Dog exercise areas

Dogs must be on leash at all times unless in a signed designated off leash area.

While you can walk your dog on leash across the city, some areas are designated off leash or time restricted while others are prohibited to dogs. City of Gold Coast has many areas where you can exercise your dog off leash.

Find an off leash exercise area

Pick up after your dog

Dog waste bags and dispensers are provided as a courtesy to dog owners. Please be considerate of others and only take what you need. It's still the responsibility of the dog owner to carry a supply of bags to pick up and dispose of waste appropriately in public.

An on-the-spot fine may apply if you do not dispose of your dog's waste properly in public.

Off leash area rules

When using an off leash area, there are still rules which apply to keep it safe for everyone.

• The person responsible for the dog must be physically able to control them.
• Dogs must be on leash before entering and leaving an off leash area.
• Assess the area before allowing your dog off leash.
• Your dog must be supervised at all times, return to you when called (recall), and remain visible to you while exercising.
• Always be considerate of others and do not allow your dog to worry or attack another person or animal.
• Dogs showing signs of aggression or anti-social behaviour must immediately be leashed and removed.
• Your dog must wear a collar with its registration tag attached at all times.
• Ensure your dog does not chase or harm wildlife.
• Dog waste must be disposed of appropriately.
• Supervise children at all times.

For more information on off leash areas and rules to follow, download our brochure: Off leash dog areas(PDF, 305KB)

Visit our Report a problem – animals page to report nuisance pets or animals who aren't abiding by our off leash area conditions.

Council investigates all reported dog attacks, whether in an off leash area or not, and penalties apply for breaches. You can find out more on the laws, breaches & fines

Animal Control Area Register

Council's Local Law No. 12 (Animal Management) 2013 under Council’s resolved process (G18.1127.009) for the designation of Animal Control Areas, enables Council by resolution to designate the whole or any part of a park, reserve, foreshore or bathing reserve under the control of Council as an animal control area.

As a result of the above local law, dog off leash areas, animal prohibited areas and animal restricted areas are now known as animal control areas and are listed in the Animal Control Area Register.