Visiting the Fleurieu Peninsula With Pets

Looking for a pet-friendly park for you and your adventuring four-legged friend?

Stepping foot onto the Fleurieu Peninsula is the start of an unforgettable journey — one that’s even better shared with your four-legged companions. A mixture of stunning beaches, scenic walking trails, renowned wine regions, and inviting camping spots, this region of South Australia warmly welcomes you and your pets.

So leash up, pack some doggy treats, and start exploring this one-of-a-kind spot where you and your pet can see and enjoy something new every walk.

Top pet-friendly parks on the Fleurieu Peninsula

Victor Harbor Dog Park

If you’re looking for a perfect day out with your furry friend, try one of the local pet-friendly parks on our doorstep. Victor Harbor Dog Park. Nestled in the junction of George Main Road and Oval Park Road, this local gem is open all day, every day. A great spot for you and your four-legged friend, this is a place where everyone is welcome, with or without a dog.

The fully fenced park offers endless space for your canine companion to run, jump, and play to their heart’s content. For your convenience, there’s also car parking adjacent to the park at the Recreation Centre.

Keeping in mind the comfort and safety of your pooch, the park is divided into separate large and small dog exercise areas. You can choose to let your dog loose in either section, depending on their size or how they get on with other dogs.

And when all the running about leaves them panting, you don’t have to worry. The park provides two water stations to keep your dog well-hydrated. So, pack a doggy bag, grab the lead, and get ready for a fun-filled day at Victor Harbor Dog Park, a place where paws meet nature.

Port Elliot Dog Park

Part of the surrounding areas of Victor Harbor, located just off Kurramin Court, the Port Elliot Dog Park is a cherished local spot that’s open to visitors 24/7, with the exception of two days in mid-October during the Port Elliot Show. Established in 2013, this delightful park continues to evolve, thanks to the ongoing support and dedication of local residents, community groups, and park visitors.

Like the Victor Harbor Dog Park, Port Elliot is also a wonderful place for like-minded people to gather, socialise, and have a bit of fun while their dogs enjoy a healthy dose of exercise. It features a fully enclosed park (with an onsite car park), walking paths, and two separate dog exercise areas.

You won’t have trouble finding somewhere to sit and watch your dog run as there’s a range of seating options around the park, with each piece kindly sponsored by members of the community.

Barkers Reserve

Bring your furry friend along for a day of fun at Barker Reserve, situated opposite the Civic Centre and adjacent to Bay Road and the Inman River Bridge. More than a coincidental name, with its expansive green spaces, this pet-friendly park is a canine’s dream, providing plenty of room for chasing frisbees and getting to know other dogs.

With plenty of facilities on-site, you can stay for hours. While your four-legged mate enjoys romping around, you can make use of the free electric BBQ facilities for a picnic. And if your pet enjoys a good stroll, keep them close on-lead and explore the pet-friendly walking and hiking trails together. 

Kent Reserve

Nestled between the Inman River and Kent Drive is Kent Reserve.  This charming spot welcomes dog owners and their loyal companions to enjoy the peacefulness of the foreshore. Also a great picnic area, it’s a great place to spend a few hours of outdoor fun with your pet.

Let your dog enjoy the open space, sniffing out interesting spots and soaking in the fresh seaside air. Meanwhile, you can prepare a tasty BBQ lunch, with facilities readily available on-site.

It’s a great place for families to balance recreation and relaxation – and if you’re feeling like a second outing, you’ll only be a stone’s throw from Encounter Bay.

Onkaparinga River Recreation Park

If you and your companion are avid lovers of nature, the Onkaparinga River Recreation Park is your perfect destination. Nestled where the river spills onto the plains, it’s a fascinating wetland wonderland where your dog will relish exploring on a lead.

This park is not just a beautiful setting for an adventure; it’s a vital conservation area too. It safeguards an important breeding habitat for fish and is home to hundreds of native plant and animal species, some of which are rare. As you explore, you might spot some of the park’s endangered migratory birds– another key reason leads are required.

Whether you want to enjoy a leisurely walk with your dog along the wetland boardwalks, cycle on shared-use trails, or perhaps even kayak the calm waters, Onkaparinga River Recreation Park offers it all. What better way to bond with your four-legged friend than in this peaceful slice of nature?

Bring your notebook or yellow sticky reminders for your next visit, because just next door, is the Onkaparinga River National Park. While dogs aren’t permitted in this part of the reserve, it’s a must-visit for nature lovers. With cliff-top views, deep gorges, and rock-climbing opportunities, this park is an adventurer’s dream. You might catch sight of the western grey kangaroo, the common brushtail possum, or even hear the raucous cries of the yellow-tailed black cockatoo.

Soldiers Memorial Reserve

Situated centrally along the Esplanade, the Soldiers Memorial Reserve is a serene retreat where both you and your canine friend can unwind and revel in the beauty of Victor Harbor. With its stunning location on the foreshore, this reserve offers the best of coastal life while being one of our pet-friendly parks too.

The reserve is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable visit for you and your dog. Drinking fountains are conveniently placed throughout the area, making it easy for both you and your four-legged friend to stay hydrated during your escapades.

For barbecue enthusiasts, the reserve offers well-maintained BBQ facilities where you can whip up a delicious meal as your furry companion enjoys a break in the shade.

Little ones aren’t forgotten either; with a playground on site featuring both shaded and sunlit equipment, there’s something for every energetic youngster. And when it’s time for a break from the fun and games, the picnic area is a perfect spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy some quality time together.

Inman Valley

Maybe not the spot you considered when you thought of pet-friendly parks, but the walking trails of the Inman Valley are generally pet-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. This beautiful trail is home to an array of natural landmarks and diverse bird life, making it an enjoyable outing for both you and your pet. 

Just a short drive from Victor Harbor, this spot offers a mix of easy, on-leash trails for casual strolls with your pet, and challenging hikes for the more adventurous of our four-legged friends. 

With an 8-kilometre return trip, it’s a relatively easy trek that showcases a rich array of natural landmarks and an abundance of bird life. The Spring Mount Southern Walk is another laid-back trail perfect for a leisurely outing with your dog, taking approximately 45 minutes to complete.

Keeping Victor Harbor's Reserves and Beaches Dog-Friendly

Victor Harbor and the Fleurieu Peninsula are proud to offer plenty of dog-friendly areas and pet-friendly parks residents and visitors alike to enjoy. However, to ensure these spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone, there are a few rules enforced by local councils.

Leashed Dog Areas

In specific reserves and pet-friendly parks, dogs must always be held on a 2-metre leash. These include:

  • Warland Reserve
  • Soldiers Memorial Gardens
  • Soldiers Memorial Reserve
  • John Simmons Park
  • CM Thorpe Park
  • John W Crompton Jnr Reserve

Also, dogs must be held on a 2-metre leash on all streets, roads, and other public places. And for the safety and preservation of wildlife, dogs are not permitted in any public lake.

Dogs on Beaches

Victor Harbor is home to some of the best beaches on the Fleurieu Peninsula, and many are popular spots for dog walks. 

For the safety of our native flaura and fauna please follow the below Council by-laws.

The foreshore area between the Bluff and Chiton Rocks will have the following Dog leashing requirements (excluding Hindmarsh River, Inman River Estuaries and Wright Island)

Daylight Savings (October to March)

Dogs must be on-leash between 10am and 6pm during daylight savings; and

Dogs may be off leash (must be under effective control) between 6pm and 10am during daylight saving (October to March)

Non-Daylight Savings (April to September)

Dogs may be off leash (must be under effective control) during no daylight-saving time.

 

Council currently has an off leash trial from 1 September 2024 to the final day of daylight savings in March 2025.

During this period, the strip of beach along Franklin Parade, Encounter Bay between Harbor View Terrace and Oakam Street will be a 24-hour dog off leash trial area.

The strip of beach along Franklin Parade will see dogs able to explore the shoreline lead-free, provided they are under effective control from their owners.

The only exception will be on the identification of a breeding pair of hooded plovers, in which dog owners will be required to keep dogs retrained.

Welcoming you and your pets to the Fleurieu Peninsula

This beautiful little stretch of coast is a place where both people and pets can unwind and connect with the beauty of nature. Our parks and serene trails welcome you and your four-legged friends to create unforgettable memories. Remember, the area’s unique charm is best experienced when everyone respects the local guidelines, keeping it a vibrant and safe place for all.

If you’re ever uncertain about bringing your pet to a particular park or trail, reach out to the local council for tips and information that will help make your adventure absolutely… pawfect.