Dog parks

Image of a dog

Where can I let my dog off the lead?

You can exercise your dog in an off-leash area but must maintain effective control. Discover off-leash areas on the map below.

The City of Ballarat has 11 off-leash dog areas:

  1. Wendouree – CE Brown Reserve Dog Park (Dowling St)
  2. Wendouree – Pioneer Park (Ring Rd)
  3. Alfredton – Cuthberts Road Reserve
  4. Newington – Victoria Park Dog Park (Poplar Ave Newington, off Russell St)
  5. Soldiers Hill – Gregory St Reserve
  6. Black Hill – Chisholm St Reserve
  7. Buninyong – Birdwood Park Reserve (Innes Lane)
  8. Sebastopol – MR Power Reserve Dog Park (Grant St)
  9. Canadian – Canadian Lakes Reserve (Canadian Lakes Bvd)
  10. Canadian – Pennyweight Park Dog Park (Otway St Sth)
  11. Buninyong - James Reserve Dog Park (Union Jack Lane)

What do you mean by effective control?

To maintain effective control of your dog you must:

  • carry a chain, cord or leash to bring your dog under control
  • remain within voice or hand control and in constant sight of your dog at all times
  • not allow your dog to worry or threaten any person or animal

 

Are there places within off leash areas where I still need to keep my dog on the lead?

Yes. Even in off leash areas, you need to have your dog under effective control, using a chain, cord or leash if your dog is within 50 metres of:

  • an organised sports event or practice 
  • children's play equipment area
  • the main part of a public meeting
  • or event or a permanent barbecue or picnic area. 

You need to have your dog under effective control, using a chain, cord or leash if your dog is within 10 metres of any:

  • shared path
  • walking track
  • waterway

Don't forget to clean up

You need to carry something to pick up after your dog.
Find the location of our dog bag dispensers around Lake Wendouree.

 

Domestic Animal Management Plan

Under the Domestic Animals Act we've developed the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2017-21 which will be renewed every four years.