Dogs on the Peninsula

We encourage responsible dog owners to get out and enjoy the Shire's many beaches and parks. Exercising your dog contributes towards a more healthy, active lifestyle for you and your dog. Dogs that get regular exercise and positive stimulation are also less likely to be bored and cause a nuisance by barking, and socialised dogs are less likely to be aggressive.

Dogs must always be under the effective control of a chain, cord or leash whilst in a public place except in a designated leash-free area. Dogs are not permitted in dog prohibited areas, whether on a leash or not.

Wherever you head with your dog, please make sure you:

• Follow instructions on local signage.
• Collect and dispose of droppings responsibly. Failure to clean up after your dog may result in fines.
• Ensure your dog doesn’t disturb other people, animals and wildlife. 

Please use the map below to locate your nearest park or beach to see which dog controls apply. You can pan or zoom into an area and click on a reserve to view the information.

Leash-free areas

We encourage responsible dog owners to have ‘leash-free’ fun with their dogs at the Shire's many designated leash-free areas located around the Mornington Peninsula. Dog owners are required to leash their dogs until they reach the designated leash-free area, and re-leash their dogs on leaving.

Dog prohibited areas

Dogs are not permitted in dog prohibited areas, whether on a leash or not.

Prohibited areas have been designated to provide greater protection for vulnerable fauna including the threatened Hooded Plover, migratory shorebirds, marsupials including the White-footed Dunnart and the Long-nosed Bandicoot, and reptiles such as the Blue-tongued Lizard.

Many of these species are susceptible to dog attacks and even the scent or barking of dogs can cause distress.

Beaches

There are a number of dog controls that apply to beaches on the Mornington Peninsula as Council do not manage all the beaches around the peninsula coastline. Beaches that are managed by the State Government through Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) have various rules. Beaches in the Mornington Peninsula National Park and the Point Nepean National Park are managed by Parks Victoria and are dog prohibited areas.