPORT

Located on the corner of Musgrave and Kumbari avenues in Southport, this spacious dog park has plenty of human-friendly features with barbecues and toilets. It is fully fenced and has an agility area with lots of hurdles for pups. There are tons of taps as well so dogs can have a drink after that thirsty work. There are dog-litter tidy bags at the entrances and bins scattered through the park so owners can help keep the park pretty.

The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens at Benowa.

3. GOLD COAST REGIONAL BOTANICAL GARDEN

BENOWA

Set on 31ha, just 10 minutes drive from central Surfers, this a great space for dogs to play in. While the park is not technically fenced, it’s still secure and has a large open area for dogs to run and socialise, as well as a large body of water for easy access.

Vicky Rowe with Charlie the dog at Currumbin Creek. Picture: Jono Searle.

2. PALM BEACH

GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

This sizeable sandy patch of dog paradise starts at the edge of Palm Beach Parklands and follows Currumbin Creek all the way around to the surf. In the parkland just before the beach is a cafe that features a handy dog-hitching post, while for children, the creek side of the beach borders a paddling beach and pirate park.

1. THE SPIT

TIP OF THE GOLD COAST

It’s long been a favourite spot for two and four-legged fans, so it’s little surprise The Spit is the pick for pups’ parks.

Dogs are spoiled for choice on this splendid canine-friendly tip of the Gold Coast, with the option of romping in a large protected cove on the Broadwater or stretching their legs surfside on the uninhabited sands of the northern stretch of Southport.