Visiting The Spit Dog Beach at the Gold Coast, QLD

One of the most popular off-leash dog beaches on the Gold Coast is The Spit Dog Beach. Located at the northern end of the Gold Coast near Seaworld, this wonderful sandy beach is very popular with locals and visitors alike, especially four-legged ones. Find out more about visiting The Spit Dog Beach…

The Spit Dog Beach

Location of The Spit Dog Beach

The Spit Dog Beach is located on the northern end of the Gold Coast, on the ocean-facing side of the Spit in Southport. It’s close to the Seaworld theme park.

The off-leash beach area starts from the access point opposite the entrance of Muriel Henchman Park. It extends all the way north to the seaway rock groyne. The total length of the off-leash area is an impressive 1.5km, although the northern end is most popular.

The Spit Dog Beach
The Spit Dog Beach on the Gold Coast is very popular

When Are Dogs Allowed on The Spit Dog Beach?

There are no time restrictions for dogs accessing the Spit Dog Beach. Dogs are allowed off-leash on the sand all day long, all year round. There’s even a sign stating that you may encounter off-leash dogs in this area…

The Spit Dog Beach Sign
A sign at the off-leash dog beach

Tips for Visiting The Spit Dog Beach

An easy spot to park, especially on sunny weekend days like when we visited, is in the large carpark near the Seaway Kiosk. There’s plenty of spaces and no parking fees.

There are two access paths here, near the sand bypass pumping jetty and at the southern end of the carpark. There’s a convenient wash down area with hoses next to the access path next to the sand bypass pumping jetty. The downside is this section of the beach is extra busy.

Dog Washdown Area at the Spit
There’s a handy washdown area on the way back to the carpark…

Note that dogs are not allowed up on the sand bypass pumping jetty (a popular access point for surfers), but they are allowed underneath it and on either side of it.

Dog-Friendly Cafes Near The Spit Dog Beach

The other convenient aspect to parking in this carpark is that it’s just a stroll to the Seaway Kiosk. As well as food for humans, including an extensive take-away menu, the kiosk also has treats for your pup.

On the “furry friends” menu, choose between beef patties, doggie biscuits and doggie ice cream. Ice cream flavours on offer when I visited included peanut butter and bacon, strawberry and salmon.

Doggie Ice Cream Sign at Seaway Kiosk
Enjoy a post-beach ice-cream treat from the Seaway Kiosk

If dining in, advise the staff that you have a dog and they’ll seat you at one of the dog-friendly outdoor tables next to the entrance of the cafe. (I don’t believe dogs are allowed on the newer deck area.) The kiosk is open daily from 7am until late afternoon, weather permitting.

What Else to Do at The Spit with a Dog

The Spit is also home to the Federation Walk Coastal Reserve. This 3km-long reserve contains one of the few remaining stretches of established dunes on the Gold Coast.

A network of trails criss-crosses the reserve, including access paths to the off-leash dog beaches. Dogs are allowed on-leash on the walking paths, outside of playgrounds. Perhaps go for a walk before or after your visit to the beach?

Another great walking path is along the Spit Foreshore, at the tip of the Spit. There’s a paved pedestrian path that’s particularly popular for sunset walks. Or check out my full guide to dog-friendly walks on the Gold Coast.

Alternative Dog-Friendly Beaches

If the waves at The Spit Dog Beach are too frightening for your dog (after all, swimming is not advised for humans), or the beach is simply too busy, there is another quieter, calmer alternative nearby.

Just head to the opposite side of the Spit, where dogs are allowed off-leash on the eastern side of the enclosed Marine Stadium. Dogs are permitted off-leash in between Muriel Henchman Park and Doug Jennings Park at the northern tip.

Thanks to the sheltered waters of the stadium, it’s a lot less intimidating for less confident and smaller dogs.

Marine Stadium Off-Leash Dogs
The calmer waters at the Marine Stadium off-leash beach

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About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

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.

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