Many State and National Parks do not allow you to bring your dog when you visit, so it's important to check the Dog Walking Code for a full list of parks where dogs are permitted.

To find out if you can walk your dog in a specific park then check the park page in the list above.

Here are some favourite parks for dogs in and around melbourne:

• Yarra Bend Park
  The largest area of natural vegetation near the city, Yarra Bend Park has large off-lead areas for your dog, 16 km of river frontage, views from the city to the Dandenongs, and plenty of on-lead trails.
• Albert Park
  Albert Park boasts 225ha of recreational park in the heart of Melbourne. With its picturesque lake and network of trails, it offers your dog a variety of off-lead areas to run and play. It is also the home of the RSPCA Million Paws Walk every May, the number one metropolitan social event for your dog.
• Jells Park
  A suburban park with nine km of paths and trails, ha of open space, and the Dandenong Creek running through it, Jells Park is popular with both human and canine visitors. Please keep your dog on-lead and stay within the ‘dogs allowed’ areas in order to protect native wildlife including the 150 bird species that call this park home.

There are some parks that allow dogs a little further afield in Victoria. Why not reach for the lead and head for some of these?

• Macedon Regional Park
  Both you and your dog will enjoy the expansive walking tracks in this park that take in pleasant shaded picnic grounds, Messmate Gum forests, damp gullies and a variety of native plants and animals.
• Hepburn Regional Park
  The Eucalypt forests and gently undulating hills of the Hepburn Regional Park provide a lovely setting for a stroll with your dog. So next time you’re headed for the nearby attractions of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs, don’t leave the dog at home.
• You Yangs Regional Park
  The granite peaks of the You Yangs rise dramatically from the surrounding volcanic plains between Melbourne and Geelong. Explore one of the tracks that traverse the park, taking in magnificent views, or relax in one of the park’s many picnic areas.
• Bunurong Marine Park
  Explore the sandy coves and rocky headlands with your dog, along some of Victoria’s most beautiful coastline. The rugged sandstone cliffs of this park are a striking backdrop for other beach activities such as swimming and exploring rock pools. Please note that dogs are required to be on a lead at all times and are excluded from some areas of this park between the 1st of December and the 14th of April.

When enjoying a day in the park with your dog please be sure to follow these simple guidelines:

• Keep your dog on a lead unless signs advise otherwise.
• Make sure your dog is under your control at all times and not interfering with other visitors' enjoyment of the park.
• Clean up after your dog as you would in any public place.

Need further information about where you can walk your dog or take them on holiday with you throughout Victoria? Visit the Life. Be in it. Shop site where you can purchase popular publications such as "Walkies! in Victoria" and "Holidaying with Dogs".

Enjoy being healthy with your dog. Don't forget to read the Dog Walking Code