Where is the dog off-leash area on the Island?
West of the barge ramp on Main Beach, only at certain times of the year, dog owners can use the beach as a dog off-leash area. Signage at the start of the track near the barge ramp indicates the available off-leash times. These times coincide with the arrival and departure patterns of migratory shore birds to and from Coochiemudlo Island.
Available off-leash times in designated area on Coochiemudlo Island
January – February | Off leash restricted hours
- From 5pm until 9am the next day, dogs may be off-leash. Dogs are permitted to run off-leash between the boundary signs.
March – April | On-leash
- At all times, all dogs must be on-leash.
May – August | Off-leash
- Dogs may be off-leash at any time. Dogs are permitted to run off-leash between the boundary signs.
September – October | On-leash
- At all times, all dogs must be on-leash.
November – December | Off leash restricted hours
- From 5pm until 9am the next day, dogs may be off-leash. Dogs are permitted to run off-leash between the boundary signs.
What is a dog off-leash area?
Dog off-leash areas are places where dogs can run free. When using this areas, you also need to:
- control your dog — your dog must return to you when called
- clean up after your dog and dispose of waste
- check signage and make sure you’re within off-leash boundaries
- supervise children in the area (particularly if they don’t have effective control over their dog)
- make sure your dog does not chase birds and wildlife
- respect other users and neighbouring residents
- use the off-leash area during approved opening hours only
- put your dog back on the leash when leaving an off-leash area.
Children and owners who can’t control their dog should not use unfenced areas.