Dog-Friendly Ashmore and Benowa: Fenced Parks, Botanic Gardens and Vets

6 min read

White dog leaping mid-air across a sunny green lawn

The Ashmore and Benowa basics

Ashmore and Benowa don't have a beach, but they have something just as good for dogs: some of the best off-leash space in central Gold Coast. Scenic Park in Benowa is fully fenced with agility gear, the Botanic Gardens at Rosser Park has an enormous off-leash area, and Ashmore has a handful of neighbourhood parks where dogs can run. There's a vet on Heeb Street too.

Park rules are checked against City of Gold Coast park pages, and venues and stays were checked on 27/10/2026. If a sign on the day disagrees, the sign wins.

Scenic Park, Benowa: fully fenced

Overlooking the Benowa Channel, Scenic Park is mostly dog park. Council says the fully fenced off-leash area takes up most of the park, with a water fountain, agility equipment and plenty of room to run. The playground is separately fenced, and there are fitness stations along the footpath. There are no toilets, and parking is on the street. See council's Scenic Park page.

Where: Scenic Avenue, Benowa
Off-leash: fully fenced, with agility equipment and a water fountain
Toilets: none

Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens: the big off-leash area

The Botanic Gardens at Rosser Park has what council calls an enormous designated off-leash area. The entrance and car park for the dog section are near the playground, with a second entrance off Cabana Boulevard. Dogs must be on a lead in the rest of the gardens, and they're prohibited around the central feature lake and the playgrounds. Toilets and an accessible path loop make it an easy morning out. See council's Botanic Gardens page and our Gold Coast dog walks guide.

Where: Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Rosser Park, Benowa
Off-leash: designated area, entry near the playground or off Cabana Boulevard
Watch for: no dogs around the central lake

Benowa Park

A neighbourhood park on Lambros Drive with barbecues, a picnic shelter and a fenced, shaded playground. Council lists the park as a designated off-leash area. See council's Benowa Park page.

Ashmore's off-leash parks

Green Glen Park, Green Glen Road. Open green space under the trees, and council lists the park as a designated off-leash area for dogs to exercise and socialise.

Glenmore Park, 12 Central Park Avenue. A neighbourhood park with a playground and picnic shelter, plus a designated off-leash area.

Sun Valley Park, 9 Sun Valley Drive. A fenced playground, picnic facilities and an off-leash area for dogs under effective control.

Council doesn't describe these three as fenced, so they suit dogs with good recall. For a fully fenced run, head to Scenic Park.

Coffee and a beer

We couldn't find an Ashmore or Benowa cafe or pub that says in its own words that dogs are welcome, so we're not listing one. The closest we've verified are in Labrador and Southport, covered in our Labrador guide and Southport and Main Beach guide.

Dog-friendly stays nearby

There's no verified dog-friendly accommodation in Ashmore or Benowa itself. The closest are in Surfers Paradise, a short drive east.

QT Gold Coast, Surfers Paradise. QT's Pup Yeah program allows one dog per room, with dogs under 25 kg preferred and bigger dogs assessed before arrival. The first three nights carry no dog fee, then it's $40 a night. Dogs stay out of the restaurants, pool, gym and spa, and can't be left alone in the room. See QT Pup Yeah FAQs.

Address: 7 Staghorn Avenue, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

Novotel Surfers Paradise. Pups in Paradise rooms are selected Deluxe rooms on level 6 with a private balcony, for dogs up to 20 kg, booked direct only. Dogs must be licensed, tagged and on a lead, never left alone, and sleep on their own bedding. A $200 cleaning charge applies for accidents or dogs on the bed. See Novotel dog-friendly rooms.

Address: corner of Surfers Paradise Boulevard and Hanlan Street, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217

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.

Vets in Ashmore

Vetcall Ashmore. Open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 6pm and Saturday 8am to 4pm, closed Sundays and public holidays. See Vetcall.

Address: 243 Heeb Street, Ashmore QLD 4214

After hours. Animal Emergency Service at 104 Eastlake Street, Carrara, runs overnight on weekdays (6pm to 8am) 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.

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Ticks, grass seeds and heat

Bushy suburban parks are paralysis tick country. Check your dog's head, neck, ears, armpits and between the toes after every walk, and look for grass seeds in paws and ears in the warmer months. On hot days, walk early or late, as footpaths heat up fast. Our ticks and snakes guide covers what to look for.

FAQs

Is there a fenced dog park in Benowa?

Yes. Scenic Park on Scenic Avenue has a fully fenced off-leash area with agility equipment and a water fountain.

Can I take my dog to the Gold Coast Botanic Gardens?

Yes. There's a large designated off-leash area at Rosser Park. Dogs must be on a lead elsewhere in the gardens and aren't allowed around the central lake.

Where can I let my dog off-leash in Ashmore?

Green Glen Park, Glenmore Park and Sun Valley Park all have council off-leash areas.

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.