The Gold Coast is all golden beaches, shimmering waterways and leafy hinterland trails – the perfect playground for dog lovers. But when it comes to actually moving around with your pup, the rules aren’t quite as relaxed. Public transport here is pretty strict, but there is one ferry that rolls out the welcome mat for small dogs and it just so happens to connect to one of the region’s best off-leash beaches.
Here’s your complete guide to travelling the Gold Coast with your dog, from public transport rules and Uber Pet to car hire, pet taxis and a ferry-plus-walk combo that ends with sandy paws at The Spit.
Why Transport on the Gold Coast Is Tricky for Dogs
Gold Coast buses, trains and the G:link tram are all covered by TransLink rules. Unless your dog is a certified assistance animal, they’re simply not permitted. That means you can’t hop on a tram down the glitter strip or grab a quick bus across town with your pup in tow.
But there is one exception and if you’ve got a small dog, it’s a fun way to explore the waterways.
Hopo Ferry – Dog Friendly Ferry Rides
The Hopo Ferry is the Gold Coast’s dog friendly hop-on hop-off service linking Surfers Paradise, HOTA (Home of the Arts), Marina Mirage, Sea World and Broadwater Parklands. It’s a tourist favourite and small dogs under 7kg are welcome aboard.
Pet policy at a glance:
- Small pets (under 7kg) only
- Must be leashed or in a carrier
- Pets sit on your lap or at your feet
- Max 2 pets per person
- Captain has final say, especially at peak times
From Ferry to Fur Heaven: How to Reach The Spit Dog Beach
Here’s where things get exciting. The Hopo can be more than just a scenic ride – it’s also your ticket to one of the Gold Coast’s top dog-friendly beaches.
- Start at Surfers Paradise – Hop on with your pup at the central Surfers Paradise stop.
- Ride north to the Sea World terminal – a short and easy journey with water views all the way.
- Walk to Muriel Henchman Park (20 mins) – from Sea World, it’s about a 20-minute stroll along Seaworld Drive to Muriel Henchman Park.
- Explore Muriel Henchman Park – this dog-friendly hub has shady green space, off-leash areas, and trails.
- Continue to The Spit Dog Beach – those same trails connect straight through to the off-leash stretch of The Spit, where dogs can run wild and splash in the surf all day long.
It’s a proper Gold Coast adventure: ferry ride, park play and beach run, all in one trip. Pack plenty of snack for you and water for your pup. It’s a 50 min walk one way from the Ferry to the Spit.
Dog-Friendly Transport Alternatives
Uber Pet
Available across the Gold Coast, Uber Pet is the simplest way to move around with your pup. Just select “Uber Pet” in the app, pay the small surcharge and you’re good to go. A towel or blanket for sandy paws is a good idea.
Dog-Friendly Car Hire
Hiring a car is often the easiest way to explore further afield – from Currumbin to the hinterland. Many rental companies allow pets (sometimes with a cleaning fee), just check the fine print.
Pet Taxis
If you’d prefer door-to-door convenience, the Gold Coast has several local pet taxi companies that are fully set up for safe dog transport. Handy for airport transfers, vet trips or simply bridging the gap between ferry stops and your accommodation. Options include:
- Happy Hounds Pet Services – local pick-up and drop-off for the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
- Lisa’s Pet Products & Pet Minding – Gold Coast-based taxi service for everything from vet visits to airport pickups.
These services are reliable, pet-focused and worth booking ahead if you’re arriving with Virgin Australia’s new in-cabin flights.
Private Boat Tours
The Gold Coast’s waterways are full of boat tours and private operators – some are pet friendly if you call ahead. Handy if you want a more flexible alternative to the Hopo.
Walkable Neighbourhoods to Base Yourself
Because public transport isn’t dog friendly, it pays to stay somewhere where you can do more on foot. The Gold Coast has a few standout walkable areas:
- Broadbeach – beachside paths, dog-friendly cafés and Kurrawa Park for green space.
- Surfers Paradise (south end) – close to the Hopo ferry and buzzing promenade walks.
- Southport / Broadwater Parklands – perfect if you want leafy space, waterfront trails, and easy ferry access.
Choose one of these as your base and you’ll cut down the need for long transfers altogether.
Flying into the Gold Coast with Your Dog
If you’re arriving on one of Virgin Australia’s new in-cabin flights, line up your onward transport before you land:
- Pre-book Uber Pet or a local pet taxi for airport pick-up straight from Coolangatta.
- Book a car hire if you’re planning to road trip or explore further afield.
- Stay prepared with a towel or crate — not every driver will accept pets without them.
Unlike Sydney or Brisbane, there’s no direct dog-friendly public transport from Gold Coast Airport, so Uber Pet, pet taxis, or a hire car are your best bets.
Gold Coast Transport & Pets: What You Need to Know
| Transport Mode | Pets Allowed? | Conditions | Pawtripper Take |
| Bus (Surfside, TransLink) | ❌ No | Only accredited assistance animals allowed | Not an option for your average pup |
| G:link Tram | ❌ No | Only accredited assistance animals allowed | Shame really – the tram would be a great beach connector |
| Queensland Rail (Trains) | ❌ No | Only accredited assistance animals allowed | You’ll need other options for hinterland trips |
| Public Ferries (TransLink routes) | ❌ No | Assistance animals only | Different to Brisbane’s CityCats – Gold Coast ferries don’t allow dogs |
| Hopo Ferry | ✅ Yes (small dogs only) | Up to 7kg, on leash or in a carrier, sit at your feet or on your lap. Max 2 per person. Captain has final say. | Scenic, fun, and links to Muriel Henchman Park + The Spit Dog Beach – the one real dog-friendly win |
| Private Water Taxis / Boat Tours | ✅ Varies | Operator discretion – usually leashed dogs welcome if you call ahead | Great for custom adventures, but check first |
| Uber Pet | ✅ Yes | Small surcharge (~$6–$7). Driver must opt in. Bring a towel for sandy paws. | Hands-down the easiest way to move around with your dog |
| Pet Taxis | ✅ Yes | Licensed operators, airport transfers, door-to-door | Pricier but reliable, especially with luggage |
| Car Hire | ✅ Yes (with conditions) | Most companies allow pets with seat cover or cleaning fee | Best for day trips and hinterland adventures |
The PawTripper Take
The Gold Coast isn’t the easiest city to navigate with your dog on public transport – but with a little planning, it’s absolutely doable. The Hopo Ferry is the shining exception, offering small dogs a way to travel in style and connect to one of the region’s best off-leash beaches. For most other trips, Uber Pet, pet taxis or a hire car will be the smoothest options.
Stay somewhere walkable like Broadbeach or Surfers Paradise and you’ll find that once you’re on the ground, the Gold Coast is one of Australia’s most rewarding dog-friendly destinations.
