St Helens Park

On the Corio Bay shore in North Geelong, St Helens Park pairs a waterfront path with a small boat harbour, open lawns and Osborne House looking down from the cliff above. Dogs are welcome, but only on a lead.

Lead rules

The City of Greater Geelong treats the park as an on-lead area. Dogs must also stay at least 10 metres from the playground and from anyone using the barbecues or picnic settings.

The walk

A constructed path follows the rocky shoreline past the launching harbour, where anglers cast from the rocks. It is easy going, and it links into the longer northern Geelong waterfront if you want to keep walking.

Scattered mature trees and a rotunda give some shade on the lawns, but parts of the path and the sand are fully exposed.

Getting started

Car and boat-trailer parking sits by the St Helens Boat Ramp, with public toilets in the same precinct and bins throughout. There is no dedicated dog water point, so bring a bowl and a bottle, since the bay is salt water.

Max: Trailers reversing down the ramp and fishing lines on the rocks both call for a short lead as you pass the harbour.

Make a day of it

Ellen's Cafe North Shore is the local coffee stop, and Seagull Paddock Dog Park is there for a dog with energy left over.

In summer, walk early before the sun reaches the unshaded stretches. It suits dogs that stay calm on a lead around people, boats and families.