Off-leash laws in Australia: how each state compares
25 October 2026 · 7 min read
Almost everywhere in Australia, your dog must be on a lead in public unless a sign says otherwise. The details, including where off-leash is allowed, how long your lead can be and what you pay when you get it wrong, are set by states and councils, and they differ a lot. Here is how the rules compare.
What a fine can cost
These are minimum fines for letting a dog off-leash or not keeping it under control, as listed by Compare the Market in September 2026. For some states the figures come from specific councils, so what you pay can differ. SA, the ACT and the NT do not have a comparable figure in that list.
Queensland's own Noosa Council page lists the on-the-spot fine for not keeping a dog under effective control as $834 from 31 July 2024, so the amount varies by year and source. Source: Compare the Market.
The rules, state by state
New South Wales
Companion Animals Act 1998Dogs must be on a leash in public places unless the area is a designated off-leash area, and you must be able to restrain them. Dogs are banned from children’s play areas (keep at least 10m from play equipment), patrolled beaches, public swimming areas, school grounds and food areas, and some national parks.
Source: Nambucca Valley CouncilVictoria
Domestic Animals Act 1994, council ordersCouncils decide where dogs can be off lead. Everywhere else dogs must stay on a lead. Off-lead reserves require you to carry a lead and keep voice or hand control. Typical rules keep dogs off ovals, playgrounds and picnic areas (often 20m away from fixed equipment), and they are not permitted in national parks.
Source: Yarra Ranges CouncilQueensland
Animal Management (Cats and Dogs) Act 2008Dogs must be on a leash unless they are in a designated off-leash area, which councils set in local laws and mark with signs. If you cannot find off-leash signage, your dog must be on a leash. Voice control counts as effective control only in an off-leash area, during training or at an exhibition or race.
Source: Noosa CouncilWestern Australia
Dog Act 1976 and local lawsCouncils set dog exercise areas, where dogs can be off lead. Outside them, dogs must be held on a leash in places such as car parks, footpaths and thoroughfares. Councils can also ban dogs entirely from some beaches, conservation areas and playgrounds.
Source: City of NedlandsSouth Australia
Dog and Cat Management Act 1995Outside off-leash areas, a dog must be restrained on a lead no longer than 2 metres and supervised. Off-leash is only allowed in designated parks or reserves, and the owner must have effective control by voice command.
Source: City of BurnsideTasmania
Dog Control Act 2000In built-up areas, including roads, footpaths, nature strips and public tracks, dogs must be on a lead of 2m or less. Outside built-up areas dogs may be off lead if you keep control. Councils designate off-lead areas, and dogs are generally not allowed in Tasmania’s national parks and nature reserves.
Source: Huon Valley CouncilAustralian Capital Territory
Domestic Animals Act 2000Dogs must be kept on a leash on public land unless otherwise indicated. Streets, verges, footpaths, cycle paths and horse trails, including 10m either side, are on-leash, and so are lakes unless signposted. Off-leash areas include dog parks, sportsgrounds (outside formal sport) and designated dog beaches. Dogs must be under effective control at all times.
Source: ACT City ServicesNorthern Territory
Council by-lawsWe could not confirm a statewide rule from an official source. Local councils such as Darwin set leash and off-leash areas, and pets are generally not permitted in NT parks and reserves, with a few exceptions such as walking tracks and the Darwin Botanic Gardens.
Source: NT GovernmentSome of these summaries come from a single council's page describing state law, so they are a guide rather than legal advice, and your own council may add rules. Check your council's website and the signs at the park.
Effective control, in plain English
Every state expects the same thing: your dog stays close, in sight, and comes back the moment you call, even when something exciting appears. The ACT, Queensland, Tasmania and SA all use the phrase "effective control". If your dog does not reliably recall, keep it on a lead, even in an off-leash park. Pick up after your dog everywhere. Failing to do so carries its own fine in most states.
Find a place to let them run
PupFriendly lists off-leash parks, beaches and fenced dog parks across the country.