Sharing our shores this Summer
Published on 05 December 2025
Summer is officially here, and so are the long beach days, morning dog walks and warm evenings along our coastline. With more people enjoying the Surf Coast at this time of year, it’s a good moment to check in on how we can all share these spaces safely with each other, and with the wildlife that calls this place home.
A summer refresh on dog-friendly beaches
Our beaches have now shifted into their usual summer access arrangements. Some spots welcome dogs at certain times of day, while others are on-lead or dog-free to give everyone - and every activity - some room.
If you’re planning a beach walk with your four-legged mate, it’s easy to check what applies where:
Surf Coast Dog Restriction Map: Where to walk your dogs - Surf Coast Shire
And wherever you go, keeping dogs under effective control helps make the coast more enjoyable for everyone. If your dog doesn’t come straight back when called, just pop the lead on for the rest of the walk.
Share Our Shores: working together over summer
With the Surf Coast at its busiest, we’re once again joining Surf Coast Shire Council for our Share Our Shores summer patrols. Think of it as a friendly on-ground presence — helping people find the right areas for dog walking, offering advice, keeping an eye on busy spots and supporting safer, cleaner beaches.
Patrols run from Boxing Day to the end of February, and again across Easter, focusing on:
- Helping beachgoers understand dog access zones
- Supporting wildlife protection, including Hooded Plovers
- Encouraging responsible camping, litter management and safe coastal use
- It’s all about helping people enjoy the coast in the best possible way.
Looking out for Hooded Plovers
Summer is also an important time for Hooded Plovers, the small, vulnerable shorebirds that nest right on the sand. Their eggs and chicks are incredibly well camouflaged and easy to disturb, which is why some beaches have seasonal dog-free areas or gentle detours around known nests.
You can lend a hand by:
- Giving nests and signed areas plenty of space
- Keeping dogs on-lead in shared wildlife zones
- Sticking closer to the waterline where it’s safer for hoodies
These small choices make a big difference.
A coast we all care for
Whether you're walking your dog, catching a wave or simply enjoying the summer sunshine, thank you for helping keep the Surf Coast welcoming, safe and thriving for everyone, people, pets and wildlife alike.