Riverstone Crossing Reserve

Riverstone Crossing Reserve sits on the Coomera River at 94 Riverstone Crossing, Maudsland, with a signed off-leash dog zone on open grassland and riverside walking paths alongside it. It is the local exercise spot for the Riverstone Crossing estate on the northern Gold Coast fringe, and the water frontage makes it more interesting than a plain suburban paddock.

The rules

Off-leash exercise is allowed only inside the signed designated zone on the open grassland. Dogs must stay on a leash everywhere else in the reserve, and the City of Gold Coast prohibits dogs from the children's playground entirely. Penalties apply, so check the on-site signage for the exact boundary lines before you unclip.

The off-leash area has limited fencing, and it runs near a tidal section of the Coomera River and Saltwater Creek. Solid recall matters here, because a dog with wanderlust can reach the water or the estate streets if it gets ahead of you.

What's there

Expect big open grass fields, riverside paths for a warm-down walk, BBQ facilities and drinking fountains near the parking. There is a small playground inside the reserve, so keep leashed dogs clear of it. Shade is sparse around the off-leash zone, and reviewers on the council's park listing rate it highly as a peaceful open space, but bring your own water on hot days.

Max: limited fencing near a tidal river means you need solid recall before unclipping. Scope the boundary signs first and keep newer dogs on a long line until you know where the water's edge is.

Getting there

From the M1 take exit 57 at Oxenford and head west along Maudsland Road into the Riverstone Crossing estate. Street parking is available near the reserve entrance at 94 Riverstone Crossing. Public transport is thin in Maudsland, so driving is the practical option.

Close by with the dogs

If your dog needs a fully enclosed run rather than an unfenced riverfront, the Damian Leeding Memorial Park Fenced Dog Park at Oxenford is the closest secured option, and Upper Coomera Dog Park is also a short drive away.

For coffee on the way home, Andonis Cafe and Bar in Upper Coomera welcomes dogs in its outdoor areas. Travelling with a van or the family, BIG4 Gold Coast Holiday Park at Helensvale takes pets. The full list is on the Queensland park guide and the Maudsland destination page.

When to go

Weekend early mornings and late afternoons draw the regulars, and the open grass heats up at midday with little shade. Weekday mid-morning is noticeably quieter and gives you more room to work on recall. The shoreline shifts with the tide, so a low-tide visit gives the dog more room near the water.