Emerald Lakes Circuit

A flat 6.1 km loop on sealed path around the lakes at Carrara, behind the Emerald Lakes village. Dogs are welcome on lead and the surface never changes, which makes this one of the easier walks on the Gold Coast for an old dog, a recovering one, or anyone pushing a pram alongside.

The walk. Around 6.1 km, graded easy, a bit over an hour at a steady pace. It is paved and level the whole way, tracing the water past the village buildings and fountains before running out along the boardwalk into the wetlands section. There is no climbing anywhere on it, and you can cut it short at several points where the loop meets the road.

The rules. On-lead at all times under City of Gold Coast, unless you are inside a signed designated off-leash area. Dogs are prohibited in the children's playground areas, which includes the fully fenced all-abilities playground in the parklands, and the council warns that tough penalties apply. There is a signed off-leash area within the wider parklands, so check the council's off-leash area map for the current boundaries before you unclip.

Water and shade. There is a drinking fountain and a water tap in the parklands, along with picnic shelters, tables and barbecues. Tree cover is patchy, decent along parts of the lake edge and thin elsewhere. The parklands get quite wet after heavy rain, so stay on the raised concrete when they do.

Getting there. The parklands sit on Lakeside Drive, Carrara, entered at the intersection of Birmingham Road and Emerald Lakes Drive. Parking bays run along Emerald Lakes Drive and near the walking paths, free but busy close to the village. It is about five minutes by car from Nerang station, and the 745 bus runs past the village centre.

Nearby with the dogs. Pooches and Pastries is in the village itself with outdoor seating and water bowls, and Local Joe Cafe is the other Carrara stop. For a fenced off-lead run, Kamholtz Family Fenced Dog Park is a short drive. Mercure Gold Coast Resort is the closest pet-friendly stay.

When to go. Before 8 am or after 4 pm, especially from November through March when the pavement holds heat well into the evening. Thursday nights the markets fill the village centre. Good for seniors and nervous dogs who do better on a predictable flat surface with an easy way back to the car.

Sources

• Emerald Lakes Parklands, City of Gold Coast · www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
• Dog exercise areas, City of Gold Coast · www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au
• Emerald Lakes Circuit, Queensland - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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