On this page:

Where can I take my dog?

You can take your dog into all Victorian state forests except for Murrindindi Scenic Reserve. There are plenty of walks to enjoy with your furry friend, and they're welcome at all day visitor areas and campgrounds, provided they're on a leash or under your immediate control.

You can also check out the many suburban parks in Greater Melbourne and off-leash dog parks around the state.

Where can't I take my dog?

Dogs are not allowed in Murrindindi Scenic Reserve and most national parks. For more information on restrictions on dogs in these areas, visit the Parks Victoria website.

Tips for taking your dog into state forests

Watch this video for some handy tips.

View transcript

We want to keep both our native wildlife and forest visitors safe. During your visit please:

  • Keep your dog on a leash or under your immediate control at all times when at a recreation site .
  • Respect other visitors by keeping noise to a minimum.
  • Always pick up after your dog and bury its poo at least 100m away from waterways and camping and picnic areas.
  • Put the poo in a hole at least 20cm deep and backfill with soil.

Keeping your dog safe

State forests are great places for dogs and their owners to enjoy the great outdoors but there are hazards to be aware of, like snakes and ticks.

Here's a few safety tips to keep you and your dog safe:

  • Keep your dog on a lead and avoid long grassy areas.
  • Be mindful of pets and hot weather as they can feel the heat much more than humans. Make sure they have plenty of shade and access to fresh, cool water at all times.
  • Apply dog tick control products and do a thorough search of your dog's skin and coat daily, even if tick control products have been applied.
  • It’s best to use your fingertips to feel through the animal’s coat. Ticks or tick craters can be felt as lumps on the skin surface.
  • If you find a tick, remove it immediately by its head and not its body. Using a tick remover or tweezers, remove the tick at the point it has embedded itself in your dog's skin.
  • Take your dog to a vet immediately if it has been bitten by a snake or a tick. Both snake bites and tick paralysis are serious and potentially fatal and require immediate veterinary attention.
  • Make sure your dog doesn't eat something it shouldn't. A number of plants are poisonous for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death in some instances.

Visit Animal Welfare Victoria for more tips on travelling with your dog.

Two women and a child with their dog look ahead with tall green pines behind them on a walking trail.
There are many walks you can do with your dog in state forests

Page last updated: 04/12/24