Off-leash parks are being established by many local councils and are an important component of urban animal management due to increasing housing densities, resulting in more people living with their dogs in apartments or other homes without yards. Off-leash dog parks have many benefits for dogs and their owners. They provide the opportunity for dogs to exercise, socialise with other dogs, enjoy the fresh air, practice training techniques, play games and generally race around and burn off energy.

Coolangatta is Queensland’s most southerly town and a portal to both the Gold Coast and northern New South Wales. A little more laid-back than its glitzier companions on the Gold Coast, Coolangatta has uncrowded beaches, relaxing waterfront promenades and weekly markets on the foreshore. It’s a popular spot for families, as well as surfers who have heard rumours of the legendary swell that breaks on Coolangatta’s Point Danger. Coolangatta is one of the most vibrant, abundant, unspoiled destinations in the world. Its sub-tropical climate is perfect for outdoor fun all year round, with plenty of sunshine and many different vantage points, lookouts and walking tracks to explore the surroundings.

The Ocean Walkway incorporates Point Danger, Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay, Greenmount, Coolangatta, Kirra Point, Kirra, Bilinga, Tugun, Currumbin, Currumbin Alley and Currumbin Creek estuary. The 18km round trip captures the best of the Southern Gold Coast's coastline yet can be shortened to suit whatever suburb you're visiting.

This morning we did an easy Snapper Rocks to Kirra 5km round trip. Starting from the most famous surf break on the coast, Snapper Rocks is an iconic spot offers amazing surf and gorgeous views. It’s a chance to capture some really iconic shots of the Gold Coast like surfers, lifeguard towers and beautiful blue water. There are a few nice places to grab a bite to eat or sit and soak it all in with a cold drink or lap up the afternoon sun out on the sand and in the water.

Up early I penciled a walk from Cabbage Tree Creek to Shorncliffe Pier following the dirt track bellow the cliffs. Walking North of Baxter’s Jetty you can make your way around by the shore eventually to Moora Park and Shorncliffe Pier in Bramble Bay. This walk seems popular for all ages and also for those with dogs.

Up early we had a 50 minute drive down the Gold Coast at dawn where the streets of Surfers Paradise resemble a ghost town, but head down to the beach and its peak hour, with beach walkers, fisherman, surfers, joggers and runners all taking advantage of the gorgeous Pacific Ocean sunrise and glassy waves.

There’s no better way to start your day on the Gold Coast than with an early morning walk from Southport to Surfers Paradise. This 4.5–5 km coastal walk combines fresh ocean air, gentle cardio, mindfulness, and a splash of adventure — making it the perfect recipe for a healthy body and clear mind.

The Gold Coast is a wonderful place to walk and thousands of visitors come here each year to do just that. Experiencing the Gold Coast on foot is one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast. With over 70 kilometres of pristine beaches this region is a beach walker’s paradise. The Gold Coast has numerous pet friendly areas to exercise your dogs and also pet friendly when it comes to bringing your pooch on holiday with you, so there is no excuse not to walk your dog here or bring your pet on holiday. There are a number of beaches and parks where every member of the family including the family pet can enjoy a day out. It’s a hive of activity from dawn until dusk and there are stacks to see and do along the way. Every day thousands of Gold Coasters walk, run or bike along parts of the Oceanway. Some use it to get to work or visit friends in neighbouring suburbs, while others take advantage of the free exercise equipment provided and uninterrupted ocean views.

Today we started at Southport Surf Life Saving Club, which was founded in 1919, the Southport Nippers Club and a dressing shed lie just off the beginning of The Esplanade. They are fronted by a large car park, a fenced foredune reserve and the beach. Heading south we hit the slender stretch of sand that separates the Nerang River from the southern end of Main Beach, Narrowneck.  From Narrowneck we followed the Borobi Fan Trail, passing three Borobi Sculptures before hitting Surfers Paradise.

🌊 Walk Description

✅ Start Point: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Grab a deep breath of ocean air and enjoy the calm waters of the Broadwater. This area has wide paths, grassy spots, playgrounds, and picnic areas — a gentle warm-up.

✅ Main Route: Marine Parade → Esplanade → Surfers Paradise
Follow the shared walking and cycling path south, hugging the coastline. Along the way, you’ll pass the Southport Surf Life Saving Club, Narrowneck Beach, and the iconic Surfers Paradise beachfront.

✅ Distance: ~4.5 to 5 km one way (~1–1.5 hours at a relaxed pace)

In Surfers Paradise we checked out local talented artists creating masterpieces in front of Cavill Mall, transforming a dynamic outdoor exhibition. The masterpiece is a 270 ton of sand themed fairy tale classic. Families, friends and, art lovers alike will be captivated by larger than life sand sculptures, breathtaking art installations, sand sculpting demonstrations, live entertainment, art exhibitions and interactive workshops that will be sure to charm people of all ages from dawn to dusk.

Internationally‐acclaimed local artist Clayton Blake, showcased two of his extraordinary works, a thicket of large scale tentacles in collaboration with Courtenay McCue and a cast of migrating solider crabs converging on Surfers Paradise beach.

📍 Points of Interest & Photo Stops

📸 Anzac Park, Southport: Start with sunrise shots over the Broadwater.

📸 Narrowneck: Capture the ocean meeting the skyline; sometimes you’ll spot surfers in action.

📸 Surfers Paradise Sign: The famous archway on the beach is an iconic photo spot you can’t miss.

📸 Skyline Views: As you walk, turn back to snap the rising sun against the high-rises behind you.