One of the best dog-friendly beaches on the Gold Coast is Palm Beach Dog Beach. At this large off-leash area, choose between enjoying the calm waters of the lagoon on Currumbin Creek (also known as Currumbin Creek Dog Beach) or head around to the surf beach at South Palm Beach with your dog, or both!
Location of Palm Beach Dog Beach
Palm Beach Dog Beach is located at the southern end of the suburb of Palm Beach, next to the Palm Beach Parklands.
Dogs are allowed off-leash in a large area that extends from the northern side of the entrance to Currumbin Creek, around to South Palm Beach at lifeguard tower 13. Dogs are also allowed off-leash in Rockview Public Park in between, but not at Currumbin Groyne.
Dogs have the option to choose between paddling in the gentle and shallow waters of the creek, frolicking in the surf at South Palm Beach, or walking along the sandy tracks through the park.
Note that dogs are not permitted, even on a leash, on the southern side of the lagoon, where there is a swimming area for humans. Dogs are also not permitted in Tarrabora Reserve. There are multiple signs in the area showing where dogs are and aren’t permitted.
To access the off-leash area from the carpark, and avoid the area where dogs are prohibited, take the pathway to the left of the cafe, following the handy sign. Note that you need to keep your dog on-leash until you reach the off-leash area.
Immediately north of the off-leash area at South Palm Beach, north of lifeguard tower 13, dogs are still permitted. Just keep your dog on a leash if you walk further north along the beach.
When Are Dogs Allowed on Palm Beach Dog Beach?
There are no time restrictions for dogs visiting the Palm Beach Dog Beach – dogs are allowed off-leash here all day long, every day of the week. Just follow the signs showing where dogs are and aren’t permitted in the area.
Tips for Visiting Palm Beach Dog Beach
Palm Beach Parklands is a popular spot on sunny days, both for dog owners and those without dogs, so parking can sometimes be difficult. Perhaps visit early or late in the day, or you can get lucky like we did on our visit.
Next to the carpark, look out for the touching monument commemorating animal heroes who have taken part in and sacrificed their lives during wars.
Dog-Friendly Cafes Near Palm Beach Dog Beach
Dune Cafe is situated right next to the carpark at Palm Beach Parklands. Open daily for breakfast and lunch, some but not all of their outside tables are dog-friendly. To ensure you don’t miss out on a dog-friendly table, especially on busy days, it’s best to book in advance and select to be seated in the dog-friendly area.
Another alternative is to head to the Barefoot Barista, about a kilometre north along the highway. Previous visitors mention that the outdoor tables at the Barefoot Barista are dog-friendly.
Alternative Dog-Friendly Beaches
There’s another off-leash dog beach at the other end of the suburb of Palm Beach. Dogs are permitted off-leash at Tallebudgera Beach, in between Tallebudgera Creek entrance and lifeguard tower 16 at Ronnie Long Park. Note though that dogs are prohibited from the popular swimming spot along the creek.
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About the Author
Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.