Walking your dog in Warrnambool
Leash up and explore: the best dog-friendly walks in Warrnambool
Warrnambool offers a variety of dog-friendly areas where you and your furry friend can enjoy the outdoors together. Remember, dogs must be kept on a leash in all public areas unless designated as off-leash. Always carry waste bags to keep the environment clean and respect the local regulations. Here's a guide to help you navigate the off-leash and on-leash areas across the city.
Designated Off-Leash Areas
Dogs must remain under effective voice control, and a lead should be carried and used when near other dogs, children’s playgrounds, barbecue facilities, picnic areas, organised events, or within 30 metres of these areas. Dogs should not threaten or disturb people or animals.
You can walk your dog off-leash in the following areas:
- Warrnambool Community Dog Park (Koroit St, opposite Showgrounds)
- Hopkins River (west side) to Flume
- Blue Hole Reserve (Hopkins River Bridge to mouth, east side only, between 1 April and 30 November)
- Merri River public open spaces near Manuka Drive, Membrey Way, and Ponting Drive
- Bushfield Oval Reserve
- Victoria Park
- Allansford Reserve
- Scoborio Reserve
- Davidson Oval Reserve
- St. James Reserve
- Kings Park
- Brierly Reserve
- Malwarrah Reserve, Woodford
- Merrivale Reserve
- Logans Beach
- Jones Oval
- Rotary Park
- Russells Creek Reserve (Mortlake Road to Garden Street)
- Dennington Reserve
- Schrader Park, Allansford
- Archibald Reserve
- Harris Street Reserve
- Payne Reserve
- Jubilee Park, Woodford
Designated On-Leash Areas
- Blue Hole Reserve (Hopkins River Bridge to mouth, east side, from 1 December to 31 March)
- Foreshore walking tracks, including Foreshore Promenade
- Main Beach area (Flume to Breakwater, from 1 April to 30 November)
Leave Your Dog at Home for These Spots
- Lake Pertobe Reserve
- Botanic Gardens
- Main Beach area (Flume to Breakwater, from 1 December to 31 March)
- Merri River Mouth (south of Stanley Street Bridge, including Middle Island)
- Merri River Wetlands (Viaduct Road to MacDonald Street)
- Rail Trail
- Surfside & Shipwreck Bay holiday parks (23 December to 2 February)
- Hopkins River frontage (Ski Club, from 1 November to 30 April)
