Dog Friendly Walks on the Gold Coast (2026 Guide)
These are dog walks you can actually do, checked against City of Gold Coast rules in October 2026. We've kept the national-park tracks off the list (dogs are banned on every one of them) and noted where a path switches from on-lead to off-lead so you don't cop a fine. Leash rules can change, so glance at the signs on the day.
A good walk is half the reason to have a dog. The Gold Coast is stacked with them: flat coastal paths, shady riverwalks, garden loops and one proper bit of hinterland where dogs are still allowed. Here's the pick, sorted by region, with the leash rules spelled out.
Northern Gold Coast
Federation Walk and The Spit, Main Beach
The big coastal one. A sealed shared path winds through banksia and pandanus dune bush from Main Beach north to the Seaway, around 7 km if you do the lot, on-lead the whole way. The usual payoff at the top is The Spit dog beach, one of only three off-leash ocean beaches on the Coast, but council's own pages disagree on whether it's open: the beach pages still show a closure notice from Tropical Cyclone Alfred, while council's restoration page doesn't list The Spit as closed. Our Spit dog beach guide explains where things stand and where to go instead. Doug Jennings Park at the end has drinking fountains with dog bowls, beach showers and the Seaway Kiosk.
Leash: on-lead on the reserve path; check the signs at The Spit off-leash beach before you unclip
Broadwater Parklands, Southport
The easy one. A flat, paved esplanade along the Broadwater, pram and wheelchair friendly, with big shade trees, playgrounds, cafes and toilets strung along it. On-lead throughout, and it finishes near food, which is the mark of a good walk.
Leash: on-lead
Central Gold Coast
Pizzey Park, Miami
Our home walk, a few minutes from the studio. Sealed and grass paths loop the lake and the sports precinct under pine-tree shade, with a fenced off-leash agility area if your dog has earned a run.
Leash: on-lead on the paths, off-lead in the fenced dog area
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
A walk that ends at coffee. Sealed and gravel paths thread through wetlands and plantings at Rosser Park, with a designated off-leash cabana area and a dog swimming spot, plus an on-site cafe. Shady and gentle, ideal for Sundays.
Leash: on-lead on the garden tracks, off-lead in the signed cabana area, and no dogs around the central feature lake
Albert Park, Broadbeach Waters
A roughly 1.7 km loop around the park and Rialto Lake, close to Broadbeach, with barbecues and a spot for dogs to swim. Flat and easy, and council lists most of the park as off-leash. Dogs aren't allowed in the playground.
Leash: off-lead across most of the park (check current signage)
Nerang Riverwalk and Kamholtz Park, Nerang
The inland pick. A shady sealed path follows the Nerang River, with a fenced off-leash agility park and barbecues at Kamholtz Park. A good option when you want river and trees instead of surf and sand.
Leash: on-lead on the riverwalk, off-lead in the fenced dog park
Southern Gold Coast
Schuster Park, Tallebudgera
A quiet creekside park on Tallebudgera Creek with calm water, shade and room to roam. Council has a good-sized signed off-leash area here, dogs stay on-lead everywhere else, and they're banned from the peninsula conservation section, the playground and the pony club and dressage area. The gates close at 6pm. The Tallebudgera dog beach at the creek mouth (Palm Beach side) is a separate spot and one of the three legal off-leash beaches, but while the training wall is repaired in 2026, dogs must be on a lead there on weekdays from 7am to 5pm.
Leash: off-lead only in the signed off-leash area, on-lead elsewhere, no dogs on the peninsula. Tallebudgera dog beach is on-lead on weekdays from 7am to 5pm during the 2026 works
Palm Beach Parklands and Rockview, Palm Beach
The southern off-leash gem. Grassed parkland and the Currumbin Creek foreshore at Rockview (Laceys Lane), with calm creek swimming and a legal off-leash beach zone. Parkland paths are on-lead; the off-leash area is the signed beach and bayside.
Leash: on-lead in the parklands, off-lead in the signed Rockview beach zone
The one hinterland walk you can actually do
Hinterland Regional Park, Mudgeeraba
Here's the important distinction: this is a council regional park, not a national park, so dogs are legally allowed, unlike Springbrook, Lamington or Tamborine. It's around 62 hectares of parkland with natural-surface trails, a proper bit of bush and a hilltop outlook, plus a fenced off-leash agility area. Large parts of the park are conservation area where dogs are banned, so follow the signs. The closest you'll get to a hinterland hike with the dog along.
Leash: on-lead outside the signed off-leash area, and no dogs in the signed conservation zones
The famous one you'll have to skip
The Burleigh Head National Park headland circuit is the walk everyone asks about, and dogs aren't allowed on it, because it's a national park. Same story for Springbrook, Lamington and Tamborine. The legal workaround at Burleigh is the on-lead Oceanway path along the beachfront and through Justins Park, which sits outside the national park boundary and still hands you the views.
Good walks get grubby. Riverwalk mud, Spit sand and the odd grass seed hitching a ride are all part of a proper Gold Coast walk. Book a warm bath and blow dry at our Miami studio and we'll wash the walk out of them before it settles into the car.
Chasing more? Our dog parks guide covers the fenced off-leash spots, and the dog beaches guide has the full rundown on those three legal off-leash beaches.
Last checked 28/10/2026. We're humans, not council, so we can get things wrong. Check the signs, the venue and council's current rules 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!
More from Best of Gold Coast
Can Dogs Go on Gold Coast Buses, Trains or the G:link?
No, your dog can't ride a Gold Coast bus, train or G:link tram, even in a carrier.
Can You Take Your Dog to Hinze Dam? Advancetown and Mount Nathan Guide
Yes, you can take your dog to Hinze Dam, but only on a lead and only in part...
Canungra With Your Dog: Parks, Stays and What's Off Limits
Canungra is the little hinterland village on the way up to O'Reilly's and the Green Mountains, and it's...
