Fur babies hitting the road are set to benefit as locals push councils for off leash areas and businesses respond in kind. Check out what’s new at these awesome dog-friendly holiday destinations.
PHILLIP ISLAND COASTAL ICON DECLARED OFF LEASH, IN BASS COAST COUNCIL DOG-FRIENDLY PUSH
Dogs are now free to stretch their legs on popular beaches leash free on Victoria’s Bass Coast Shire with trial off leash laws commencing on December 1.
In fact, in pretty Inverloch, dogs can now explore Ventnor Beach off leash year-round, free of seasonal restrictions. Here, let your best mate splash freely amongst tidal pools at low tide.
And from May 1 up till November 30, fur babies travelling off peak can hit unencumbered Foots Beach in Sam Remo and sections of Phillip Island’s darling Cape Woolamai.
The changes complement pre-existing inland off-leash options at Strickland Street Reserve in Wonthaggi and Blue Gum Reserve in Cowes.
Dogs playing off leash in coastal tourist town, Inverloch
MAJOR OFF LEASH AREA EXPANSION IN THE EAST GIPPSLAND SHIRE
From December 17, East Gippsland Shire, three hours further north-east, will open up several off leash areas in an ambitious six month trial.
Dogs under responsible guidance will be free to roam off leash on all council-managed parks and reserves, only requiring leashes around barbecues, near playgrounds, on shared paths and during planned public activities such as markets, sports games and training sessions.
Council says beach and foreshore areas will remain on-leash access for now but will consider a review in due time. East Gippsland Shire has also opened two beautiful dog parks in Lakes Entrance.
DOG-FRIENDLY LAKE MACQUARIE WELCOMES PRIVATELY-FENCED HOLIDAY PARK CABINS AT LOCAL CARAVAN PARKS
Lake Macquarie has been an absolute hotspot for dog lovers since overhauling its laws in 2004.
And with 25 off leash areas within its precinct, even the local cafes like Cafe Macquarie respond in kind.
Fifteen years later, holiday parks in Lake Macquarie have completed the circle for self-drive tourists with new pet-friendly cabins complementing their existing campsite dog policies.
Covered furniture, secure fenced off areas and dog beds provide areas to connect indoor and out caravan park patrons at Belmont Lakeside and Blacksmiths Beachside holiday parks.
Both caravan parks are close to Speers Point, spanning 10,000m2, a favourite among locals as well as tannin tidal lake shores at Croudace Bay dog exercise area one of the prettiest off leash areas in Lakes, which operates at limited hours.
Dogs exploring Lake Macquarie redhead beach off leash, image courtesy of Lake Macquarie
DOG FRIENDLY BEYOND BREWERIES AT NURIOOTPA LINEAR PARK, SA
Dog owners in the Barossa Valley pushing for off leash areas are finally reaping results with a dog run at Nuriootpa Linear Park underway.
Although it’s only the first off leash area within Barossa Valley’s northern precinct, dogs are welcome on and off leash at various breweries, wineries and distilleries in the region. Check them out here.
- Nurioopta, a town we love
- Holiday park accommodation in the Barossa Valley
OFF LEASH BEACHES AND FERRY TRIAL AT BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL
…although not a country council, Brisbane’s pet-friendly policies benefit fur families on a big lap.
Pooches can join owners off peak daily aboard Brisbane ferries in a three month trial beginning December 9.
The trial commenced with significant support with 80 percent of survey respondents willing to welcome dogs onto ferries.
You’ll need to invest in a muzzle and leash for your mate to travel though; or alternatively a well ventilated container if your dog’s small.
Dogs, by and large, are welcome in Queensland’s capital city, with council providing 135 designated off leash areas throughout.
The move follows the launch of a 12 month off leash trial at Sandgate, Nudgee Beach and Manly that commenced in October.