Dogs and other pets in national parks and reserves
As is true of most national parks across Australia and the world, dogs and other pets are not allowed into Tasmania's national parks and conservation reserves, not even on a lead or within your car.
Of course, dogs are allowed in cars travelling on roads which pass through national parks, such as the Lyell Highway, but are not allowed out of the car.
Why aren't dogs allowed in national parks and reserves?
One of the major functions of national parks and conservation reserves is to protect Tasmania's native wildlife. They provide refuge for many species that are rare, endangered or confined to Tasmania.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed into national parks and reserves 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.
What about Assistance Dogs?
Assistance dogs, or dogs that provide support for people with disabilities, are an exception to the regulations and are allowed to accompany their handlers into national parks and reserves in Tasmania. If possible, Parks and Wildlife Service staff should be advised of the dog’s presence on entry. See our Office Contact List.
Where can I take my dog?
There are many places throughout the State outside national parks and conservation reserves where dogs are allowed.
Forestry Tasmania reserves are managed for multiple uses, and allow dogs. Full details of these can be found on the Forestry Tasmania web site, at www.tasforestrytourism.com.au
Dogs are allowed in some reserves, such as parts of Mt Wellington, which are managed by local councils. Please contact the local council for details of where you can take dogs.
Below is a list of some camping sites where dogs and other pets are welcome:
| South-east
|
| Lagoons Beach Coastal Reserve Camping Area |
North of Chain of lagoons, east of St Marys |
| Mayfield Bay Coastal Reserve |
15 km south of Swansea |
| Lake Leake Camping Area |
Lake Leake |
| Little Beach Coastal Reserve |
East of St Marys |
| Little Swanport River Reserve |
Small site on Little Swanport River |
| Moulting Lagoon Game Reserve – River & Rocks Camping Area |
Access via Coles Bay Road |
| Nine Mile Beach Coastal Reserve |
2 km north of Swansea via Dolphin Sands Rd |
| Oatlands Overnight Bay |
Oatlands |
| South
|
| Arve Forest Drive |
|
| Cygnet Caravan Park |
Mary Street Cygnet |
| Hastings Forest Drive Picnic Area |
|
| North-east
|
|
North East Park Campground
|
Scottsdale |
| Myrtle Park recreation Ground |
30 km South of Scottsdale |
| Scamander Forest Reserve |
13.5 km west of Beaumaris |
| Ringarooma Coastal Reserve |
20km NE of Gladstone |
| Saddleback Plantation |
8 – 10 km west of Mathinna |
| Gladstone Hall Camping Area |
Gladstone |
| Cascade State Reserve |
Derby |
| Bellingham Coastal reserve |
27 km west of Bridport |
| Waterhouse Conservation Area |
8 separate areas, 25 km east of Bridport |
| Weldborough Hotel Camping Area |
Weldborough |