Off-leash areas and dog parks

In Nillumbik, there are designated off-leash dog parks in Diamond Creek, Eltham Lower, Eltham North and Hurstbridge, as well as many other off-leash areas within parks and reserves.

When in off-leash areas and reserves, dogs must be kept under ‘effective control’. This means the dog must stay within constant sight of their owner, and respond reliably to voice or hand control. The dog must be able to be controlled at all times to prevent an injury to a person or animal, and must be kept on leash within five metres of a shared use path, including within a permitted off leash area or reserve.

Find a dog park or off-leash area

You can also download maps of all off-leash areas in Nillumbik(PDF, 1MB).

Keep your dog on a leash in all other areas

Outside designated off-leash areas and reserves, dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than three metres, including all public places within the Shire.

Places where dogs are prohibited

Dogs are prohibited from entering certain public places. This includes sports grounds used by local schools or sporting clubs, areas within five metres of any children’s playground, public barbeque, or recreational activity area.

Dogs are also prohibited from entering the following areas:

• Nillumbik Park, Diamond Creek wetland areas
• Marngrook Oval, Diamond Creek
• Coventry Oval, Diamond Creek
• Hohnes Hill Reserve, Eltham
• Edendale Community Environment Farm
• Eltham East Copper Butterfly Reserve
• Fergusons Paddock Wetland areas
• Chase Reserve, Research
• Professors Hill Reserve, North Warrandyte
• Temple Ridge and Bailey Gully Reserve, Wattle Glen
• All sporting ovals in Hurstbridge

Clean up after your dog

As a dog owner, you’re responsible for picking up your dog’s waste in all public places. You must always carry waste bags (or something else to put the waste in), remove the dog waste immediately, and put it in an appropriate bin.

Failing to do so may result in a fine.