Home / Land We Manage / Visit Us / Dogs on Beaches

For more information

Contact Barwon Coast at the following

(03) 5254 1118

[email protected]

Report Dog Compliance Issues or Dog Attacks

City of Great Geelong Animal Control Unit

(03) 5272 5272

Visit the COGG Website

Dogs on Beaches

We know dogs love the beach just as much as we do — and with the right balance, everyone can enjoy our beautiful coastline safely and respectfully.

To help protect local wildlife and sensitive coastal areas, Barwon Coast Dog Control Orders are in place across the coastal Crown land we manage. These rules make sure all visitors — two-legged and four-legged — can enjoy the coast together.

Not sure where your dog can run free or needs to stay on-leash? Check out the Barwon Coast Dog Controls Brochure for maps and simple guidelines on where and when dogs are welcome.

These dog controls came into effect in December 2023, in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, and are enforced under the Domestic Animal Act 1994.

Let’s work together to protect our coast and keep tails wagging!

What does effective control mean?

To use off-leash areas along the Barwon Coast, your dog must be under effective control at all times. This helps keep people, wildlife, and other dogs safe — and ensures everyone enjoys their time on the coast.

Effective control means:

  • You must carry a leash with you at all times
  • Your dog is within hearing range
  • Your dog comes when called
  • You can see your dog at all times
  • Your dog is not aggressive, overly excited, or antisocial

Failing to meet these requirements is a fineable offence under the Domestic Animal Act 1994.

Let’s work together to keep the coast safe and welcoming for everyone — dogs included!

Dog Owner Responsibilities

The Barwon Coast is one of Victoria’s most popular coastal destinations — and it’s easy to see why! To help balance high visitor numbers with the protection of our precious coastal environment, all dog owners must follow the Barwon Coast Dog Control Orders.

When visiting with your furry friend, please keep your responsibilities in mind:

  • Follow all on-leash and off-leash rules
  • Keep your dog under effective control at all times
  • Pick up after your dog and dispose of waste properly
  • Respect wildlife and other beachgoers

By doing the right thing, you’re helping to protect this special place — and making sure everyone can enjoy it.

Are dogs allowed off-leash?

Yes, but dogs must be under effective control at all times. Off-leash access is only permitted when the following requirements are met. Breaches may result in fines.

Where can I take my dog to avoid harming local wildlife and the environment?

To help protect wildlife and sensitive coastal areas:

  • Only exercise dogs on the sandy beach zone closest to the water
  • Do not enter dunes or coastal vegetation areas with your dog
  • Keep dogs well away from wildlife including:
    • Nesting hooded plovers
    • Resting seals Beach birds
    • Injured animals
  • Maintain a 50-metre distance from seals
  • Dogs must never enter Hooded Plover exclusion zones

What are the rules for dogs in shared and public spaces?

To ensure safety and respect for others, please follow these rules:

  • Dogs must stay close to you even in off-leash areas
  • Dogs must be on leash in:
    • All car parks
    • All shared trails
    • All access paths
    • All jetties Caravan park transit zones
    • Within 10 metres of playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas
  • Dogs are not permitted in:
    • Caravan parks
    • The Barwon Heads Caravan Park oval