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Key Project Dates

May 2025

Inform community 100%

12 June - 12 Sept 2025

Dog and campfire trial period 100%

late 2025

Review and analyse community input 100%

late 2025/early 2026

Close the loop 100%

 

Dogs and Campfires Trial 2025

Published on 20 May 2025

Project overview

Following a considerable amount of community and camper feedback over many years, Barwon Coast conducted a trial allowing dogs and campfires at selected caravan park campsites during the winter low season, from Thursday 12 June to Friday 12 September 2025.

The trial applied only to selected campsites and was available at Barwon Heads Caravan Park, Riverview Family Caravan Park and Breamlea Caravan Park, with campfires excluded from Breamlea.

Campfires were not permitted at Breamlea Caravan Park as part of this trial. This decision reflected the unique environmental sensitivities and site constraints at Breamlea.

The initiative responded to consistent feedback from park visitors and community members requesting greater flexibility for dog ownership and campfire use. It also aimed to support increased use of the caravan parks during a traditionally quieter time of year.

What did the trial include?

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

Community and camper feedback

The consultation period was open from Thursday 12 June to 30 September; we received over 160 survey responses, 13 email submissions and 139 comments on social media.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the trial and shared their feedback. While views covered a full range of perspectives, the majority of feedback supported continuing the dogs and campfires trial, and these insights have helped inform our next steps.

Following a thorough review of all feedback from campers and the community, the Barwon Coast Committee of Management endorsed a recommendation to continue the allowance of dogs and campfires at select sites each year, between 1 May and the last day of Victorian School Term 3.

Community engagement report

To learn more about what we heard during the engagement period and how this feedback has informed our decisions, you can read the Closing the Loop report:

Read the Closing the Loop Community Engagement Summary report 

Next steps

We’re looking forward to welcoming dogs and campfires back to our parks in 2026. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, we will:

  • Review and update the rules, and communications for dog-friendly and campfire sites.
  • Promote the trial widely through marketing and communications, so visitors are aware of the opportunity and expectations.

Frequently asked questions

Will the limitations around dogs and campfires remain the same?

Yes. Rules, responsible management and clear communications are a key part of the success of this initiative; the rules and site locations will be in line with what was offered during the trial, in order to continue to meet safety and management requirements.

Can twelve-month permit holders bring their dogs/have campfires?

The existing rule prohibiting dogs and campfires on twelve-month permit sites will remain in place, despite strong interest in allowing dogs.

TMP sites were considered for inclusion in the trial but were excluded due to operational and safety constraints. The year-round, unrestricted access of TMP holders makes dog numbers difficult to predict or manage, increasing the risk of high dog concentrations in confined areas and impacting safety and the experience of other park users, including TMP holders who prefer a pet-free environment.

This approach helps ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors, as it is difficult to manage where dogs are within these areas and to maintain appropriate noise levels.

When are dogs and/or campfires allowed in 2026?

Dogs and campfires will be able to stay at select sites between 1 May and the last day of Victorian School Term 3, 2026.

What are the rules?

You can find the current rules here below, however, please note that following community and camper feedback, we are reviewing these and may update them in coming months.

Barwon Coast Caravan Park Campfire Rules

Barwon Coast Caravan Park Dogs Rules

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.

What are the rules for dogs?

Some of the rules for dogs in the parks are below, but a link to the full campfire rules can be found in the link below. Please note these rules are being reviewed following camper and community feedback.

  • 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 rules.

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

Read the Barwon Coast Caravan Park Dogs Rules

Where will campfires be allowed?

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

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. Please note these rules are being reviewed following camper and community feedback.

  • 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 Rules.

Read the Barwon Coast Caravan Park Campfire Rules