Bayview Park Fenced Dog Park

Bayview Park Fenced Dog Park sits on Hyacinth Avenue in Hollywell, on the northern Gold Coast, and it's the kind of fully fenced off-leash setup that lets you actually relax while your dog runs. Two separate enclosures, a big one and a smaller one, mean you can choose the pace that suits your dog.

The rules. Dogs run off-leash only inside the fenced enclosures, and need to be under effective voice control while they're in there. Once you're back in the surrounding Bayview Park walking areas, it's leash on. Dogs aren't allowed in the children's playground or around the picnic and barbecue areas, and regulated (declared dangerous) dogs are barred from the off-leash zones altogether. Bring your own waste bags as backup, even though the park usually has some.

What's there. Both enclosures are double-gated for safe entry and exit, and the larger zone has agility equipment if your dog likes a bit of a workout. There's a water fountain for dogs, shaded seating for you, and the park is wheelchair accessible. The one gap: no public toilets on site, so plan ahead.

Getting there. Access is via Bayview Street or Hyacinth Avenue, with free street parking along both. Local Gold Coast bus routes run nearby, though most visitors drive.

Watch-outs. The park backs onto residential canals rather than open water, and the nearby Paradise Point beach is not an off-leash area, so keep dogs leashed on any beachside pathway close by.

Nearby with the dogs. Driftwood at the Point in Paradise Point is a highly rated dog-friendly cafe about two minutes' drive away, and Ripples Cafe & Bar in Runaway Bay has a pet-friendly deck around five minutes out. A few holiday rentals in Runaway Bay and Hollywell take pets, though it's worth checking each listing for a fenced yard before booking.

When to go. Weekends fill up in the early morning and late afternoon. For a quieter run, aim for mid-morning or early afternoon on a weekday.

Sources

• Bayview Park | City of Gold Coast · goldcoast.qld.gov.au
• Dog Friendly Parks on the Northern Gold Coast · sunshinepropertymanagement.com.au
• Dog exercise areas | City of Gold Coast · goldcoast.qld.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.