Burleigh Esplanade

Burleigh Esplanade is the flat concrete Oceanway path running about 4.3km along the beachfront from North Burleigh in Miami down toward Burleigh Headland, and it takes most walkers 45 to 70 minutes end to end. It is an on-lead walk for its full length, so it suits a steady sniff-and-stroll outing rather than a free run.

The dog setup

The path is wide, sealed and flat, running parallel to the sand the whole way, which makes it easy underfoot for older dogs and fine for a pram alongside the lead. Patches of shade and beach showers at several points help with sandy paws, and Ed Hardy Park at the North Burleigh end has toilets, barbecues, picnic tables and shade for a break either side of the walk.

Leash status

City of Gold Coast rules keep dogs leashed on the Esplanade walkway, the parklands and any beach stretch that is not a designated off-leash zone, and there is no off-leash zone on this stretch. Dogs are also banned within 200 metres of any flagged, patrolled surf area, which covers most of the popular swimming sand on a normal day. Burleigh Head National Park next door does not allow dogs at all, so the headland tracks are off the itinerary.

Hazards and water

The main watch-outs are crowds near the headland, heat on the open pavement in summer and shared use by bikes and runners, so keep the lead short at busy times. Bring water for the dog in the warmer months.

Getting there and parking

Start from Ed Hardy Park and walk south, or join partway from Nobby Beach if you want a shorter stretch. On-street parking along The Esplanade is free but fills fast on weekends and holidays, so arrive early. Translink buses 700 and 777 run along the Gold Coast Highway one block back.

Make a day of it

Caffeine Kings and Hide N Seek Espresso both work as coffee stops before or after, and White Lanterns Motel is an easy base if you are staying for repeat walks. Early morning or late afternoon keeps the pavement cool and the foot traffic lighter.

More options are on the Queensland trail guide and the Miami destination page.