Hastings Foreshore Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

The Hastings Foreshore Reserve off-leash area is a grassy strip on the eastern side of Marine Parade between Hodgins Road and Church Street, right on the edge of Western Port at 91 Marine Parade. It is an easy town-side run at any hour, with open lawn, mature trees for shade and the tidal bay alongside.

The rules

Dogs are off-leash only in the signed grassed section between Hodgins Road and Church Street, and only under effective voice control, within sight at all times. The Mornington Peninsula Shire's dog rules put the surrounding walking paths, car parks and jetty areas back on lead, and dogs must be on lead within 20 metres of playgrounds and organised sport.

The area is not fenced, so recall matters, and carry bags because bins are provided and fines apply if you do not pick up.

The water

The bay here is tidal. At high tide there is direct water access, and at low tide it drops back to wide mudflats, messy but popular with dogs who like a wallow. Rinse off afterwards if you can, and a water tap with a bowl sits near the car park.

Max: if your dog is shy of crowds, the Church Street end is usually quieter than the busy jetty entrance, especially on sunny weekend mornings.

Getting there

Access is off Marine Parade opposite the town centre, with parking running along the road, and Hastings station on the Stony Point line is a 10 to 15 minute walk away.

Close by with the dogs

Coffee sits close in every direction: Steamin Mugs and Beach-Hut Cafe both take dogs at outdoor tables, and Pelikan Société by Pelican Park keeps a dog-friendly outdoor area.

For a fenced run instead of an open field, Cypress-Samuel Reserve Fenced Dog Park is the township's enclosed option.

More sand sits on the Victoria dog friendly beaches guide and the Hastings destination page.

When to go

Come early on a weekday for a calm run, and aim for a rising tide if your dog likes the water rather than the mud. Summer weekends bring the foreshore events and markets, so check what is on before you count on the space.