Dogs and Campfires Trial 2025

Project overview

Barwon Coast is introducing a winter trial of dogs and campfires at selected Barwon Coast caravan park campsites to test whether these options can be safely and successfully offered more broadly in the future.

This trial is in response to consistent feedback from campers and community members who have requested more flexibility around bringing dogs and having small campfires while enjoying the parks. It also aims to encourage greater use of the parks during the quieter winter months.

Trial now open

The trial will run from Thursday, 12 June, to Friday, 12 September, 2025.

This is a temporary trial only, running during the off-peak winter season. No decisions have been made about whether dogs or campfires will be allowed on an ongoing basis.

Where is the trial happening?

• Barwon Heads Caravan Park – dog-friendly and campfire sites available
• Riverview Family Caravan Park – dog-friendly and campfire sites available
• Breamlea Caravan Park – dog-friendly sites only (no campfires)

Campfires are not permitted at Breamlea due to site-specific constraints.

What’s included in the trial?

• The trial applies to selected campsites only, not cabins or long-term permit sites.
• Only a limited number of designated sites at each park will allow dogs and/or campfires.
• All bookings involving a dog or a campfire must be made by speaking/emailing directly with park staff – these sites cannot be booked online.

How to book

Bookings are essential for all dog or campfire-friendly sites:

• Barwon Heads Caravan Park – (03) 5254 1115 or [email protected]
• Riverview Family Caravan Park – (03) 5256 1600 or [email protected]
• Breamlea Caravan Park (dogs only) – (03) 5264 1352 or [email protected]

Each Caravan Park’s website has a map of where the sites are located, however sites are subject to availability. Staff will help confirm site availability and ensure the correct Dog and Campfire Rules are shared and agreed with guests.

Responding to community and camper feedback

This initiative reflects years of community and camper feedback and aims to strike a balance between recreational use and environmental responsibility. It is designed to actively manage any risk, through clear rules and limited availability, so that Barwon Coast can properly assess the trial’s impact.

Feedback gathered throughout the trial will play a critical role in deciding whether to continue, expand or discontinue these offerings in future years.

Have your say

This is a genuine trial, and we want to hear from you; click below to fill out our feedback survey, which will be open from 12 June to 30 September. Your feedback will help us decide whether and how to offer these options in the future.

Share your thoughts

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a campsite with a dog or campfire?

You must contact the park directly. Sites are limited and will be assigned by staff to ensure suitability and compliance.

• Barwon Heads Caravan Park – (03) 5254 1115 or [email protected]
• Riverview Family Caravan Park – (03) 5256 1600 or [email protected]
• Breamlea Caravan Park (dogs only) – (03) 5264 1352 or [email protected] 

Can I bring my dog?

Yes, but only to designated campsites. Dogs are not permitted in cabins or on permit sites. Speak to park staff when booking to confirm a dog-friendly site.

What are the rules for dogs?

Some of the rules for campfires in the parks are below, but a link to the full campfire trial rules can be found in the link below.

• Maximum of two dogs per campsite
• Dogs must be registered and C3-vaccinated
• Dogs must always be on a leash and under effective control
• Dogs cannot be left unattended or enter shared facilities
• Nighttime containment is required
• You must clean up after your dog immediately
• No dangerous, restricted or menacing dogs allowed
• Campers must agree to abide by the Dog Trial 2025 Rules.

Assistance animals are welcome at all times and are not subject to the same restrictions.

> View the full 2025 Barwon Coast Caravan Park Dog Trial Rules

Where are campfires allowed?

Campfires are only allowed at designated sites at Barwon Heads and Riverview Family Caravan Parks. Campfires are not allowed at Breamlea.

You can see the designated sites on each Caravan Park website:

• Barwon Heads Caravan Park
• Riverview Family Caravan Park
• Breamlea Caravan Park (dogs only)

Sites are subject to availability. Staff will help confirm site availability and ensure the correct Dog and Campfire Rules are shared and agreed with guests.

What are the campfire rules?

Some of the rules for campfires in the parks are below, but a link to the full campfire trial rules can be found here.

• You must bring your own compliant fire pit (as per the Rules)
• Campfires must never be left unattended
• Fires must be extinguished by 11pm
• No campfires on Total Fire Ban days or during high winds
• All campers must agree to the Campfire Trial Rules.

> View the full 2025 Campfire Trial Rules