Update 20 August 2025

Current beach rules for dogs to stay

Council is making no changes to Bayside’s current rules for dogs on beaches. This decision was made at Council’s August meeting, following consideration of extensive community feedback over several months. To make the existing restrictions easier to understand and follow, we’ll install clear seasonal signs and step up education and enforcement patrols. We will also advocate to Parks Victoria for appropriate signage at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary and greater enforcement of restrictions within this sensitive and unique environment, particularly at intertidal rock platforms.

If you’ve got ideas for how we can improve our signage or where we should increase patrols, let us know via our Pets in Public Spaces Have Your Say page. These two initiatives are key actions in Bayside’s next Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025 – 2029, which is open for feedback until 22 September 2025.

Proposed restrictions interactive map

We’ve listened to feedback from more than 2,000 community members to create proposed restrictions that respond to calls for longer beach access times for dogs in summer, more consistent restrictions along the foreshore, clear dog-friendly and dog free zones, and enhanced protection for the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary.

Council will take community feedback into consideration when making a decision on future restrictions at its 19 August 2025 meeting. To receive updates about this project, select the blue +Subscribe button at the top of the page.

Proposed changes aim to balance off-leash access across Bayside and within the Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary – protecting sensitive environments while supporting dog owners with clear dog friendly zones and more consistent rules.

Within the Marine Sanctuary, we're proposing to:

Increase off-leash areas in the northern section (between Fourth Street and the Southern end of Beaumaris Yacht Club car park)

  • There is no change proposed to the existing 24/7 off-leash zone.
    The current off-leash area between the McGregor Avenue ramp and the accessible (DDA) ramp at the southern end of the Beaumaris Yacht Club car park will remain.
  • Restrictions would be eased to the north of the existing 24/7 off-leash beach area between Fourth street and McGregor Avenue, so dogs can be off leash in summer between 7pm and 10am (instead of on-leash between 7.30pm and 10pm) and off leash at all times during winter (instead of on-leash), creating consistency with other Bayside beaches.

Enhance environmental protection in the southern section (between Beaumaris Life Saving Club and the Sea Scouts boat ramp)

  • In summer, dogs would be prohibited at all times, removing the current on-leash access between 7:30pm and 10am and removing the current off-leash section between Beaumaris Life Saving Club and Dalgetty Road.
  • In winter, dogs would be permitted on-leash at all times.
  • Dogs will remain prohibited at all times on the intertidal rock platforms throughout the sanctuary to protect sensitive marine life.

To help everyone enjoy Bayside’s beautiful 17km coastline in the summer, we’re proposing just two dog-free areas: Hampton Beach and the southern section of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary. These spaces would offer a peaceful beach experience for those who prefer a dog-free environment. For dog owners, both spots are right next to beaches where dogs are welcome off-leash all day, every day.

Proposed changes will create only two areas along Bayside’s 17km coastline – Hampton Beach and the southern section of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary – where dogs will be prohibited at all times during summer. This ensures that community members who prefer dog-free beaches have access to such spaces during the warmer months. Both Hampton Beach and Ricketts Point South are next to 24/7 permanent off-leash dog beaches.

Council will take community feedback into consideration when making a decision on future restrictions at its 19 August 2025 meeting.

To receive updates about this project, select the blue +Subscribe button at the top of the page.

Phase 1 surveys

Consultation began in January 2025 on the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) in conjunction with a review of beach restrictions for dogs.

Two surveys were conducted:

  • Survey 1: Select a marker on the map below to fill in a short survey about how to make the dog restrictions fair and clear at the beaches you visit.
  • Survey 2: A quick survey to inform Bayside’s next Domestic Animal Management Plan.

A Fetching Feedback’ group of community representatives met on Thursdays evenings in March and April to consider views and make recommendations to Council.

  • Fetching feedback group

    We are seeking people who’d like to tell us about their experiences with pets and public spaces in Bayside, and share ideas for our next Domestic Animal Management Plan.

    Find out more about what is involved.

    Find out more 

  • Need more information?

    Read answers to frequently asked questions or ask your own question.

    Learn more about pets and animals in Bayside, including places for walkies and registration.

    Find out more 

  • Speak to us in person

    If you'd prefer to give your feedback in person we'll be popping up at various beaches in Bayside between 16 January to 23 February.

    Or you can contact us via the details below.

  • Survey questions

    Review the questions we asked around improving the safety and welfare of our pets, people and environment within current resources?

    View Survey 2 questions 

Community feedback

Phase 1 community engagement on the DAMP and dog restrictions on beaches included surveys and group discussions.

Return to main pets and public spaces consultation page