Forget Love Island, this is the Gold Coast’s ‘off leash dog island’

IT’S not an exaggeration to say that this may be the best off leash park for dogs on the Gold Coast — and it’s on an island.

Gracey greyhound enjoys a run at Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve at Tallebudgera at the off-leash dog island. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

TALLEBUDGERA OFF LEASH AGILITY DOG ISLAND

IT’S all about pooches this week, mainly because people are always asking what the best places are on the Coast to take the pups.

And I like dogs.

Well people, here’s the answer — Tallebudgera’s “Off Leash Dog Island’’ is the place to be, and it has nearly everything you could want.

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Gracey greyhound enjoys a run at Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve at Tallebudgera at the off-leash dog island. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

It has space. It has open fields. It has an agility run. It has small sandy beaches. It has quiet water for a paddle. It even has a small number of trails for your dog to excitedly sniff around.

And it’s all on an island, nestled in the middle of the Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve.

There are just two entrances to the island, on opposite ends, so the fact that it doesn’t have any fencing is less of a problem.

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Yew- Gracey loving the trails on the island. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

A narrow land bridge coming off Guineas Creek Road takes you to the small island.

Hook a quick right and follow the narrow trails through the bushland before it opens up to the middle field.

Your pup can already jump in the water here, but alternatively you can also wait until you reach the opposite side where there’s a shallower beach.

Large gum trees are dotted across the island and are the perfect spot for a quick rest.

The agility area is close by too.

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Water! Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Gracey loves a splash at Tallebudgera. Picture: Amanda Robbemond

Towards the northern side of the island are more open fields for your dog to run in.

Keep an eye on your pup though — the island is big and although the park is never overly busy, there are always a few dogs poking around.

Back towards the first entrance there are more beaches scattered under some trees.

Once you’re done on the island, pop your dog on the leash and either take comfort in the knowledge your pup just had the best time ever, or turn right to explore the remaining paths on-leash.

EAT AND DRINK

Blueberry spelt pancakes. Photo: Chantay Logan

The Dune Cafe at the Palm Beach Parklands is a great spot to have a bite to eat — and for your doggie to have a rest in the meantime.

There is a shaded umbrella for dogs to rest under, as well as extra seating where your dog can chill out at your feet.

Open for breakfast and lunch, there’s a range of food to please the family: organic spelt pancakes, sesame and ginger glazed Atlantic salmon, burgers, hand cut calamari and nachos.

There are also vegetarian, dairy and gluten free options available.

DISCOVER

A family enjoys the Tallebudgera parklands.

The rest of Eddie Kornhauser Recreational Reserve is dog friendly — on leash.

So if you’d prefer to keep your dog on a leash because they tend to follow their noses rather than their ears, there’s ample opportunity for long strolls along the large lake on paved footpaths.

There’s also a playground close by for the kids and enough grass to kick the footy around too.

WHILE YOU’RE HERE ... DO

Palm Beach is the place to be for Gold Coast pups. Pic Mark Cranitch.

If it’s a day out for the dogs, you be mad to miss Palm Beach’s off-leash dog beach.

Just a short drive from the park, the Palm Beach Parklands are a great spot for an afternoon swim.

And if you (and your dog) are brave enough, try some stand-up paddle boarding on neighbouring Currumbin Creek.