Dog parks and beaches
Walking your Dog in Port Phillip
We understand that owners need spaces to let their dogs run and play without a leash. While all dogs must be kept on a leash while outside your property, we have designated off-leash areas at several local parks, reserves and beaches. Always check the signs before taking your dog off leash.
To find your nearest dog off-leash park, reserve or beach, visit Services Near Me.
Dog Off-Leash Areas
For details on where you can take your dog, and leashing requirements, you can refer to:
Dog beaches
From 1 April to 31 October, dogs are allowed on all beaches.
Off-leash areas and restrictions change during summer from 1 November to 31 March. Dogs are allowed on the beach only during specific times, in specific locations. They are prohibited (on or off leash) outside these times.
Always check the signs before taking your dog on to the beach.
Dogs must always be on a leash on beach pathways and boardwalks. You must put your dog on leash before leaving the sand. Penalties apply for failing to adhere to restrictions.
Where you can take your dog
Reminder to dog owners
- Dogs may be exercised off-leash in a designated off-leash area provided they are under effective control by their owner. Effective control means:
- the dog will return to its owner on command
- the dog does not bother, attack, worry or interfere with other people or animals
- the owner retains a clear and unobstructed view of the dog.
- Dog owners must still always carry a leash.
- Off-leash activities are restricted to specified areas or times in some reserves and beaches. Please read the signs carefully when entering the reserve.
If you own a Greyhound, your dog is required to be on-leash even in off-leash areas.
Dogs must be walked on a lead in all public areas other than those signed as off-leash. This includes streets, paths and walkways as well as parks and reserves.
Patrols and Penalties
Random proactive patrols are conducted in all of our public spaces seven days a week throughout the year. People found not complying will be fined. On the spot fines apply for:
- dogs off leash in on-leash areas.
- failing to carry a bag and pick up after your dog.
- failing to wear a Council registration tag.
- dogs on prohibited beaches between 1 November to 31 March.
- other breaches of the Community Amenity Local Law 2023 or Domestic Animals Act 1994.
Our authorised officers are there to keep you safe. We will always treat you with courtesy and respect. Remember, you must always cooperate with our authorised officers and treat them with the same courtesy. Under Section 76(1) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, authorised officers can request your full name and address and that you produce your dog for microchip scanning. Failing to provide these details is an offence.
Under Section 76(3A) of the Domestic Animals Act 1994, a person must not threaten, abuse or intimidate or attempt to threaten, abuse or intimidate, an authorised officer, or a person assisting an authorised officer, in the discharge of the authorised officer's powers, duties or functions under this Act.
Nearby 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, your closest off-leash park may be Fawkner Park
- those on the edge of Elwood and Ripponlea, Elsternwick Park in the City of Bayside could be the closest.
Contact us
Our Animal Management team is here to help.
Send us a message on My Port Phillip.
Phone: 03 9209 6777