Summer dog restrictions enacted for warmer months

THE Surf Coast Shire dog walking timeshare zones are now in effect as foot traffic along the region’s coastline starts to increase.

The Shire’s seasonal dog regulations will be in effect for the entirety of summer, with dogs barred from popular beaches such as Fishermans Beach until the end of February and again on the Easter long weekend.

All dogs must be on a leash in public spaces, excluding designated off-leash zones.

The summary of timeshare zones on the Surf Coast are as follows:

• Front Beach to Fishermans Beach, Torquay: No dogs allowed between 9am and 7pm (except on defined paths and on-leash), dogs allowed off-leash under effective control between 7pm and 9pm.
• Whites Beach, Torquay: Dogs allowed off-leash, given they are kept under effective control.
• Rocky Point, Torquay to Half Moon Bay, Jan Juc: Dogs allowed off-leash, given they are kept under effective control.
• Surf Beach to Rocky Point, Torquay: No dogs allowed between 9am and 7pm (except on defined paths and on-leash), dogs allowed off-leash under effective control between 7pm and 9pm.
• Half Moon Bay to Jan Juc beach access: No dogs allowed between 9am and 7pm (except on defined paths and on-leash), dogs allowed off-leash under effective control between 7pm and 9pm.

“The timeshare zones for dogs in the Surf Coast Shire started on 1 December 2024, so no dogs are allowed in these zones from 9am to 7pm daily. With the busy summer season here, we are keen for everyone to share our beautiful places,” general manager for community life Damian Waight said.

“Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority and Surf Coast Shire rangers will once again team up to provide joint patrols on foot, in beach buggies and 4WD vehicles.

“We ask people to have dogs under control at all times and always pick up after them.”

More information on dog areas this summer can be found at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/WhereToWalkYourDog or by picking up a brochure from the council office in Torquay or the visitor information centres in Torquay, Anglesea, Lorne or Winchelsea.