Want to enjoy some fun in the sun with your best four-legged friend? Here's where you can go!
Let's keep our community spaces safe, clean and tidy! The person in charge of a dog in public areas should always have control of their dogs, even in an off-lead exercise area. It is also their responsibility to pick up any droppings left by their animal.
#1: Lot 521, Curran Street
Landmarks: Corner of Withers Drive and Tallowwood Drive, opposite Satinwood Brace
Important: This dog exercise area is near the Donnybrook District High School (DDHS) - remember to stay alert and ensure you have full control your dog at all times. Follow the speed limit when travelling in/around school zones and be mindful of pedestrians, particularly during school hours!
How to get here:
- Continue onto Withers Drive from Marmion Street, past VCMP
- Landmarks: From the South Western Highway, turn onto Marmion Street - as you follow this road, the Donnybrook Animal Health Centre will be on your right. Continuing on Marmion Street, the VC Mitchell Park (VCMP) Sport & Recreation Precinct will be on your left. Stay on this road until you reach the exercise area, which will be on your right.
- Continue onto Morgan Road from Bentley Street, and turn onto Tallowwood Drive, past DDHS
- Landmarks: From the South Western Highway, turn onto Reserve Street (next to the Apple Fun Park) OR Victory Parade, then onto Collins Street - from here, turn onto Bentley Street next to the Shire Administration Office and Council Chamber (1 Bentley Street). As you follow this road and continue through the roundabout, staying on Bentley Street, the Donnybrook District High School (DDHS) and Community Library will be on your right. Further down the road, the Donnybrook Hospital and Medical Services will be on your left, opposite the Donnybrook Scout Hall. You will then pass Chapman Street and the Donnybrook SES building (on your right), and can turn onto Tallowwood Drive. Stay on this road until you reach the exercise area, which will be on your left at the intersection with Withers Drive.
Navigation Map for Area #1
#2: Reserve 34972, Preston River (north)
Landmarks: Opposite the Donnybrook Amphitheatre and Apex Park on the north side of the river (closest to Palmer Street), between the suspension bridge and Gabion Rock bridge
Important: Please note that the south side of the Preston River (closer to the South Western Highway) and the suspension bridge are not a part of the designated off-lead exercise area, meaning your dog must be on-lead at all times in these locations.
How to get here:
- Navigate to the north side of the Preston River via Palmer Street (from Bridge Street)
- Landmarks: From the South Western Highway, turn onto Bridge Street (next to the Donnybrook IGA, opposite the BP petrol station) and continue over the bridge, then turn onto Palmer Street. The exercise area is on this side of the Preston River – please ensure you walk your dog on-lead to the designated off-lead area.
- Cross from the south side of the Preston River on foot by using the the suspension bridge (from Clifford Road)
- Landmarks: From the South Western Highway, turn onto Clifford Road (opposite the Community Op Shop) – you can also get here from Bridge Street (turn onto Clifford Road before crossing the bridge). The suspension bridge is located at the rear of the Repco Auto Parts store. The exercise area is on the opposite side of the river – please note that the suspension bridge is not a part of the designated off-lead exercise area (dogs must be on-lead at all times on the suspension bridge).
Navigation Map for Area #2
What does 'effective control' look like?
We are pleased to be able to provide off-lead dog exercise areas throughout the Shire, however it is required that the person who is in charge of the dog has effective control of their dog at all times, especially in off-lead areas.
Effective control means, or can look like:
- The dog can always be seen by the person in charge
- The dog immediately obeys voice commands, even when distracted (good recall)
- The dog is not disturbing or harassing other people or animals, including wildlife
Ensuring you have effective control of your dog is an essential part of responsible pet ownership, and helps keep our community safe and prevents attacks.
More about Responsible Pet Ownership
Cleaning up after your dog - Dog Waste Bags (courtesy service)
It is the responsibility of the owner, or the person in control of a dog at the time, to clean up after their dog.
Dog waste bags supplied at a cost to the Shire, and are provided as a courtesy service to help keep our parks, trails and public spaces clean and enjoyable for everyone.
These bags are checked and refilled weekly by our Rangers, however there have been instances where full dispensers have been emptied and stolen only days after being refilled. We ask all community members to use the bags responsibly and only take what you need so that everyone can benefit. Together, we can keep our shared spaces clean and pleasant for all, two-legged and four-legged visitors alike!
Where are dogs not allowed?
Dogs are prohibited from entering or being in any of the following places, subject to Section 8 of the Act and Section 66J of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984:
- Where so indicated by a sign, a public building
- A theatre or picture gardens
- All premises or vehicle classified as food premises or food vehicle under the Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations
- A public swimming pool
- Within any fenced area set aside as a children’s playground
If a dog enters or is found in a place in subclause (1) of the above Act, every person liable for the control of the dog is considered as having committed an offence. Irresponsible dog ownership may result with dog owners, or the person(s) responsible for the care and control of a dog at the time, receiving penalties for offences.
Concerns & Ranger Assistance
Should you have any concerns or wish to make a report, please complete the following form. If a dog attack has occurred, please contact the Shire directly to speak with Ranger Services.
Make a Report