A pet-friendly weekend in Burleigh

By Jacqui, your host at Abby’s Burleigh Haven. 2 November 2026. 4 min read.

Burleigh Heads is a lovely place to take a dog on holiday, with a few local rules that catch visitors out. Here is how to plan a weekend that works for you and for them.

Know the rules before you go

Dog rules on the Gold Coast depend on where you are, so a quick check saves a lot of stress.

• Burleigh Head National Park is off limits to dogs. Domestic animals are not permitted in the park, which includes the popular Ocean View Walk around the headland. Queensland Parks explains the rule on its visiting safely page.
• On the beach: the City of Gold Coast allows dogs on a lead on most beaches, except in designated dog-prohibited areas, and dogs are never permitted within 200 metres of flagged swimming areas.
• Off-leash beaches: the council has designated Tallebudgera Beach, Palm Beach and The Spit as places where dogs can be exercised off the lead. Tallebudgera and Palm Beach are a short drive from Burleigh.
• Signs come first: boundaries can change, so read the signs when you arrive and check the council’s guide to what is allowed on Gold Coast beaches.

A relaxed weekend with your dog

Morning: an early walk and a proper run

Start early, before the sand and the footpaths heat up. Around Burleigh Beach itself, follow the signs and keep your dog on a lead where dogs are allowed. For a proper off-lead run, head to Tallebudgera or Palm Beach and let them loose in the designated areas.

Midday: coffee on James Street

James Street is a 2-minute walk from the house and lined with cafés that have outdoor tables. Whether dogs are welcome at a table is up to each venue, so ask before you sit down. Our favourite cafés and restaurants in Burleigh Heads have ideas for where to start.

Afternoon: slow down at the house

This is the part of the day your dog will love. Pop their bed in the shade of the private courtyard or on the garden deck, fill the water bowl and put your feet up.

Evening: dinner at home

Fire up the barbecue and pizza stone on the deck, or settle in around the firepit in the courtyard once the heat eases. It is an easy night for everyone, four-legged guests included.

What to pack for a holiday with a dog

• A lead, plus a spare
• A water bowl and fresh water for walks
• Towels for sandy paws and wet fur
• Waste bags
• Their own bed or blanket, food and any medication
• Shade for the beach, such as a cabana or umbrella

Test hot sand and pavement with the back of your hand before you walk on it, and never leave a dog in a parked car.

Staying at Abby’s Burleigh Haven with a pet

Abby’s Burleigh Haven is pet friendly. You can bring up to two pets, with no extra charges. We ask guests to read the house rules before booking, and your digital house guide arrives once you have booked.