Varsity Lakes with a Dog: Fenced Parks, Lake Walks and Cafes
Varsity Lakes with a dog: the short answer
Varsity Lakes is one of the easiest Gold Coast suburbs to own a dog in, as long as you're a lake person rather than a beach person. Frascott Park has two fenced off-leash dog areas with agility gear, there's a small signed off-leash patch on the edge of Lake Orr, and the lakeside paths make an easy on-lead loop. Finish with a coffee on Varsity Parade at Blackboard, which calls itself pet friendly. We're the dog groomers a short drive away in Miami, and this is the Varsity morning we'd plan for our own dogs.
Park rules below are checked against City of Gold Coast pages, including the latest version of council's Animal Control Area Register (dated 28/07/2026). Venues were checked in October 2026. If a sign on the day says something different, the sign wins.
Frascott Park: the fenced off-leash pick
Ask a Varsity local where the dog park is and they'll point you to Frascott Park. Council lists two fenced off-leash dog areas here, both with agility equipment, set inside a big family park with a walking loop, barbecues, picnic shelters, a basketball court and two playgrounds. The fence makes it the safe bet for young dogs, rescues still settling in, and anyone whose recall has a few holes in it.
The main car park entrance is at 72 Mattocks Road, and Yodelay Street has a few extra bays plus the toilets. Keep the lead on until you're through the dog park gate: the rest of the park is on-lead, and dogs aren't allowed in the playgrounds at all. Council says the barbecues and shelters are in high demand on weekends, so if your dog finds a crowd a bit much, go early. The details are on council's Frascott Park page, and our Gold Coast fenced and off-leash dog parks guide has the rest of the city.
Lake Orr: lakeside walks and a quiet off-leash corner
Varsity Lakes is built around its lakes, and Lake Orr is the one alongside Varsity Parade, with lakeside boardwalks and walking paths. Around the water your dog stays on a lead, which is council's rule anywhere without an off-leash sign. It's the walk for older dogs and slow, sniffy mornings with a coffee in hand.
The one most people miss is the Lake Orr Catchment Reserve off Varsity Parade, where council designated a small off-leash dog exercise area in December 2023. It sits right on the water's edge with bushland behind it. Council's map shows it as an off-leash zone rather than a fenced dog park, so it suits dogs with reliable recall, and it's worth checking the signs when you arrive so you know where the boundary sits.
For more lake walks and swims around the city, see our Gold Coast dog-friendly lakes guide. Council's general rules for off-leash areas are on its dog exercise areas page.
Coffee and a drink with your dog in Varsity Lakes
Market Square is the suburb's retail hub, with cafes, restaurants and takeaways, and there are more cafes along Varsity Parade and in the newer tower precinct. Each venue sets its own rules for dogs at outdoor tables, so these are the ones we could confirm say yes.
Blackboard Varsity, Varsity Parade. A big cafe on Varsity Parade, across the road from Lake Orr. Blackboard lists itself as pet friendly on its own site, and it opens early enough for a coffee after a dawn lap of the lake. It's walk-in only, so no booking needed.
Address: 7/240 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Side Piece Coffee, Capital Court. A small cafe on a raised patio in Varsity's newer tower precinct, with views west towards the hinterland. Must Do Gold Coast's listing, updated January 2026, says the shaded patio welcomes dogs. The cafe's own site doesn't mention dogs, so grab an outside table and check with staff.
Address: Shop 1/2 Capital Court, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Wildflower Gin Distillery, Scottsdale Drive. A boutique gin distillery with a cellar door and cocktail bar on Scottsdale Drive. Wildflower has described itself as a dog friendly distillery on its own site, and it isn't open every day, so check its hours and confirm the dog rule when you book a tasting.
Address: 2/486 Scottsdale Drive, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Dog services in Varsity Lakes
- Vets: Varsity Lakes has two clinics. AEC Gold Coast is a 24-hour emergency hospital, open every day including public holidays, and Reedy Creek Veterinary Surgery is a general practice clinic. Addresses and the full list are in our Gold Coast vets guide.
- Grooming: that's us, a short drive away in Miami. See dog grooming for Varsity Lakes dogs.
After the walk: ticks and lake water
The bushland around the Lake Orr Catchment Reserve is the kind of scrub paralysis ticks love, so run your hands over your dog's head, neck, ears and between the toes after every walk there. Our paralysis ticks and snakes guide covers the signs to watch for and what to do.
If your dog ends up in the lake, give them a freshwater rinse when you get home and dry the ears properly. A thick coat left damp in Gold Coast humidity is a fast track to itchy skin and that pond smell. When the mud has won, a warm bath and full groom at our Miami studio gets them clean right down to the skin.
Nearby suburb guides: Robina with a dog, Reedy Creek with a dog, Burleigh Heads with a dog and Elanora with a dog.
FAQs
Is there a fenced dog park in Varsity Lakes?
Yes. Frascott Park has two fenced off-leash dog areas with agility equipment. The main car park entrance is at 72 Mattocks Road, with a few more bays on Yodelay Street.
Can my dog go off-leash at Lake Orr?
Only in the signed off-leash area at the Lake Orr Catchment Reserve off Varsity Parade. It isn't fenced, and the paths around the rest of the lake are on-lead.
Is there a 24-hour emergency vet in Varsity Lakes?
Yes. AEC Gold Coast in Varsity Lakes is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Our Gold Coast vets guide has its address and the other emergency options.
Which cafes in Varsity Lakes are dog friendly?
Blackboard Varsity on Varsity Parade lists itself as pet friendly, and Side Piece Coffee's patio on Capital Court welcomes dogs according to a 2026 review. Venue rules can change, so check with staff when you arrive.
Lake mud and all? Bring them to Miami
Full grooms and warm baths, a short drive from Varsity Lakes.
Book a groomPark rules checked against City of Gold Coast sources and venues checked October 2026. Rules and venue policies change, so check the signs and the venue before you go.
Straight from Google
Five stars from the people holding the leads
Rated 5.0 on Google (opens in a new tab)We took our two toy poodles in for grooming today and couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the moment we walked in, the team was warm, welcoming, and clearly passionate about what they do.
They took the time to listen and treated our boys with such care and patience throughout and they came out looking absolutely beautiful! Perfect cuts, soft coats, and so happy & relaxed.
It’s obvious they genuinely care about the dogs, not just the end result. The attention to detail and level of professionalism really stood out. We’ve already rebooked, will definitely be coming back regularly and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable, high-quality groomer.
Thanks so much guys!
Lots of love from Lenny & Boo 🐕 🐕
OBSESSED
Got my senior queen Lady (husky x GSD) groomed here when her regular groomers couldn’t fit her in (they would often cancel as well due to her size and hair type). Pets Juicy did an incredible job - Lady came back happy, smelling fresh and well de-shedded. Really happy with the service and kindness of the staff here, this will be the new go-to spot for our dogs. Thank you for being so accommodating to bigger dogs, which are often seen as a chore by many places. I can see based on reviews you have many larger regulars. Thank you team!
Excellent service and care
HIGHLY RECOMMEND FOR COCKER SPANIEL OWNERS 🤍
Had such a good experience at Pets Juicy. My dog Monty had the worst mats in his ears and I was honestly so stressed about it. The team were so patient and gentle with him, especially because he’s a bit silly and crazy They really took their time and made sure he was comfortable, and did an amazing job. I honestly wish I took before photos of how matted his ears were because the difference is crazy. So grateful for how kind they were with him. Definitely recommend!
Great job on my mini groodle Coco
Such an amazing place and team. The environment was very calming and relaxing for our dog. It was his first ever professional groom and wow, he looked fantastic. From booking to confirmation to reminder to collection was absolutely brilliant. Our dog didn’t want to leave at the end of his groom leaving with a big smile on his face and one very happy one at that. We have found our forever groomers for our large dog!!
Thanks Pets Juicy
Best haircut in 16 years for my spoodle
I’ve brought my two pups to Pet’s Juicy a few times now, and every visit has been such a positive experience. The team is incredibly gentle, caring, and clearly loves what they do! My dogs are always excited when we arrive! Their grooms are beautifully done, and they come home smelling amazing and happy every time. I feel completely at ease leaving them in such capable, loving, kind hands. Highly recommend!
Always amazing & professional a great team
Sami looked and felt absolutely fabulous after her long haired deshedding service. The team did an awesome job with my golden girl who hates her nails being trimmed. Our vet couldn’t manage trimming Sami’s nails without sedation but the team ensured she had a proper and perfect dogicure. Being a water lover, Sami had some matting which the team were able to also tidy. 10/10
Awesome open space, needed for our local area
This was our first time at Pets Juicy and we were very impressed with our visit. It’s a very friendly space and I liked how my pup was able to hang out with the day care dogs while he waited for his cut. Also the staff was very accommodating, booking was easy and prices were very reasonable. We will definitely be back!
Awesome groom - our Labradoodle looks so handsome!
Our big beautiful GSD loves this place. Hes very anxious at groomers but the whole vibe is just chill, welcoming and loving. He immediately relaxed and blended in well.
I struggle to take him in public to dog parks as he gets very unhappy, but id happily leave him here as long as needed. Well managed and run.
Love this place .
The best dog groomers on the Gold Coast .
Our 15yold Moodle has lots of bumps and lumps. Had been avoiding groomers due to fear of distress. Had been recommended Pets Juicy and couldn’t be happier. Easy to book, lovely reception on arrival and felt very comfortable. And in picking up our dog, he was happy calm and looked wonderful.
Great experience and a lovely groom for my cavoodle- I didn’t recognise him!
My little Archie seemed to instinctively love this place.
A chilled welcoming venue, very nice staff, and they did a really great job on grooming, I passed by at one point while he was being groomed & saw for myself the care and attention that was taken.
Would definitely recommend.
Pet Juicy have been amazing for our little Luna. Highly recommend their services.
The team at Pets Juicy were amazing! They did such a good job helping with our Border Collie’s matted coat and took really great care of him the whole time. He came home looking so much better and seemed super happy and comfortable. Couldn’t recommend them enough :)
Very friendly service, 100% recommended. You can really tell they love and care for animals
I took my dog for his very first grooming today and I honestly couldn’t have chosen a better salon! The staff were so lovely, everything was done really quickly, and my pup looks absolutely adorable. They did such a great job 👏🏼 highly recommend!
Love coming here. The team genuinely love what they do and always take the best care of my Baxter.
Had my dog groomed today and they did amazing job, they were gentle and made my dog comfortable before starting. Will definitely be coming back, and i recommend going as they prices are affordable and staff are so friendly.
Absolutely highly recommend.
My pup Ava looks great and the service and price was great.
Barry
Robina
Everyone at Pets Juicy is amazing. They gave our gorgeous 3 month old labradoodle Barry, his very first grooming session and we were so impressed by their patience and care. Thank you! Barry will be back.
Highly recommend absolutely amazing service thank you Teddie looks insane look forward to his next pamper 💙
Phenominal service, they took care of my queenie she looked absolutely gorgeous ❤️❤️💜💜 thank you so much for helping us out we appreciate you and we are beyond grateful ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️
Amazing place! Staff were super friendly and caring with my dog! My dog looks happy and amazing! 100% would recommend
2nd time we send our swiss shepherd for deadheading and the results are fantastic. The team is super helpful and friendly and the location is convenient. Highly recommended.
Friendly local dog groomer, used for first time and happy with the cut and service all around. Will be back again next time
Bath time at pet Juicy is marvellous for us. We have two cavoodles and to have the care and service from Pet Juicy works a treat. It's clean, friendly and homely.
Fabulous team at Pets Juicy. Obviously love their work and customers!!!
Did a great job on our old boy he looks so handsome now.
Amazing service!! So happy with how the dogs looked I accidentally stuffed up my booking and they were so kind to still accommodate me can’t recommend enough 🙏🏻
Honestly, couldn’t be happier! The team are so lovely, kind and accommodating. They went above and beyond for our pups. Highly recommend!
A great local dog groomer that is well priced, fast and takes great care of the dogs! Our groodle always looks just as we like him when we collect him!
Shane and the team were very kind to our beautiful Zara. First time we’ve used Pets Juicy for a groom and they were great! A very happy puppy!
I so happy and appreciative of the great job your team has done to make my miniature Poodle and Cobberdog looks so gorgeous.
Thanks heaps
Claudia
Highly recommend the Pets juicy team to look after your furry babies. I was so hesitant and nervous as I’d never had my dogs previously looked after but moving interstate and trying to take our family to theme parks left me no choice but to bite the bullet and try. I’m so glad I came across these guys. They put my mind at ease. My dogs were happy to go each day (they went for 3 days). I was updated on the first day with texts and photos to put my nerves at ease. Thank you for such a pleasant experience. Can’t recommend these guys enough. Thank you.
Teddy loves pets juicy!!!
We absolutely love this place! Odin and Scooby always come home happy, relaxed, and looking amazing after their grooming sessions. The team truly cares for the dogs as if they were their own, and I feel so comfortable leaving them here for daycare knowing they’re in safe hands. Grooming is always done perfectly—clean, tidy, and they smell incredible! Most importantly, both dogs actually get excited when we arrive, which says it all. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a professional and loving groomer/daycare.
Great service and great results!
I would highly recommend Pets Juicy . I popped in this morning to see if they could possibly trim my 14 year old Boxers nail's.
I was in Awe... usually Ruby is a shaking mess and stressed in new situations.
Shane took Ruby through to the grooming room and tender to those nails while I waited.
What I witnessed was a serene/happy atmosphere in the doggy daycare area and Ruby was relaxed on the grooming table while her nails were attended to.
Extremely affordable, Kind and Professional experience.
Beautiful results, affordable for all.
My 1 year old labradoodle Bryson had his first full groom this morning and couldn't feel more comfortable and pleased with this service. Very impressed with how patient and helpful Shane was. Bryson wasn't the easiest puppy to groom but with the guidance and advice given, I have no doubt it will get essier and he will be less nervous each time. Have definitely found our new grooming service! Very happy, thank you so much! 🙂
Great service and love the free bandana
Extremely happy after collecting our Husky Sasha from his first visit. We really appreciate the extra time and care taken to de-fluff our adored fur ball and especially impressed we were not charged extra for the additional time taken. Have already started recommending you and looking forward to seeing you again next month! Thanks again from Sasha and the Spencer Family 🩷🩷🩷
Thank u Dudley looks awesome after his groom
It was our puppy’s very first grooming session and we couldn’t be happier with the experience! The staff was so gentle and patient, and made sure our little one felt safe and comfortable. He came out looking absolutely adorable — clean, fluffy, and happy! Thank you for taking such great care of him. We’ll definitely be back! 🐾💕
They did a really great job with my dog's groom
Had such a lovely experience!
My Golden Retriever can be a bit nervous, but the team at Pets Juicy looked after her so well. Such lovely, caring people.
She looks amazing and their services are very well priced.
Bonus is that they post super cute photos of your dog on Instagram ♡
We'll be back, thank you!
Amazing service and an easy and user friendly website
Amazing service! After being told by multiple groomers across the GC they weren’t taking on anymore large breed clients, I came across Pets Juicy who were more than happy to help. Both dogs groomed the next day and was better priced than I expected! Will definitely be using them from now on.
They took amazing care of my little pup will
Definitely be back !!
We take our two miniature groodles here for their grooming regularly & they do such a good job!!
We’ve had previous experiences at a large salon where our 3yr old would become anxious & distressed, but not here - both our doggies love going to Pets Juicy Miami. Definitely 5 ⭐️ from us!
Gorgeous people with my puppy she came home happy and looking and smelling great.
This was my first time here and I’m so happy with how they groomed my dog, he looks amazing and it’s perfect for his active lifestyle. I love how much everyone there cares for the dogs! It made me feel comfortable leaving him and knowing he will be well looked after. Will 100% be back!
They are amazing and very kind with my furry little baby!!! I strongly recommend!!!
I took my 16 month old Border Collie (Ziggy) to Pets Juicy in Miami today for a warm bath and deshed. The staff are so friendly. You can tell that they really care about the dogs they look after. Ziggy looks amazing after his grooming session. Stella job guys!
They have amazing staff and my dog came out smelling so clean with a fresh hair cut for spring.
My beautiful 15 year old, blind Shihtzu Stella has been here 3 times now and honestly the BEST grooming service we’ve ever experienced. Kind, caring, great grooming- very happy Shihtzu mum and most importantly an extremely happy pup. ❤️
Alfred loved his experience at Pets Juicy. We can't thank them enough for looking after our little guy.
Awesome!!! My little lady is always so happy to go for her beauty treatments. The guys always do such a fantastic job. It used to be such a stressful process but not since coming to Pets Juicy she is relaxed and happy.
Pets Juicy did a great job of grooming our Groodle. Will return for sure.
Recommend to anyone in the area
Hi guys! After a missed booking (my bad) you guys managed to fit us in anyway. Franny was loved and cared for and looks great! So happy and many thanks. We will be regulars going forward. 10/10.
Took my shih tzu cross maltese Lou Lou here for a groom, she smelt lovely. They did a great job and were very nice.
Julius absolutely loves going to Pets Juicy! They always do such an amazing job grooming him. He comes home looking and smelling incredible every time. Would definitely recommend!
Fantastic service, our wee girl was quite matted but she’s come back home feeling and looking wonderful. Highly recommend.
A fantastic new doggy grooming company and doggy day care in the heart of Miami GC. Who doesn’t love local, especially when that local loves and cares for our fur babies!?
Stumbled across these groomers online
No wait time. Excellent job and surprisingly well priced. Very happy and will be returning
Took my Border Collie for wash and deshed, my boy is looking as handsome as ever. They did an excellent job and the team was very friendly and great to deal with.
I’m really impressed, honestly have done a really good job in grooming my dog exactly what I wanted. Very nice people and worth it.
Our regular pet groomer and always a great experience with Pets juicy. Grooming of our labradoodle is always done professionally and with love and care.
This place is awesome…super kind and friendly staff and a beautiful haircut and wash given to little Crème. 100% recommend this to everyone 🙌🏼
I went to Pets Juicy yesterday and the staff there where amazingly attentive, they took such care and time with our little puppy. I couldn't be happier
We were very impressed with Milly’s first groom since moving to the area. The staff listened to what we wanted and did a fab job. We’ll be back!
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