Best off leash dog beaches on the Gold Coast

DOG owners can be hit with a fine up to $364 if caught on a prohibited beach. But don’t fret, we’ve compiled a list of the Gold Coast’s best dog-friendly beaches - including some hidden gems you may not have tried yet.

UNLEASH the hounds!

Looking for a Gold Coast beach to take your furry-friends for an off-leash play?

It’s important to choose the right location as fines at prohibited beaches are not cheap.

Pet owners can be slapped with a $243 fine for taking their dog to a prohibited area, and an extra $121 if the dog is not on a leash.

Pet sitter and dog walker Kassie Palmer, 39, walks dogs around the Coast and has a few favourite spots, but says there aren’t too many good locations to visit.

“My favourite beaches to take dogs is Tallebudgera, Currumbin, Fingal and Southbeach Kingscliff,” Mrs Palmer said.

“The majority of beaches on the Gold Coast are not dog friendly.”

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Ms Palmer says the Gold Coast has a large stretch of land, from The Spit to Tallebugera, that isn’t dog friendly and it means some of her furry clients have to miss out.

“Unfortunately some of the dogs I service don’t get trips to the beach because of their location.

“The Spit is a bit far away for me to travel and is usually too busy.

“On the weekend, Currumbin is so overcrowded and over following with dogs.”

But there are some hidden gems Ms Palmer recommends.

“Kingscliff and Fingal are great because they’re not overcrowded and easily assessable,” she said.

TOP SIX DOG-FRIENDLY GOLD COAST BEACHES

THE SPIT

If you’re looking for a place for your dog to make a new friend — The Spit is the go-to place.

Hundreds of dogs and their owners head to the three kilometre stretch every weekend, making it one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast.

Dogs play at the dog friendly beach at The Spit, Main Beach. Photo: Mike Batterham

TALLEBUDGERA

Palm Beach

This little stretch of beach is a not-so-hidden gem always packed with dogs big and small.

It’s the perfect location for your pooch to have a swim without being knocked over by waves.

British bulldog Ronnie, 5, and 12-week old puppy wearing flotation devices to help them swim at Currumbin Creek. Photo: Scott Fletcher

CURRUMBIN CREEK

Palm Beach

Located right next to the Gold Coast Highway, this is an all-rounder hit for both families and pets. Kids and pets can have a swim in the ocean and a play at Pirate Park afterwards.

Jess Donaldson and her two golden spaniels Charlie and Frankie at Palm beach dog friendly beach. Photo: Mark Cranitch.

DURANBAH BEACH

Tweed Heads

At the southern end of the Coast this cove is a dogs and surfing lovers’ paradise.

Charlie the 3-year-old American Staffy fetching a stick at Duranbah beach. Photo: Nigel Hallett

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FINGAL BEACH

If you’re looking for somewhere not as crowed, the Southern end beaches are the way to go. Fingal and Dreamtime beach is a real hidden treasure for your pooches to play while you relax.

Currumbin paddleboarders (from left) Angela Jackson, Neil Pearson, Paul Jackson and dog Sup, Nigel Milnes, Hilzary Smith and Liz Milnes and their dogs. Photo: Tim Marsden

SOUTH BEACH

Kingscliff

If you’re looking for a quieter and very long stretch of sand for your dog to roam free South Beach, Kinsgcliff is the place to go.

The beach is located on the other side of the popular Kingscliff Creek and runs from the point Cudgen Headland right down to Casuarina.

Dog owners walk their pet dogs along South Kingscliff Beach. Photo: Nathan Edwards

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Pet sitter and dog walker Kassie Palmer, 39, walks dogs around the Coast and has a few favourite spots, but says there isn’t many locations to visit.

“My favourite beaches to take dogs is Tallebudgera, Currumbin, Fingal and Southbeach Kingscliff,” Mrs Palmer said.

“The majority of beaches on the Gold Coast are not dog friendly.”

The Gold Coast has a huge stretch of land, from The Spit to Tallebugera that isn’t dog friendly and it means some of her furry clients have to miss out.

“Unfortunately some of the dogs I service don’t get trips to the beach because of their location.”

“The Spit is a bit far away for me to travel and is usually too busy.”

“On the weekend, Currumbin is so overcrowded and over following with dogs.”

“Kingscliff and Fingal are great because they’re not over crowded and easily assessable.

Amanda Hamlyn, left, and Taylor Mothershaw with dog Gemma enjoying the hot weather at The Spit. Photo: Luke Marsden.

The Gold Coast City Council says you can walk your dog on most Gold Coast beaches, but to be sure to follow these two rules”

— Keep your dog on a leash and remember that dogs aren’t permitted within 200 metres of flagged areas.

— Clean up after your dog — an on-the-spot fine applies where you fail to remove your dog’s defecation.

BANNED GOLD COAST BEACHES

Burleigh Heads (including John Laws Park and Apex Park)

Coolangatta and Greenmount beaches and beach area from Kirra Point

Currumbin Estuary and beach (west of Currumbin Rock)

Currumbin Creek, Pacific Parade

Tarrabora Reserve

Kirra Beach (beach area from drainage outlet to Kirra Point)

Firth Park, Somerset Dr, Mudgeeraba

Laguna Park, Laguna Ave, Palm Beach

Murlong Park (barbecue and play areas)

Tallebudgera Tourist Park and swimming area

Rainbow Bay/Snapper Rocks, Marine Parade Rainbow Bay beach to Snapper Rocks

Tallebudgera Creek shore area

Schusters Park, Tallebudgera Creek Rd