Where can I walk my dog on Phillip Island?
The Nature Parks cares for coastal reserves on Phillip Island (Millowl) and encourages visitors and the community to enjoy these natural areas responsibly. By observing signs and following regulations, we can ensure the safety of people, pets and wildlife.
Seasonal restrictions apply to all dog walking areas EXCEPT at the Ventnor off leash area where dogs are allowed off leash all year round.
There are easy to understand signs on beaches to inform beach users of the current regulations in each area. Please read the signs carefully and follow the directions relevant to the time of your visit. The ‘Where to Walk Your Dog’ brochure is an easy way to access the information.
Download the brochure and save it to your device so you can refer to it when exploring Phillip Island with your dog.
Enlarge map by clicking here (Updated August, 2022)
SHARING OUR SHORES
The ‘Sharing our Shores’ campaign runs from 1 December to 30 April each year and aims to raise awareness of regulations to ensure:
- Beach users are safe while enjoying these beautiful, natural environments
- We all work together to protect wildlife on our shores
- We support the conservation efforts that protect threatened and migratory species that visit our shores.
Hooded plovers
These highly threatened shorebirds nest along the high tide line or in the sand dunes during spring and summer. Eggs and chicks are well camouflaged making them difficult to see and easily stepped on. Keeping your dog on a lead and away from signed nesting areas, helps to ensure their survival.
Short-tailed shearwaters
These migratory birds live and breed in sand dune burrows from September to May and fly to the northern hemisphere over our winter. Please keep dogs on a lead and stay on tracks - burrows can collapse easily.
HERE’S HOW WE CAN ALL SHARE OUR BEACHES RESPONSIBLY:
- Download the Beachsafe app and enjoy our beaches safely this summer.
- Always check beach access signs - permitted times change seasonally.
- Only use designated beach access points - informal tracks can be dangerous to people and wildlife and contributes to dune erosion.
- Stay out of the sand dunes as hooded plovers and short-tailed shearwaters breed there.
- Keep your dog on a lead - dogs must be on a lead in all public places in Bass Coast Shire except in designated off leash areas or private property.
- Pick up your dog poo! - dog walkers are required to have a suitable container to clean up after their dog.
- Register your dog - all dogs over three months of age must be registered with the Bass Coast Shire Council.
- Never leave your dog unattended in a car on a hot day, as they can quickly overheat.
- Confine your dog to your property when you are not with it.
PENALTIES MAY APPLY FOR NOT FOLLOWING REGULATIONS
Wildlife Victoria is the lead agency for rescue and response. For any sick or injured wildlife, please call 03 8400 7300 – lines are open 24/7
For further information contact:
Phillip Island Nature Parks
Phone 03 5951 2800
Email info@penguins.org.au
Bass Coast Shire Council
Phone 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211
basscoast.vic.gov.au