The Buddies HQ, Tugun

The Buddies HQ is a small, fenced off-leash dog park on Boyd Street in Bilinga, on the southern Gold Coast near Tugun. It is free to use, open around the clock and double-gated for safety, but it is a modest neighbourhood spot rather than a destination park, and a few practical gaps are worth knowing before you drive out for it.

The dog setup

The yard is fully fenced with a double-gated entry, open grass for running, and established trees throwing some shade, though permanent shade structures and seating are limited. Dogs run off-lead inside the fence while you stay and supervise, and City of Gold Coast dog exercise rules apply: dogs arrive and leave on lead, stay under effective voice control, wear their registration tag, and regulated dogs are not permitted. Waste bags are usually provided, but bring your own as backup.

Max: Lap the fence line before you let a determined escape artist off the lead. Maintenance has been patchy in places, so it pays to check the perimeter yourself.

Worth knowing

Water is the park's weak point. The tap is often missing or not working, so bring your own water and a bowl every visit, and skip it entirely on the hottest days. Early mornings and late afternoons bring the regulars; the middle of the day can be empty and the shade thin.

Getting there and parking

The park sits near the corner of Boyd Street and Morshead Street in Bilinga, just off the Gold Coast Highway. Free street parking is available nearby, including accessible options, and local buses run along the highway a short walk away.

Close by with the dogs

If it feels crowded or the water situation is a dealbreaker on a hot day, the options nearby are strong: Palm Beach Dog Off-Leash Beach is a few minutes north for an off-lead swim, and the fenced runs at Atkin Park, Tugun and Melaleuca Dog Park cover the same strip of coast. For the coffee stop after, House of Hubert in Tugun is close by.

For a bigger shortlist across the coast, browse our guide to dog friendly parks in QLD, or see what else is nearby around Bilinga.