Pets & Animal Management

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Dog Parks & Reserves

Dog Off Leash Areas

   

Map of Off Leash Areas

The City of Port Phillip understands that owners need spaces to let their dogs run and play without a leash. While all dogs should be kept on a leash while outside your property, the council has designated a number of local parks and reserves as off-leash areas. When using these areas dog owners should still carry a leash at all times and ensure the dog remains in sight and is under effective voice control, not threaten other people or animals, and be subject to owner liability.

 

Random patrols are conducted during daylight hours throughout the year and people not complying are fined or prosecuted.   Owners of dogs should ensure they have a plastic bag or an acceptable item to clean up after their dogs as failure to do so can result in an infringement being issued.

 

As a result of an extensive public survey and review, Council has made changes to the existing dog off leash areas and Council Order No.3.  The following link shows all designated Dog Off Leash Areas in Port Phillip, arranged on a neighbourhood basis. It includes parks, reserves and beaches. 

 

Reminder to Dog Owners:

  • Dogs may be exercised off leash in a designated off leash area – provided they are under effective control; this means immediate response.

  • Off leash activities are restricted to specified areas and/or times in some reserves and beaches. Please read the signs carefully when entering the reserve.

  • Dogs must be walked on a lead in all public areas other than those signed as "off leash".  This rule doesn't just refer to parks and reserves but to the streets, paths and walkways as well.

  • Dogs are also not permitted within five (5) metres of playgrounds, public barbeques or exercise equipment areas.

 

For those people living close to the edges of the City of Port Phillip, their closest dog park may not be in our municipality.

  • For the St Kilda Road neighbourhood, their closest off leash park may be Fawkner Park which is in the City of Melbourne's municipality. 
  • For those living in neighbourhoods on the edge of Elwood and Ripponlea, Elsternwick Park which is in the City of Bayside could be the closest. To find out what parks are in these municipalities please refer to the following links:

    Melbourne City Council
    Bayside City Council

 

On the Spot Fines Apply

 

  • Dogs wandering at large
  • Not having dogs on leashes when they should be
  • For failing to carry a bag and pick up after your dog 

 

Relevant Links and More Information

Albert Park Lake

Albert Park Lake Reserve is managed by Parks Victoria, even though it is located in the City of Port Phillip. While the reserve is primarily an on-leash park, there is a good amount of space set aside for exercising your dog off a leash. More information is available on the Parks Victoria website - www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1parks.cfm.

Dogs on beaches

There are seven dog beaches in Port Phillip - five where pooches can play off a leash all year round, and two early morning dog beaches. Restrictions apply at other beaches depending on the season. See Dogs on Beaches for more information.

More information

Use eServices to ask us a question, request information or give us feedback online or contact ASSIST on (03) 9209 6777.

Please remember to always carry bags to pick up after your dog.