The Geelong region is home to hundreds of walking tracks, parks and recreation reserves where people can take their dogs.
All public areas in our municipality have been designated as being 'on-leash' for the purposes of dogs, except where otherwise signed or specified in the following tables and maps. The great news is that there are plenty of places where you can take your dog off-leash, as long as they are under direct supervision.
Please refer to the maps or tables below to identify the dog control orders which apply to the municipality.
Dog walking maps
Off-leash – supervised areas
Supervision for off-leash areas means:
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the handler must have a dog lead in their possession and place their dog back on the leash when leaving the off leash area
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the handler must be able to demonstrate audible control of the dog
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dogs must remain in visual and audible range of their handler to allow it to be effectively recalled at any time
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when encountering other people or animals using this area, the dog must be recalled and restrained until both parties have moved apart at a safe distance
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dogs must not enter water habitats that contain wildlife, beach nesting birds or chase wildlife in these areas
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dogs attracted to the motion of wheels must be controlled at all times
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Dogs that are aggressive to people or other dogs, behave in an anti social manner, or are over excitable should be muzzled when in public and not to be off leash
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dogs declared menacing/dangerous/restricted breed are not permitted to be walked off-lead in ‘Off Leash – Supervised Areas’
Signs will clearly indicate those parks, reserves or public open spaces where dogs are permitted to be off a leash and supervised.
A range of sporting grounds and ovals are also available as 'off leash – supervised' areas, but only outside times when they are being used for organised sports, including training.
A dedicated fenced pet park is located at Stead Park. Please see local signage for the terms and conditions of use.
On-leash areas
Within the City of Greater Geelong, unless otherwise designated by signage, all public open spaces are designated On-leash – controlled areas. Public open space includes roads, footpaths, beaches, reserves, parks, playgrounds and other council lands and buildings.
More specifically, these include:
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all roads, footpaths, nature strips and shared paths
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shopping centres
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high use pedestrian and/or cycling areas (such as the Waterfront Precinct)
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sporting complexes and reserves during times of organised sports
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at Council sanctioned/approved events, markets etc
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shared used paths or walking trails and including areas either side of the abutting edge of the path (except those designated Off-lease – Supervised Area)
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dogs being within and/or tethered within ten metres of children’s play equipment
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dogs being within and/or tethered within ten metres of picnic and barbecue areas (as defined by council provided barbecues and/or tables and associated seating)
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in areas designated as environmentally significant
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jetties and piers
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water bodies such as creeks, rivers and lakes unless signposted as a dedicated swimming area for dogs
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beach foreshore and coastline areas (except those designated otherwise).
Redgum Island, Fyansford Common – Barwon River
Please note that the land along the Barwon River from Queens Park Bridge to Breakwater is managed by other land managers, and dogs must be on leash at all times.
Black Rock, Thirteenth Beach, Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove
Please note that this land is managed by the Barwon Coast Committee of Management who has determined existing dog control orders. These orders are currently under review by the Committee. Visit the Barwon Coast Committee of Management website for further information.
Portarlington, The Esplanade, Indented Heads, St Leonards to Bellarine Point
Please note this land is managed by the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management who has determined existing dog control orders. Details of dog control orders in these areas can be accessed on the Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee of Management website or on our dog walking maps page.
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