Dog Exercise Areas
Dog exercise areas are provided by Council for dog owners. These areas are not for the exclusive use of dogs and their owners. They are for the enjoyment of all, so please be considerate of people who may be sharing the area with you and your dog or using the park or beach after you leave.
To use a park, reserve, foreshore or beach for other animals (eg. a horse), a permit is required.
Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas and Dog Prohibited Areas
A dog exercise area is the signed part of a park, reserve, foreshore or beach where dogs may be exercised off-leash but under effective control.
A dog prohibited area is the signed part of a park, reserve, foreshore or beach where dogs are not permitted. Dogs are totally prohibited in all children's playground areas and within 200 metres of all flagged bathing areas. Penalties apply.
Beaches
You can walk your dog on most Gold Coast beaches, but be sure to follow these rules:
- Keep your dog on a leash and remember that dogs aren’t permitted within 200 metres of flagged areas.
- Clean up after your dog. A $75 on-the-spot fine applies where you fail to remove your dog's defecation.
There are three off-leash dog exercise areas that cover over three kilometres beach at the following locations:
- The Spit
- Tallebudgera Beach
- Palm Beach.
Maps
Maps highlighting the Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas and Prohibited Areas are available for northern, central and southern suburbs of Council:
How to Use Off-Leash Dog Exercise Areas
Dogs are happier and healthier when they have regular exercise and regular exercise will help to:
- socialise your dog
- reduce stress and stress-related habits at home, including digging and excessive barking
- reduce boredom
- provide your dog with mental stimulation
- improve your pet's well-being.
Dogs that are not exercised can develop behavioural problems such as aggression and excessive barking. They are also more likely to be destructive to get attention.
Conditions for Using Leash Free Dog Exercise Areas
Always consider those who may also use the area.
Effective Control
Your dog must be under your effective control for the entire time it is off-leash.
Effective control means your dog responds to your command and remains close to you. If your dog is not sufficiently trained to behave in this manner at all times, do not allow it off-leash. On-the-spot fines apply when dogs are off-leash and not under effective control.
Pick Up Your Dog's Droppings
Some of the most popular leash-free areas provide dispensers with dog litter bags. However, you should not rely on their availability.
Please make sure you always have equipment with you to pick up and dispose of your dog's droppings, as an on-the-spot fine applies if you fail to remove your dog's droppings in a public place.
