As a general rule, dogs and other pets and not allowed into Tasmania's national parks and nature reserves. This is for a number of reasons, but it is primarily to protect our native wildlife. These areas provide refuge for many species that are rare, endangered or confined to Tasmania.
Despite the nature of your pet, their presence can be disruptive to our wildlife for a number of reasons:
- Our wildlife is vulnerable to the predation, disturbance and disease that dogs may cause.
- Barking or scents are enough to scare away native wildlife, spread disease and attract other dogs which may invade from surrounding locales.
- Escaped pets can become feral and pose a major threat to many native species.
Assistance dogs
Trained assistance dogs for vision and hearing impaired people are permitted in national parks. Please carry identification with you. For other assistance dogs such as guide dogs in training, please contact the local Parks office before you head out.
Where can you visit with dogs?
There are a number of conservation areas, regional reserves and nature recreation areas around the state where you may take dogs but not national parks. Some council-managed reserves allow dogs in some areas. Signage at the different locations will let you know if the area is on or off leash, as well as any seasonal restrictions to dog access. Please remove and appropriately dispose of your dog's faeces.
Below is a list of reserves and camping sites where dogs permitted with some restrictions:
Bay of Fires Conservation Area
Dogs can be taken on-lead and on designated walking tracks only within the Bay of Fires Conservation Area. Full details and the dog zone map can be found via the Break O'Day Council.
Coal Mines Historic Site
Dogs can be taken to the Coal Mines Historic Site dogs and must remain on-lead, but dogs are not permitted at nearby Lime Bay State Reserve.
Coles Bay Conservation Area The area is a mix of on and off-lead areas, as well as prohibited zones. (Dogs are not permitted in nearby Freycinet National Park.) Full details can be found via the
Glamorgan Spring Bay Council.
Coningham Nature Recreation AreaThe area is a mix of on and off-lead areas. The area is also used by horse riders, it is expected that dog walkers move aside for horse-riders to pass to avoid disturbing the horse.
Eaglehawk Neck Historic SiteThe area is a mix of on and off-lead areas.
Evercreech
Dogs can be taken to Evercreech on-lead.
Goblin Forest Walk
Dogs can be taken to the Goblin Forest Walk on-lead.
Esperance River Picnic AreaDogs can be taken to Esperence River Picnic Area off-lead, provided they stay close to their owners and are under effective control at all times.
Hogarth FallsDogs can be taken to Hogarth Falls but must be on-lead and stay on designated walking tracks only.
HollybankDogs can be taken to Hollybank and are only permitted on-lead.
Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area
Dogs can be taken to Kate Reed Nature Recreation Area and do need to remain on-lead at all times to ensure the safety of other track users.
loontitetermairrelehoinerDogs can be taken to loontitetermairrelehoiner on-lead except from 15th September to 15th of April, dogs are not permitted on the track between dusk and dawn due to nesting shorebirds.
Montezuma FallsDogs can be taken to Montezuma Falls dogs on-lead, but it is unsafe for pets to drink from or swim in the creeks due to heavy metals from historic mining.
Peter Murrell ReservesDogs on-lead can be taken to the Recherche Bay Nature Recreation Area campgrounds and are allowed on some beaches where signed.
Tahune Airwalk
Dogs can be taken to Tahune Airwalk and must remain on-lead.
Trevallyn Nature Recreation AreaOn-lead dog walking is allowed is some areas of the Trevallyn Nature Recreation Area. There are maps on-site that show the different areas available to dog owners.
Camping with dogs
There are a number of reserves with campgrounds that allow for dogs to visit, provided they are well-controlled and on-lead in the appropriate areas.