Doug Jennings Park

Seaway Promenade

When it comes to the best waterfront parks on the Gold Coast, Doug Jennings Park  arguably takes the crown. Boasting both ocean and city skyline views, flat grounds, ample shade, accessible parking and a number of handy amenities, it comes as no surprise that the 30 hectare park at The Spit is the year round, park-of-choice for recreation, commercial activities and events.

Located on The Spit Gold Coast, with the sparkling Broadwater and ocean at its doorstep, Doug Jennings Park attracts both locals and tourists and is a popular destination for a number of water activities, including fishing, diving, surfing, boating and swimming. The park is a prominent sandy coastal peninsular on the eastern side of the Broadwater where it opens into the sea, positioned at the southern boundary of the Moreton Bay Marine Park.

For those who prefer to stay dry, the park is perfect for picnics, panoramic walks, and simply relaxing with family or friends.

The park is thoughtfully equipped with several amenities including:

  • Picnic tables
  • Showers
  • Water bubblers
  • Toilets
  • Walking tracks
  • Accessible parking

Doug Jennings Park is also great for four-legged friends with ample space allocated for dog walking, as well as an off-leash dog beach for dogs to swim, play and run.

In recent years, Doug Jennings Park events have gained popularity, with the park playing host to music and other festivals, community, sporting and water-based/aquatic events, as well as private events.

As trustee of the Park, we’ve made a significant investment in the area. In recent years we completed the Seaway Emergency Access Stairs, amenities block, extra beach showers, upgrades to the Seaway Kiosk and the rehabilitation of Moondarewa Spit. A major revitalisation of Doug Jennings Park was completed in 2025, transforming one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic parklands into a vibrant, accessible destination for the community to enjoy. For more information visit HERE.

Doug Jennings Park Map Get Directions Doug Jennings Park Guide

Swimming Beach


Parking


Public toilet (including accessible toilet)

Walking track

Kiosk


Dog off-leash exercise area

Picnic tables

Showers

To ensure the park is protected and maintained for safe enjoyment of all, there are several rules in place, which we highly recommend people review before visiting the park.  As trustee of Doug Jennings Park, Gold Coast Waterways Authority (GCWA) took steps to adopt the ‘Trust Land Protection and Use Model By-law 2009’.

The purposes of the model by-law are:

  • to protect the trust land, including buildings on the land;
  • to regulate the use of the trust land.

The model by-law supports GCWA in addressing issues such as camping, littering and driving off-road, to ensure the park continues to provide a world class destination to be enjoyed by the whole community and visitors to the Gold Coast.

For further information please refer to our DJP Guide.

The model by-law prohibits various activities in Doug Jennings Park and provides penalties for those who choose to ignore the rules. These include:

  • Commercial activities
  • Lighting fires
  • Overnight parking
  • Littering
  • Camping
  • Having a dog off a leash

For a complete list of activities that are prohibited in Doug Jennings Park, please refer to the ‘Trust Land Protection and Use Model By-law 2009’ which can be found in ‘Schedule 1’ of the Land Regulation 2009 that is freely available on the Queensland Government legislation website at: www.legislation.qld.gov.au and search for “Land Regulation 2009” under “L” in the “Current legislation” menu.

To help protect this community asset and foreshore dunes, gates have been installed along the Moondarewa Spit (previously known as the Spit Finger). This part of the park is closed to vehicles at 8pm. The area remains open to those who wish to enter on foot.

Who’s Who in the Blue

Who’s Who in the Blue explains who is responsible for managing, protecting and
regulating Queensland’s waterways, particularly on the Gold Coast.

It clarifies agency roles across safety, environmental protection, pollution response,
compliance and infrastructure, helping avoid confusion and duplication.

Overall, it’s a quick reference guide that supports coordination, accountability and
effective waterway stewardship.

Download Who’s Who in the Blue

Acknowledgement of Country

The Gold Coast Waterways Authority acknowledges and pays respect to the traditional custodians, the Yugambeh peoples of South East Queensland, including the Kombumerri, Mununjali, Wangerriburra, Bullongin and other clans, and their Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise their unique and ongoing spiritual and cultural connection with the land and waters of the Gold Coast area.

Any damaged or missing aids to navigation such as beacons, buoys, markers or signs, should be reported as soon as possible on 07 5539 7350.
For community engagement, communications or media enquiries please contact mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au

Access, Management & Destinations

  • Access & Management

    Information on Anchoring & Mooring, Boating, Dredging, Operations Team & Tidal Works

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  • Our Destinations

    GCWA managed multi-use destinations, building infrastructure for commercial and recreation use of Gold Coast waterways.

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