Coombabah With Your Dog: Lakelands Rules, Parks and Stays
The Coombabah basics
Coombabah is wrapped around one of the Gold Coast's great nature spots, and that's exactly why dog owners need to know the rules. The Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area, with its koalas, kangaroos and boardwalks, is a dog prohibited area, top to bottom. The good news is that Coombabah still has an off-leash park with water views, a handful of easy on-lead parks, and fenced dog parks a few minutes away in Hollywell and Parkwood.
Park rules are checked against City of Gold Coast park pages on 27/10/2026. If a sign on the day disagrees, the sign wins.
Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area: no dogs
Council's page is clear: the whole conservation area is a dog prohibited area. That covers more than 1,200 hectares of wetland, eucalypt forest, salt marsh and mangroves, and every one of its 16 kilometres of trails, including the bird hide boardwalk, the koala trail, the Myola Court boardwalk and the Melaleuca boardwalk. The reason is the wildlife. Council lists 274 animal species living there, including koalas and powerful owls, and the wetland is recognised internationally for migratory birds. A dog, even on a lead, is a predator to all of them.
The only exception is certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs, which council allows under the Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009. If you want to walk the Lakelands, leave the dog at home and go early: the area is open daily from 6am to 6pm, and there are no toilets or drinking water inside. See council's Coombabah Lakelands page.
Torrevella Vista Park: off-leash with water views
Coombabah's own off-leash spot. Council describes a designated off-leash dog area at Torrevella Vista Park, where dogs can exercise and socialise under effective control, beside grassland with water views. There's a picnic shelter, tables, barbecues and a drinking fountain, so it works for a picnic with the dog. Council doesn't describe the off-leash area as fenced, so it suits dogs with good recall. Dogs are prohibited in the playground. See council's Torrevella Vista Park page.
- Where: 2 Torrevella Vista, Coombabah
- Off-leash: designated area, not described as fenced
- Also here: barbecues, picnic shelter, drinking fountain, water tap
On-lead parks in Coombabah
Grassy Park, Hansford Road. A neighbourhood park with toilets, barbecues, a basketball area and picnic shelters. Dogs on a lead, not in the playground.
Nolan Park, Sidney Nolan Drive. Barbecues, fitness stations, picnic shelters and a water tap. Council tags it as a good walking park. Dogs on a lead, not in the playground.
Possum Park, Possum Crescent. A small park by the water with picnic tables and shelter. Dogs on a lead, not in the playground.
One to watch: council notes that dogs are totally prohibited in the parts of the Lakelands next to Circle Park, at Arundel Springs, so stick to the park itself.
Fenced dog parks nearby
For a safe, fully fenced run, two of the best on the northern Gold Coast are a short drive away. Bayview Park in Hollywell has two fenced yards, one with agility gear, covered in our Runaway Bay, Hollywell and Paradise Point guide. Abbott Park in Parkwood has a fenced yard with agility equipment, covered in our Arundel, Parkwood and Molendinar guide.
Swims, coffee and a beer
For a swim, the Paradise Point foreshore is off-leash and the Biggera Waters foreshore is off-leash early and late. For coffee, Ripples Cafe in Runaway Bay is close by and listed as pet friendly by dining guides, so ask first. For a beer, Runaway Bay Tavern welcomes dogs in its beer garden, and Black Hops at Biggera Waters calls its taproom dog friendly.
Vets near Coombabah
The closest clinics we've checked are Bay Vets on Oxley Drive, Runaway Bay, and The Point Vet on Grice Avenue, Paradise Point, both in our Runaway Bay guide. After hours, Animal Emergency Service at 104 Eastlake Street, Carrara, runs overnight on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays. SASH Gold Coast at Robina and AEC Gold Coast at Varsity Lakes are open 24/7. See our Gold Coast vets guide.
Dog-friendly stays nearby
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, Helensvale. The park's own page says dogs are welcome on all caravan and camping sites, and selected cabins take up to two dogs at no extra charge. Send your dog's vaccination certificate before you arrive, keep them on a lead and never leave them alone. See BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park.
Address: 66-86 Siganto Drive, Helensvale QLD 4212
NRMA Treasure Island Holiday Resort, Biggera Waters. Pets are allowed on selected creek-side powered sites and two ensuite cabins, with a maximum of two small dogs per site, $15 per pet per night, manager approval and a signed waiver. Pets aren't allowed during peak and premium seasons, so check dates before you book. See Treasure Island pet terms.
Address: 117 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters QLD 4216
Worth knowing: Gold Coast Tourist Parks' own pet policy says only its Jacobs Well and Kirra Beach parks take dogs, so the Main Beach and Broadwater tourist parks are a no. For the city-wide list, see our pet friendly accommodation guide and dog-friendly caravan parks guide.
More northern Gold Coast dog guides: Helensvale, Hope Island and Sanctuary Cove, Ashmore and Benowa.
While you're here: Pets Juicy PLUS+
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- $25 store credit for every $500 you spend on grooms, washes and daycare
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- Credit lands in your account and lasts 12 months
Our studio is in Miami for now, but you never know where we'll pop up next. Pop your email in and you'll hear about Pets Juicy PLUS+, new local dog guides like this one, and anything else worth a tail wag first.
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Ticks, snakes and wildlife
Bushland suburbs like Coombabah are prime paralysis tick country, and snakes are about in the warmer months. Check your dog's head, neck, ears, armpits and between the toes after every walk, and keep them on a lead near long grass. Our ticks and snakes guide covers what to look for.
FAQs
Are dogs allowed at Coombabah Lakelands?
No. Council lists the whole Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area as a dog prohibited area, including all its trails and boardwalks. Only certified guide, hearing and assistance dogs are allowed.
Where can I walk my dog off-leash in Coombabah?
At Torrevella Vista Park, 2 Torrevella Vista, which has a designated off-leash area with water views.
Is there a fenced dog park near Coombabah?
Yes. Bayview Park in Hollywell and Abbott Park in Parkwood both have fenced off-leash areas with agility equipment.
Checked 27/10/2026. We're humans working from public council, park and venue sources, and rules, hours, fees and dog policies change without notice. Always check the signs on the day and confirm with the venue, park or council before you go. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we'll fix it.
