Heathcote Dog Park

Heathcote Dog Park is a fully fenced off-leash reserve at 26 Herriot Street, about 500 metres from the Heathcote town centre, with separate sections for large and small dogs and a water trough that earns its keep through summer.

The dog setup

The park is completely enclosed with double-gated entry and is wheelchair accessible. Inside there is open grass with a walking path, a few small hills, agility tunnels, benches and a drinking fountain alongside the concrete trough. Pick the large or small dog side that matches your dog; it keeps play calmer for everyone.

Fence or no fence, dogs must be under effective control, so carry a leash for the walk in and out. Clean up straight away: bags are sometimes stocked at the gate but bring your own as backup. Two council-specific rules worth knowing: bitches in season cannot enter while other dogs are present, and greyhounds must stay on-lead in all City of Greater Bendigo off-leash areas under Section 27 of the Domestic Animals Act.

Worth knowing

Shelter is limited, so a hot or wet day changes the experience. The large dog side holds water after rain, which some dogs love and others will track home.

Max: check the low ground before you clip the lead off. After rain the big dog side turns to mud, so pack a towel in the car.

Getting there

Herriot Street runs off High Street, with easy parking nearby. The park backs onto the O'Keefe Rail Trail, so it works well as a stop for anyone walking or cycling the route between Heathcote and Bendigo. Note the trail itself is on-lead; the fence line is where off-leash starts and ends. Mornings and late afternoons draw the regulars, so midday is your quiet window.

Close by with the dogs

The Heathcote dog off-leash park is the town's other listed option, and The Coffeehouse on the main strip makes a natural stop after. Staying over? Heathcote Retreat Motel and Heathcote Queen Meadow Caravan Park both take dogs.

More options are on the Victoria dog park guide and the Heathcote destination page.