Burleigh Lake Park

Lake views and a large off-leash area side by side are the draw at Burleigh Lake Park on West Burleigh Road. City of Gold Coast rules keep dogs on lead on the paths and lawns, free to run in the signed off-leash area, and out of the children's playground.

The walk

Paved paths run through open parkland beside Burleigh Lake, part of the wider local waterway network. Foot and cycle bridges near Dunlin Drive cross parts of the lake, so locals string together longer loops.

Mature trees shade parts of the route.

Max: The playground is off limits to dogs. Give it a wide berth on the way to the off-leash area.

Water and parking

Bins sit near the main recreation areas, but dog water is not reliable along the path, so carry a bowl and bottle. Parking is on the street and in local spots off West Burleigh Road.

Make a day of it

Espressions cafe and Home Plate Kitchen are both in Burleigh Waters for a coffee afterwards.

It suits dogs that like a lead walk with an off-lead run at the end. Go early in summer before the open lawns heat up.