Dog Off-Leash Areas

Council provides a number of dog off-leash areas across the Fraser Coast.

These areas provide the opportunity to play, exercise and socialise leash-free with other dogs and dog park visitors.

Dog off-leash areas can include facilities such as seating, water, dog waste bins/litter bag dispensers, and some shaded areas.

When attending an off leash area, you must ensure your:

dog is under your control (for example: your dog will return to you when called).
dog is not a nuisance to other dogs and their owners.
dog's droppings are disposed of in the bins provided.
dog is registered with Council, wormed regularly, and its vaccinations are up to date.

Interactive Map

Dog off-leash etiquette 101

Council understands the importance of exercising and socialising your dog and has provided several designated off-leash areas where dog owners can safely exercise their animals.

However, despite your dog being the wiggliest, cuddliest, sweetest pup ever, their temperament can’t prevent unexpected accidents.

They can scare someone

A lot of people are terrified of dogs — even your cute pup which ‘wouldn’t hurt a fly’. Be conscious of who your dog is approaching and how they are approaching other animals and people, especially small children.

They can approach the wrong dog

Lots of dogs are aggressive toward other dogs or are leash reactive. If your dog isn’t on a leash, you have lost your most powerful tool to stop a dog fight before it starts.

Overstimulation can lead to undesirable behaviours

You cannot control the outside stimuli, what’s happening around you, such as the appearance of another dog, people, bicycles, traffic, loud noises or wildlife.

Your dog may become distracted by these even with your best attempts to keep them in line.

Consider pausing before you enter the area, assess the area and your dog’s response to such before setting them free to play.

Scoop your dog’s poop

Bring several bags on your walks to be sure you have enough.

Only let your dog greet a stranger if they ask or initiate the interaction

The same rule applies if you see another dog and their owner approaching. Ask first and respect the other’s response.

Always leash your dog on walks

Not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Keep your dog close to you and stay alert to others. Your leash should be short enough to prevent your dog from contacting or jumping on passers-by.

Understand your own capabilities

Some dogs are harder to control than others, especially when excited. If you cannot control the animal, it's best you don’t take it into a public space, especially an off-leash space.

Supervise your dog’s play

Stay close to your dog. Be attentive and be proactive.

Responsibility

Being a dog owner means that you are legally responsible for your dog’s behaviour at all times. Even in off leash areas, it’s important to stop your dog from causing a nuisance or being aggressive towards other dogs. At no time should your dog impede other people’s enjoyment of the park.

Below is a list of current dog off-leash areas.

Council has recently installed separate play areas for small dogs and big dogs at the following dog parks: Neptune Street in Maryborough, Petersen Rd in Craignish, Brendan Hansen Park in Granville, Blaxland Rd and Julie-Anne Street in Urraween.

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