Doug Jennings Park is a 30 hectare foreshore park at the northern end of The Spit, at Main Beach on the Gold Coast Broadwater. It has a dog beach, picnic shelters, walking and cycling paths and a kiosk.
The park is flat and has plenty of shade, with views over the Seaway and the Broadwater. It is managed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority, and its official pages list fishing, diving, surfing, swimming, boating, cycling, picnics and dog walking.
What is in Doug Jennings Park
The park was revitalised in a $5.75 million Queensland Government project delivered by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority. The new work includes Seaway Green, an open space with views of the Seaway and the Broadwater, plus new walking and cycling paths, more planting, upgraded seating and new picnic shelters for families and groups.
Other things you will find in the park:
- A walking track and a pathway that runs from one end of the park to the other.
- Seating along the Seaway Promenade.
- Picnic tables and shelters, showers (including beach showers) and drinking fountains with dog bowls.
- A fish cleaning station and a jetty pontoon at the Marine Stadium Jetty.
- Bike racks.
The Seaway Kiosk is the park’s lunch spot, with a large deck that looks over the park.
Is Doug Jennings Park dog friendly?
Partly, and the official pages do not say the same thing. Gold Coast City Council lists an off-leash dog beach where dogs can swim, exercise and socialise, with access between the kiosk and the Sand Bypass Pumping Jetty and another way in along the Seaway Breakwall. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority, which manages the park, also describes an off-leash dog beach, but its list of prohibited activities under the park by-law includes having a dog off a leash.
Council says dogs must be on a leash unless otherwise stated and are not allowed in children’s playground areas. Because the two sources differ on where off-leash is allowed, follow the signs on site and ask the Authority on 07 5539 7350 if you are unsure.
Swimming, fishing and water activities
The park has a swimming beach, and the official pages list fishing, diving, surfing and boating as popular activities. The fish cleaning station and the Marine Stadium Jetty pontoon are there for anglers and boaties. The Sand Bypass Pumping Jetty is a separate structure that is closed to the public during construction, sand pumping, or maintenance, so do not plan on walking out on it.
Gate hours and park rules
The park is open from 6 am to 8 pm. After 8 pm the vehicle gates close, but people on foot can still come in. Moondarewa Spit, the finger of land beside the park, also closes to vehicles at 8 pm and stays open on foot. Overnight parking is not allowed.
The park is covered by the Trust Land Protection and Use Model By-law 2009. The prohibited activities include commercial activities, lighting fires, camping and littering as well as overnight parking and having a dog off a leash. Events and commercial use need a permit, so contact the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.
Planning your visit
- Cost: No entry or parking fee is listed on the council or Waterways Authority pages.
- Toilets: There are public toilets near the kiosk and along Moondarewa Spit and an accessible toilet.
- Accessibility: A pathway runs around the park, and there are accessible toilets and accessible parking bays.
- What to bring: A hat and sunscreen for the open areas, a towel for the beach, and a water bowl for your dog (the drinking fountains have dog bowls).
Getting there and parking
Doug Jennings Park is at the end of Seaworld Drive on The Spit, about 80 km from the Brisbane CBD. By car that is about 70 minutes without traffic. The large Doug Jennings Park car park is at the end of Seaworld Drive, there is more parking along the ring road, and there are accessible bays.
By bus, Translink route 704 runs between Helensvale station and Sea World on Seaworld Drive, where the line ends (drop-off only at the final stop). Check the Translink timetable and journey planner for the stop that suits you. The Gold Coast council park page and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority have the park details.
Nearby
- The Spit Gold Coast – the wider guide to the Spit, with the ocean beach and Federation Walk.
- Philip Park – barbecues and picnic spots on the same stretch of the Spit.
- Federation Walk Coastal Reserve – the coastal walk along the Spit.
- Main Beach – swimming, cafes and Tedder Avenue.
- Southport Broadwater Parklands – rockpools and playgrounds on the other side of the Broadwater.
- More parks and dog spots: Parks, Dog parks and Gold Coast.
You might also like
- Aspley (Brisbane)
- Carseldine (Brisbane)
- Runaway Bay (Gold Coast)
Quick answers
Is Doug Jennings Park free?
No entry or parking fee is listed on the council and Gold Coast Waterways Authority pages. Events and commercial activities need a permit.
What time does Doug Jennings Park close?
The park is open 6 am to 8 pm. The vehicle gates close at 8 pm, but people on foot can still enter, and overnight parking is not allowed.
Is there a dog beach at Doug Jennings Park?
Council lists an off-leash dog beach between the kiosk and the Sand Bypass Pumping Jetty, but the Waterways Authority by-law list bans dogs off a leash, so follow the signs on site. Dogs must be on a leash elsewhere unless a sign says otherwise.
Where is the car park?
The large car park is at the end of Seaworld Drive on The Spit, with more parking along the ring road and accessible bays.
Are there toilets and a cafe?
Yes. There are public toilets near the kiosk and along Moondarewa Spit, and the Seaway Kiosk has a large deck overlooking the park.
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