PAPP fox baiting active in National Park: dogs will die
PAPP poison baiting is active from Portsea Ocean Beach through Greens Bush until October 2026. Dogs are not permitted in any Mornington Peninsula National Park area, including Cape Schanck walking tracks, Bushrangers Bay, Greens Bush, and Point Nepean. Antidote: methylene blue. Contact a vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.
The best dog walk is usually the one that suits the day, the dog, and the level of effort you actually want. That tends to mean less attention to hero scenery and more attention to access, leash logic, mud, heat, water, and what happens after the walk.
One boundary matters above everything else: the Mornington Peninsula National Park prohibits dogs entirely and currently has an active poison baiting programme. Any walk inside the National Park (Cape Schanck, Bushrangers Bay, Gunnamatta, the ocean beach corridor, Greens Bush) is not an option with a dog.
Briars Park (Briars Community Forest), Mt Martha
Briars Park is one of the most useful dog-walking assets on the Peninsula. A large Shire-managed property at Mt Martha with bushland and paddock walking tracks including off-leash designated areas.
Practical, dog-first, and large enough to justify the drive if you need a substantial run in natural terrain. Wildlife includes echidnas, kangaroos, and woodland birds. The scale absorbs active dogs that need more than a foreshore stroll.
Access: Off Nepean Highway, Mt Martha. Verify current off-leash zones at the entrance signage; Shire rules apply and are updated periodically.
Foreshore paths, bay side
The Port Phillip Bay foreshore path runs in sections along the bay between towns. On-leash, Shire-managed, and viable in all seasons.
Mornington foreshore walk: from Mornington Pier south along Schnapper Point. Flat, bay views, connects to the township. Works as a post-beach morning walk or an evening stretch.
Safety Beach foreshore: flat foreshore between Safety Beach and Martha Cove. Connects naturally to Tassells Cove (year-round off-leash) without needing to drive between stops.
Rosebud foreshore: extensive parklands with BBQs and playground. Good for a longer on-leash walk with a rest break built in.
Sorrento front beach foreshore: bay-side path, flat, village-accessible. On-leash; prohibited from sand 9am–7pm during daylight saving.
Hinterland and reserve walks
Red Hill / Main Ridge area: several farm tracks and reserve walks run through the hinterland. On-leash. This zone pairs well with a cellar-door visit at the confirmed dog-friendly wineries nearby (Stonier, Main Ridge Estate, Red Hill Brewery).
Balnarring foreshore and wetlands: Western Port side. Tidal flats, birdwatching, flat terrain. On-leash. Quieter than the bay-side beaches.
Somers foreshore: flat foreshore access east of Somers Yacht Club connects to the year-round off-leash zone.
Combination walk structures
Morning walk + beach off-leash: Briars Park for an off-leash run, then drive to Tassells Cove (Safety Beach) for a bay swim. Both in the northern bay zone. Budget 2–3 hours.
Village walk + pub or café: Flinders village has a flat foreshore circuit and beach access at the Western Port north end (Flinders Beach: off-leash year-round between Dodds Creek and Manton Creek). Combine with Flinders Hotel beer garden or Georgie Bass outdoor seating.
Hinterland + winery: Briars Park in the morning, drive to Stonier Wines (Merricks) or Main Ridge Estate (Red Hill, must pre-book with dog) for a 12pm cellar door visit. Both confirmed dog-friendly.
What to bring
Water. Carry it. Most access points don’t have taps. Off-leash beach sessions deplete dogs faster than road walking.
Bags. Council foreshore and reserve areas have bins but not always bag dispensers.
Timing for heat. Summer: walk before 9am or after 7pm. Peninsula summer heat between 11am and 4pm is dangerous for dogs with limited shade.
Emergency contact. Know the nearest vet before you need it.
→ Emergency vet and pet help on the Mornington Peninsula
Last fact-verified: 22 April 2026.
Business update or correction? Let us know: corrections@peninsulainsider.com.au
Questions readers actually ask
FAQ
Where can I walk my dog on the Mornington Peninsula?
Dogs are welcome on leash on all council-managed foreshore paths and beaches (subject to the 9am–7pm summer restriction on the sand itself). The six year-round off-leash beaches also allow off-leash running. Dogs are NOT permitted anywhere in the Mornington Peninsula National Park — this covers all ocean beaches, Cape Schanck, Bushrangers Bay, Greens Bush, and Point Nepean.
Can I walk my dog at Cape Schanck or Bushrangers Bay?
No. Both Cape Schanck's walking tracks and the Bushrangers Bay walk are inside the Mornington Peninsula National Park, where dogs are not permitted. PAPP fox baiting is also active in this area until October 2026, making it a genuine life-safety issue for dogs.
What is Briars Park and is it dog-friendly?
Briars Park (Briars Community Forest) at Mt Martha is one of the most practical dog-walking assets on the Peninsula — a large Shire-managed property with bushland and paddock walking tracks that include off-leash zones. Verify current off-leash area boundaries at park entrance signage before releasing the lead.