Barwon Coast Dog Control Orders

There are dog walking regulations in place for the coastal Crown land managed by Barwon Coast  known as Barwon Coast Dog Control Orders. These orders aim to ensure everyone can enjoy the coast, while protecting wildlife and sensitive natural environments

The  Barwon Coast Dog Controls Brochure  provides a map and detailed information on where you can take your dog for a walk on the beach and whether it can be off-leash (under ‘effective control’) or must be on-leash.

The Barwon Coast Dog Control Orders were brought into effect in December 2023 and in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong. 

The controls are law under the Domestic Animal Act 1994 and are enforced by the City of Greater Geelong.

Barwon Coast Dog Control Brochure

Report Dog Compliance Issues or Dog Attacks

Dog Walking Regulations

What is Effective Control?

The use of off-leash areas is subject to your dog being under ‘effective control’ and any breach of the below requirements is a fineable offence. effective control’ means:

  • You must carry a leash with you at all times
  • Your dog must be in hearing range
  • Your dog must come when it is called
  • You should be able to see your dog at all times
  • Your dog is not aggressive, over excitable or antisocial

Dog Owner Responsibilities

The Barwon Coast coastal reserve is an extremely popular section of the Victorian coastline. To help balance the huge visitor numbers with coastal protection, all dog owners must follow the Dog Control Orders for equitable use by all. We ask that you keep your dog owner responsibilities in mind when enjoying the coast with your pet.

The use of off-leash areas is subject to your dog being under “effective control” and any breach of the below requirements is a fineable offence.

  • Only exercise dogs on the sandy beach zone, closest to the water
  • Dogs must never enter the dunes and coastal vegetation areas
  • Dogs should never go near or disturb wildlife such as nesting hooded plovers, resting seals, beach birds or injured wildlife
  • A dog must never be within 50 metres of a seal
  • Dogs must always be kept away from Hooded Plovers exclusion zones.

Our coastal reserves should be enjoyed by all and we ask dog owners to be mindful that not all people on the beach enjoy dogs near them. Respecting others will ensure your dog’s safety and minimise potential mishaps and conflicts. Please remember:

  • Dog must stay close to you even in  designated off-leash areas
  • Dogs must be on leash in all car parks
  • Dogs must be on leash on all shared trails
  • Dogs must be on leash on all access paths
  • Dogs must be on leash on all jetties
  • Dogs must be on leash on all caravan park transit zones
  • Dogs must be on leash within 10 metres of playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas

Dogs are not permitted in caravan parks or the Barwon Heads Caravan Park oval