Belmont Dog Park

Belmont Dog Park is a fully fenced off-leash park at 162 Barrabool Road, tucked under the Settlement Road bridge on the edge of the Barwon River in Geelong. The split layout is what sets it apart: a large active area for confident dogs and a separate passive area for small, shy or older dogs, so you are never forced to mix a nervous dog in with the boisterous crowd.

The rules

Dogs run off-lead inside the fence at any time of day as long as they are under effective control, and they go back on lead the moment you step outside the perimeter. Council rules expect you to stay inside supervising, carry a lead, and keep your dog from rushing other dogs or people. Bag dispensers are provided on site, and the double-gate entries are worth a beat of patience while your dog settles before you release them into the main area.

What's there

The active side has a sandpit, tunnels and small agility obstacles, water stations, benches and shade structures, with on-site toilets and free off-street parking at Belmont Park. The passive side gets less cover, which matters on a hot afternoon. The bridge overhead shelters parts of the park from rain, a genuine plus in a Geelong winter, though the riverside ground can turn muddy after rain, so a towel in the car earns its spot.

Getting there

The park is easiest by car, with off-street parking at Belmont Park. Buses run along High Street but leave a moderate walk to Barrabool Road. Sunday mornings are the busiest stretch; evenings and off-peak weekdays are quieter if your dog prefers space, and in summer aim early or late because open sections sit in full sun.

Make a day of it

The park connects to the Barwon River Loop, a long riverside path that works for an on-lead warm up or cool down. For coffee afterwards, WoodHouse Cafe, Lavish Specialty Coffee and Bilby are all within five minutes by car with dog-friendly outdoor seating.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly parks guide and the Belmont destination page.