Planning a Gold Coast getaway and don’t want to leave your four-legged family member behind? You’re in luck. The Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most dog-loving destinations, offering everything from sandy beaches and leafy parks, to dog-friendly accommodation at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park.
Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or just your pup, this guide is perfect for those who want to stay with pets on the Gold Coast and the most of a paw-some holiday!
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
Finding the right place to stay sets the tone for your entire trip. BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park offers dog-friendly accommodation on the Gold Coast that families can truly relax in. With dedicated dog-friendly cabins, caravans and camp sites, you don’t have to compromise on comfort while travelling with your pet.
One of the standout features is the park’s thoughtful approach to pet stays. Dogs are welcomed as part of the family, with 32 acres of dedicated off-leash doggy space. Even better, the park offers a convenient Puppy Pamper Palace to wash your pup, and Dog Day Care service - perfect if you’re planning a day at nearby theme parks or attractions that aren’t suitable for pets. Your dog gets supervised care and social time, while you enjoy peace of mind.
If you’re searching for a pet-friendly caravan park on the Gold Coast that balances family fun with convenience, BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park ticks all the boxes.
Source: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Dog-Friendly Beaches
Few things beat watching your dog race across golden sand with the ocean breeze in their ears. The Gold Coast boasts several beaches where dogs are welcome in designated areas, including:
- The Spit (Approx. 30-minute drive)
- Tallebudgera Dog Beach (Approx. 30-minute drive)
- Currumbin Creek (Approx. 35-minute drive)
- Biggera Waters Beach (Approx. 18-minute drive)
- Muriel Henchman Park Beach (Approx. 30-minute drive)
- Paradise Point Foreshore (Approx. 18-minute drive)
There’s a couple of tips to keep in mind when visiting dog-friendly beaches.
Dogs must stay off-leash only in clearly marked areas, so always make sure to check council signs. Some beaches also have seasonal or time-based restrictions, so it’s worth double-checking before you go.
During summer, try to visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid hot sand that can hurt sensitive paws. And of course, not every dog is a confident swimmer, so keep a close eye on the surf.
Source: Unsplash (Cleo Grace)
Dog-Friendly Cafés
Exploring the Gold Coast’s café scene doesn’t have to exclude your furry-friend. Many local cafés welcome dogs in outdoor seating areas, making it easy to enjoy great food and coffee together. BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park offers delicious dining that’s dog-friendly at the Nibbles Terrace, making a convenient dining option for the whole family.
Popular dog-friendly cafés include:
Daark Espresso (Approx. 14-minute drive)
Three Tree Frogs Café (Approx. 6-minute drive)
Funny Bone Coffee (Approx. 7-minute drive)
Chef N Fire (Approx. 2-minute drive or 9-minute walk)
Paradise One08 (Approx. 4-minute drive)
Little Spoon Kitchen (Approx. 13-minute drive)
These cafés are known for relaxed vibes and make a perfect option for a mid-walk pit stop or a leisurely meal.
Source: BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park
Dog-Friendly Parks
Sometimes your dog just needs space to run, sniff, and explore, and the Gold Coast has a great selection of dog-friendly parks and exercise areas. Along with BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park’s 32 acres of dedicated off-leash area, The Village Park is just a 5-minute drive from your accommodation. Discovery Park, located on Discovery Dr in Helensvale, is also just a 6-minute drive, and Careel Reserve is a 9-minute drive.
A full map of available dog exercise areas on the Gold Coast is available here.
These green spaces are ideal for stretching legs after a car trip or burning off extra energy before a quiet evening back at your accommodation. Always follow local signage regarding leash rules, and be mindful of wildlife and other park users.
Tips for Travelling with Your Dog
A smooth holiday with your furry-friend starts with good preparation. When staying at BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park, there are a few important conditions of stay to keep in mind to make sure that everyone has a good time.
These include things like ensuring your dog is vaccinated and having proof of vaccination, cleaning up after your pet, ensuring your dog is on-leash and accompanied, respecting the local wildlife, and keeping your pup to dog-friendly areas of the park. Before your arrival, make sure to read through all the conditions of stay with a furry family-member here.
BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park is your Dog-friendly Home Base
From beaches and cafés to parks and pet-friendly stays, the Gold Coast truly delivers for dog-loving travellers. With its welcoming atmosphere, family-focused facilities, and prime location close to dog-friendly attractions, BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park stands out as a reliable choice for those wanting to stay with pets on the Gold Coast.
When your accommodation understands that dogs are family too, your holiday becomes easier, more relaxing, and far more memorable for every member of the pack.