Kirra Beach Tourist Park

Kirra Beach Tourist Park is a council-run Gold Coast holiday park at 10 Charlotte St, Coolangatta, walking distance from Kirra Beach and the shops, and it takes dogs year-round on designated sites and in select cabins. With a heated pool, clean amenities and the sand at the end of the street, it is one of the better-positioned pet bases on the southern Gold Coast, provided you book the right site or cabin.

Dogs at the park

The park lists more than 80 dog-friendly caravan and camping sites, plus select two-bedroom dog-friendly cabins with gated balconies and pet-proof mesh, and a maximum of two dogs per booking. Dogs are not allowed in non-designated cabins or budget lodging, and they stay out of the pool, playground, camp kitchen and amenities. On site, dogs are on a leash through common areas, under control at all times, and excessive barking is not tolerated. There is a grassy area for stretching legs and an on-site dog wash, with the first wash token typically complimentary from reception. Book through Gold Coast Tourist Parks and confirm pet availability for your dates, since dog-friendly stock is limited in peak periods.

Max: the beach at the end of the street is a no-go. Coolangatta Beach itself is dog-prohibited, so the off-lead runs need a trip north to a designated zone.

The beach situation

Under City of Gold Coast rules, dogs are not allowed on the sand at Coolangatta at any time, but on-leash walking is permitted on many unpatrolled beaches at least 200 metres from patrolled flags. Off-leash beach exercise is restricted to signed zones such as Palm Beach and Tallebudgera, both a short drive north, so plan the off-lead session rather than assuming the sand outside the gate counts.

Close by with the dogs

The Point Danger Lookout to Currumbin Alley trail makes a good on-lead coastal walk, and Cafe Kirra is an easy breakfast stop near the park.

More options are on the Queensland pet friendly stays guide and the Coolangatta destination page.