Doug Jennings Park (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Doug Jennings Park?
What makes it 75% Kids-Friendly: Shaded lawns, flat paths and shallow beach edges suit supervised kids for picnics, sand play and dolphin spotting, but there is no playground or on-site lifeguard.
Positives:
- Shaded picnic spots: Multiple covered shelters keep meals cool and sun-safe.
- Gentle family beach: The beach slope is low and ideal for supervised paddling.
- Wildlife viewing: Dolphins often swim close to shore in the afternoon.
Challenges:
- No lifeguards: Beach is unpatrolled; keep children within arm’s reach.
- Parking fills early: Main carpark on weekends reaches capacity by mid-morning.
- Limited kiosk hours: Kiosk closes at 5 pm; bring snacks for late-day visits.
What is Doug Jennings Park?
- A public waterfront reserve on The Spit at Main Beach, Gold Coast, bordering the Broadwater and rocky seaway breakwall
- A landscaped parkland featuring open grassy lawns, shaded picnic shelters and stands of native coastal vegetation
- A section of the Federation Walk coastal pathway, adjoining the Seaway Lighthouse and tidal sandbanks
What is so special about Doug Jennings Park for with kids?
- Covered picnic tables close to play areas
- Safe, shallow beach for sand-castle building and paddling
- Easy dolphin spotting off the park’s breakwall
- Short paved Federation Walk to Seaway lighthouse
- Nearby kayak and paddleboard hire for family water fun
Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours
Why 2–3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time for a picnic, beach play and a short walk before kids tire.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Doug Jennings Park
Picnic under shaded shelters:
Enjoy lunch at covered tables near the playground and beach.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a sheltered spot before crowds.
Sand-castle building & paddling:
Kids can build castles on the gentle sloping beach and wade in shallow water.
Tip: Bring buckets and spades; supervise children at all times.
Dolphin spotting:
Watch dolphins play off the rocky breakwall in late afternoon.
Tip: Pack binoculars and head to the seaward point around 4–5 pm.
Federation Walk to Seaway lighthouse:
Follow an 800 m paved path for panoramic water views.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and let kids run on the flat, firm surface.
Kayak or SUP hire:
Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards nearby for water fun.
Tip: Book in advance with Go Vertical; request kid-sized boards.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Doug Jennings Park
- Arrive by 9 am: Secure a picnic shelter and free parking before crowds.
- Bring a beach wagon: Wagon eases transport of gear and young kids across sand.
- Pack refillable water bottles: Use drinking fountains to stay hydrated without extra cost.
Reviews of Doug Jennings Park
Normandy C Jr
Large size outdoor park at the tail end of a long strip of land, which includes Seaworld. I was here as part of the GC30 Running Festival, participating in a 7.5km run.
Tracey Hansell
Great for picnics, walks, jogging, swimming or just take in the views. Plenty of parking and grassy areas. Cafe.
Zeglar “Zeg” Fergus
Nice destination park at the end of The Spit, and overlooking the Gold Coast Seaway. Plenty of vehicle parking, pedestrian paths, large open park areas and tables and bench seats. Plus, views north towards The Broadwater and South Straddy.
Barry Leech
Just a lovely place to walk and enjoy the open air sometimes you can see the wales breaching off the coast but you will always some sea life if you take your time to look
SunflowerGirl16
This spot is magical & I love watching sunsets across the water & behind the mountains. There are heaps of dolphins frolicking around & they have been there for the past few years. If you like walking, you can walk along the beach OR along the pathway. It’s a lovely walk out to the lighthouse.
When is the best time to visit Doug Jennings Park (Gold Coast, Australia)?
June–October offers whale-watching boat tours. In summer visit early or late to avoid midday heat. Check the park’s events calendar for seasonal festivals.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Tandem kayak hire (1 hr) | AUD 35 |
| Stand-up paddleboard hire (2×1 hr) | AUD 60 |
| Crab sandwich (each) | AUD 12 |
| Total Estimated | AUD 107 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Doug Jennings Park
Address: Seaworld Dr, Main Beach QLD 4217, Australia
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About Doug Jennings Park
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+61 7 5539 735010 BEST nearby Activities
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