Peterborough Walking Track

Most of the Port Campbell coast is off limits to dogs, which is exactly why the Peterborough Walking Track matters. This clifftop path sits in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park at Peterborough, just along the Great Ocean Road, and dogs are welcome on a leash.

Leads and the shorebirds

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority manages the park alongside Parks Victoria. Keep your dog leashed on the track at all times.

Some nearby beaches carry extra restrictions, especially in the hooded plover nesting season. Keep dogs away from the high-tide line and dune edges when signs are up.

The walk

The path is compacted gravel in good condition, running over open heathland above the Southern Ocean. It passes several lookouts, Worm Bay and the Falls of Halladale wreck site at Halladale Point.

There is almost no shade and the wind comes straight off the water. Carry drinking water and a bowl for the dog, and bags, because bins are mostly back near the car parks and town.

Max: This is cliff country with a sheer drop at the edge. A short lead near the lookouts is the only sensible setting.

When to go

Pick a calm, mild day, early or late. Parking is near the golf course, the town centre and the Halladale Point and Worm Bay lookouts.