What you need to know - dogs in public spaces refresher

The amended Dogs of Beaches and Parks Policy has been adopted – with only minor changes to some of the language to make it easier to understand the maps and key definitions and some updated formatting.

This policy will be comprehensibly reviewed in the next term of Council. So, while there aren’t any big changes for dog owners to catch up on, we thought we’d use this as an opportunity to share a refresher on the rules around dogs on beaches and in parks.

We’re also encouraging people remember that no matter where they are, if you’re out with your dog you should always carry dog poo bags, pick up after your pet and throw it away in the bins provided.

Let’s get into it!

Which beaches can I take my dog to?

Here in the City of Wollongong, we use the traffic light system to explain which beaches (or sections of beaches) pet owners can and can’t take their dogs.

Red zone beaches

Dogs are not allowed in red zones at any times. See here for the full list of red zone beaches. Always check signs at each beach for more detailed information about zones.

Orange zone beaches

Dogs are allowed in orange zones at set times, but they must stay on a leash.

• In summer (start of September school holidays to Anzac Day) before 9am and after 6pm
• In winter (the rest of the year) before 9am and after 4pm.

See here for the full list of Orange zone beaches. You can also check the signs at these beaches for more information.

Green zone beaches

These are off-leash areas, which means dogs are allowed off-leash at any time.

BUT… did you know that your dog must stay on a leash when travelling to and from a green zone? This includes when walking along pathways leading to green zone beaches.

See here for the full list of Green zone beaches.

What are the rules for rock platforms and rock pools?

Dogs are not allowed on rock platforms or in rock pools at any times. This applies whether the rock platform is located at a green, orange or red zoned beach.

This rule is in place to protect marine life and shorebirds such as the Pied Oystercatcher (endangered) and Sooty Oystercatcher (vulnerable).

What about dog parks?

We currently maintain six off-leash dog parks at:

• Proud Park, Helensburgh
• Figtree Oval, Figtree
• Riley Park, Unanderra
• King George V Oval, Port Kembla
• Reed Park, Dapto (fenced)
• Eleebana Reserve, Koonawarra.

Just like green zone beaches, your dog needs to stay on a leash while travelling to and from an off-leash park.

As part of our commitment to maintaining excellent facilities, we continue to invest in our dog parks. You will continue to see upgrades to these facilities such as improvements to seating and shade as we roll out our annual plan and Infrastructure Delivery Program.

What are the rules for public spaces?

If you’re not on private property or in one of our zoned beaches or dog parks, then you’re in a public space. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when in a public space and the general rules for dogs apply. That means picking up after your dog and putting dog poos in the bins provided.

I can’t decide where to take my dog, there are so many great places to visit!

We get it. We have some of the best dog-friendly beaches and parks in the world. Don’t believe us, read this story from some of our local, four-legged correspondents.