A long-serving Queensland police officer is undergoing surgery after being shot in the face during an armed robbery on the Gold Coast.

Dog Squad Sergeant Gary Hamrey was shot below his left cheekbone when he confronted two thieves hiding behind a garden shed on acreage at Parkwood early this morning.

The pair, armed with a machete and a rifle, had allegedly robbed the Arundel Tavern at closing time.

Assistant Commissioner Graham Rynders says Sergeant Hamrey and a senior constable from Runaway Bay tracked the pair to the garden shed.

"Despite the fact that he'd been wounded, [Sergeant Hamrey] was able to regain his composure and he and the other officer both returned fire on the males," he said.

"Both of those male persons sustained gunshot wounds. One was immediately detained at the scene.

"The second made his escape down a side yard and was later detained by police who had set up a cordon in that street."

Police say a 23-year-old man was shot in the foot and a 47-year-old was shot in the leg.

Assistant Commissioner Rynders says the sergeant showed composure and courage.

"The fact that he led the way with his dog without regard to his personal safety - you would have to say he's a very brave officer," he said.

He says doctors believe there has been no structural damage to Sergeant Hamrey's face.

Pair allegedly escaped with cash after robbing tavern

Police allege the thieves stormed into the Arundel Tavern around 1:30am (local time), demanding access to a safe and escaping with cash.

Police say two men were apprehended nearby. ( AAP: Ed Jackson )

The police dog squad spotted the two men while patrolling through a nearby park.

Sergeant Hamrey was shot after calling out to the pair. The bullet passed through his cheek and jawbone before exiting through his ear.

He was taken to Southport Hospital in a serious condition but his injuries are not considered life-threatening.

"His first thoughts were for the welfare of his dog and I can tell you he said "Boss, I'll be back at work as soon as I can"," Assistant Commissioner Rynders said after visiting Sergreant Hamrey.

The two alleged robbers were taken to the same hospital and placed under police guard.

Two suspects remanded in custody

Late this afternoon the two suspects faced a bedside court hearing.

Both were both charged with attempted murder, armed robbery and deprivation of liberty.

They were remanded in custody to appear in court in November.

The incident happened on Police Remembrance Day, when police stop to remember those who have lost their lives on the line of duty.

Queensland Police Union acting president Shayne Maxwell says the timing could not be worse.

"It is shocking," he said.

"The sentencing of the ... people involved in the murder of Damian Leeding is this morning and [it is] Police Remembrance Day, where police gather to remember those who have lost their lives in the execution of their duty to the people of Queensland."

Detective Senior Constable Leeding died in 2011 after being shot in the head while trying to stop an armed robbery at the Pacific Pines Tavern, just a few kilometres away from where Sergeant Hamrey was shot.

Two people convicted of his murder faced a sentencing hearing today, but it was adjourned.