Paws at the Park
Saturday 22 August 2026 | 09:00 AM
Worongary
Grab your lead and your walking shoes: the Gold Coast’s biggest doggie day out is back – and it's going all out for a great cause!
Mark the doggy diary: Paws at the Park is back, bringing a wall-scaling dog competition, free train rides for the whole pack, 80+ stalls and a whole lot of tail-wagging fun – all while raising money for Animal Welfare League QLD.
Presented by Pet Wellness Centre and proudly supported by Division 9 Councillor Glenn Tozer and City of Gold Coast, Paws at the Park has grown from a local park get together to the event Queensland dog lovers circle on their calendar every year – officially crowned Queensland's Best Doggie Day Out and Australia's Best Dog Market Event. Since 2016, the community has rallied behind AWLQ in a big way, raising over $78,000 to help give vulnerable animals across South East Queensland a second leash on life.
K9 Superwall
The headline act for 2026 is the K9 Superwall, presented by Farmer Dave Graham and proudly sponsored by AAA Pet Resorts. Picture this: dogs taking a running leap at an ever-rising wall, climbing higher and higher – with past competitors clearing heights of up to 3.5 metres. That's higher than the human high jump world record, achieved on four legs, several toebeans, and a serious amount of enthusiasm!
Any dog can enter on the day, with categories for Mini Wall (small dogs and amateurs) and the SuperWall (Open Class, competitors) – so whether your dog is a budding athlete or a wise old legend, there's a wall with their name on it. Fur real, this is one competition you don't want to miss.
Free train rides
We’re putting the “choo” in “choo toy!” It's not just the humans who get to chew the scenery – free trackless train rides (optional donation to AWLQ) are fur the whole family, kids and four-legged passengers alike. Running throughout the day, it's the perfect chance to check out the whole market and give tired paws a well-earned rest. All aboard the Pet Wellness Centre Chew Chew Train!
Alongside the new additions, this year's event is packed with everything that's made Paws at the Park a Gold Coast institution:
- 80+ dog-centric stalls – treats, accessories, grooming, training and more
- Live entertainment – trick demos, talks, and live music on stage
- Best dressed and Best Trick competitions – because every dog deserves their moment of fame
- Off-leash play areas – zone out, zoom around, make new furry friends
- Food trucks – because a day out is better with a snack in hand (or paw)
- Free entry – the best days out shouldn't cost a thing. Made possible by some very good sponsors!
None of this happens without a brilliant pack of sponsors standing behind it:
- City of Gold Coast (Platinum Sponsor)
- Animal Emergency Centre, with friends Petbarn and Greencross (Gold Sponsor)
- Doggie-licious (Gold Sponsor)
- AAA Pet Resorts (proud sponsor of the K9 Superwall with Farmer Dave)
- Pet Wellness Centre (Presenting Partner and sponsor of the kids – and dogs – train rides)
Please ensure your dog is on a leash.
Getting there
Consider using public transport or active travel. Plan your trip with Translink's journey planner.
Parking may be limited. For metered parking, use the EasyPark app to start, end, and extend your parking direct from your phone to avoid fines. For more information visit City of Gold Coast's Parking page.
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