There are dog walking regulations in place for the coastal Crown land managed by Bellarine Bayside – these are called the Northern Bellarine Dog Orders. Please see the Take the Lead on the Northern Bellarine Guide for a map and detailed information.
These regulations were brought into effect in 2018 following community consultation and in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong.
These regulations control where you can and cannot take your dog for a walk and whether it can be off a leash or must be on a leash. These regulations aim to ensure enjoyment by all coastal users and protection of wildlife and sensitive environments.
Please ensure you “take the lead” when playing and exercising with your dogs. Follow all signage to know whether you are in a prohibited, on- or off-leash area.
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:
Bellarine Bayside respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians – the Wadawurrung People – upon whose ancestral lands we work, live and play.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.
We recognise their unique ability to care for Country and the intrinsic spiritual, cultural, economic, social and environmental connections they share with the land and waters. We value genuine partnerships with Wadawurrung to achieve effective management of our coastal regions.