What's allowed on Gold Coast beaches?

Our beautiful Gold Coast beaches are popular for good reason. It's our job to ensure this high demand doesn't impact the health and safety of beach users and the environment.

We've developed a management plan for commercial activities on our beaches outlining what's hot and what's not when it comes to our coastline. Note that allowed activities listed below require a licence or permit.

Activities allowed

• Entertainment and promotional events of economic significance
• Beach equipment hire by SLSCs within 100 metres of clubhouse
• Beach equipment delivery and set-up (pre-hired)*
• Surfing and Surf Lifesaving competitions
• Surf schools
• Marriage ceremonies
• Licensed skydiving at North Kirra beach
• Food/non-alcoholic beverage delivery (pre-ordered)*
• Filming for movies/TV or still photography
• Dogs are allowed on leash on most beaches (except designated dog prohibited areas)

* subject to local law change.

Activities not allowed

• Buskers
• Beach equipment hire (non Surf Lifesaving Club) from beach
• Personal and group fitness training
• Kite surfing and wind surfing lessons
• Stand up paddle board lessons
• Lighting or maintaining a fire
• All-terrain vehicle beach tours
• Food vendors and pop-up bars
• Touting and hawking
• Dogs aren't permitted within 200 metres of flagged areas

Your pooch can enjoy our beaches too! Council has designated certain animal control areas on our beaches (Tallebudgera Beach, Palm Beach and The Spit) where dogs can be exercised off leash. To find designated off leash exercise areas and view dog prohibited areas, use our dog exercise area map

Information about other animals on the beach

A permit is required to use a park, reserve, foreshore or beach for other animals, for example a horse.