Tail-wagging times ahead as Andrews government splashes cash on dog-friendly hangouts.
The Victorian government is throwing nearly $5 million at new dog parks across the state, giving our four-legged mates more spaces to zoom around, make friends and generally live their best dog lives.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos dropped the woof-worthy news that 26 new and upgraded dog parks are coming our way as part of the second round of the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program.
Dog Parks Program
- Announced March 28, 2025
- 26 new and upgraded parks
- $4.9 million investment
- Construction completed by end of 2026
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These puppy playgrounds won’t be your basic, bone-dry fields either – we’re talking dedicated play zones, drinking fountains for humans and hounds alike, proper fencing, shelters for when Melbourne decides to dump all four seasons on you in an hour, and bins (because we all know what happens after walkies).
Yarraville’s McIvor Reserve is one of the lucky spots scoring a $100k glow-up for its off-lead area. The cash splash means a bigger fenced area, fancy new dog agility equipment for the athletic types, fresh walking paths, and park benches where owners can chill while their furry friends socialise.
This latest announcement adds to the 19 dog park projects already happening around Melbourne and Geelong from the first funding round. It’s all part of the Labor government’s $20.8 million investment in dog parks and other recreational spaces.
The goal? Creating more open spaces where families and their pets can get outdoors without having to trek to the middle of nowhere. Perfect for those Sunday arvo hangouts when you and your pooch both need to shake off the weekend cobwebs.
For the dedicated dog spotters among us, 50 dog parks have already been completed across Victoria, stretching from the western suburbs of Werribee all the way to Portland on the coast and Mildura up north.
“We’re ensuring that Victorians – two and four-legged alike – have more opportunities to connect, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors,” Dimopoulos said, clearly understanding the joy of watching a happy dog go absolutely bonkers in a wide open space.
“These dogs parks cater for all kinds of pooches, whether they want to test their agility, socialise with their furry friends or take it slow in the seniors section, there is something for every dog and its owner.”
Williamstown MP Melissa Horne added that locals love having dedicated spaces where their fur babies can run free safely – because we all know that moment of panic when your untrained hound spots a picnic in a regular park.
For more info on where to take your good boy or girl next, head here.
