Gold Coast families looking for a fun day out will love Gold Coast’s Next Top Dogel at Sanctuary Cove in August 2026. This free, dog-friendly community event features entertaining canine competitions, market stalls, and kids face painting, making it the perfect weekend activity for local parents, children, and their favourite furry friends.
Gold Coast’s Next Top Dogel
Gold Coast’s Next Top Dogel is a community event celebrating the region’s most lovable, talented and downright adorable dogs. Formerly known as Main Beach’s Next Top Dogel, the event has been rebranded and relocated to Sanctuary Cove, offering a spacious and scenic backdrop for a family-friendly day out.
Local pups compete for the coveted Next Top Dogel crown across a range of categories, including Best Big Dog, Best Medium Dog, Best Small Dog, Best Groomed, Best Dressed and Cutest Puppy. There are also fun categories for Best Trick and Best Owner and Dog Costume. Entrant images will be judged ahead of the event, with the top six in each category invited to parade on the day. All finalists must be available to attend in person.
The Dachshund Dash is a crowd favourite, giving sausage dogs the chance to race for glory and make it through to the final. Dogs can be entered into the Dachshund Dash by ticking the relevant box when submitting a competition entry.
Anyone attending with a dog is welcome to walk the Harmony Early Education Grand Parade for a chance to win two nights at InterContinental Hayman Island Great Barrier Reef, including breakfast and luxury launch transfers for two adults (flights not included). This is the Lucky Dog Draw.
The day also features market stalls open from 9am to 1.30pm, with dog treats, clothing, pet accessories and more, plus kids face painting, a kombi photobooth and caricatures.
Whether your dog is a trick master, a social butterfly or simply a very good boy or girl, this is a great day out for pets and their people. Details on how to enter can be found on the event website.
Plan your visit
When: Saturday 15th August 2026, 10am – 2:30pm
Where: Marine Village Sanctuary Cove, Masthead Way, Hope Island, 4212
Cost: Free entry
More information: here
