Jabiru Island Park

Jabiru Island Park sits on Oxley Drive beside the Broadwater, just over the Hollywell boundary in the neighbouring suburb, and it is on-lead all the way round. What sets it apart is the underpass and boardwalk link into the mangroves of Phil Hill Environmental Park next door.

Lead rules

The City of Gold Coast has no off-lead area in Jabiru Island Park, so dogs stay on a lead at all times. They are also banned from the playground and the netted swimming enclosure.

The walk

Concrete paths circle the parkland, then an underpass leads to elevated timber boardwalks in Phil Hill Environmental Park. Out there you walk over tidal wetland and mangroves, with small birds working the shallows.

Back in the park there are bins, public bubblers, picnic shelters and mature native trees for patchy shade. Parking is free, on site and in the street.

Pepsi: The water is right there, but the swimming enclosure is off limits to dogs. Save the splash for an off-lead spot.

Make a day of it

For off-lead time after the loop, Bayview Park Fenced Dog Park in Hollywell has fenced space to run.

When to go

The barbecues and picnic tables draw families, so a weekday morning is quieter. The flat paths and boardwalks suit older dogs and anyone after a calm, scenic stroll.