Dog walking
For dogs, Wellington Park is the stuff of dreams – space, smells and sticks! However there are a few obedience guidelines to ensure Park values are protected.
In designated areas, detailed in the Dog access information sheet, dogs are permitted on–lead. The lower foothills of the Hobart and Glenorchy sections of the Park include walking tracks and fire trails for dog walking. At the Pinnacle dogs are only permitted if confined in vehicles.
Dog walkers are reminded to keep their dogs on–lead (max 2m long) at all times in the Park to protect the experience of other visitors and local wildlife. It is a legal responsibility to keep dogs under control in public places.
A few years ago a dead platypus was found in the Park at the bottom of O’Grady’s Falls. A post mortem revealed the young female’s chest had been crushed. Expert advice implied that feral cats were likely to maul the body and that the injuries evident were consistent with a dog attack.
Even well behaved dogs off lead can run ahead of their owners and inadvertently injure or kill wildlife.
Wellington Park is protected for its natural values, including habitat for wildlife. Local bettongs, bandicoots, quolls and lizards are threatened by unrestrained dogs. Please respect the native wildlife and keep dogs on lead at all times.
Information is available on off–lead dog exercising areas in Hobart and off–lead dog exercising areas in Glenorchy.
Dogs are not permitted in Wellington Park picnic areas unless travelling to or from tracks where dog walking is permitted.
Dog walkers should be aware that dog walking trails are used by other visitors. Cyclists may be sharing tracks with you and your dog, particularly on fire trails, the Pipeline Track and Radfords Track.
Please scoop all poop. Dog faeces encourage weed growth by enriching the soil and are extremely offensive to other visitors – especially when stepped in! Abandoned dog bogs may contaminate nearby waterways and drinking water supplies.
Authorised Officers frequent Wellington Park and may issue on–the–spot fines for dog walking offences.
