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e Karkarook ParkDear Dog Owner

Visitor Guide

Thank you for visiting Karkarook Park - responsible dog owners and their dogs are

always welcome! As one of Melbourne’s newest parks, Karkarook Park is designed

as a recreation and conservation area. There is plenty of space for you to walk, play

and relax with your dog, but you must follow a few simple rules to ensure that you,

your dog and other visitors enjoy their visit to the park.

Avoiding complaintsMost complaints received by park staff concern unrestrained dogs, dog droppings and, most serious of all, dog attacks on wildlife. All these complaints can be avoided by responsible dog owners who follow the rules below.

1. Keep your dog on a leash

Dogs must be restrained on a leash at all times within Karkarook Park, except in the designated off-leash area. With your dog on a leash, you can control where it goes and what it eats or drinks, helping ensure its safety and health.

Unleashed dogs may:

• pose a danger to other dogs

• scare or injure children and other park visitors

• disturb and harm wildlife

• be bitten by a snake

2. Dogs and wildlife don't mix

Karkarook Park is becoming an important site for native birds. Significant species such asBlue-billed Ducks and Latham’s snipe have been recorded at the park. Dogs can attack adult birds and chicks, and disturb nests. It is very important that dogs do not interfere with them or their habitat.

Unattended or loose dogs in the park (other than in the off-leash area) should be reported to rangers immediately. Please phone 13 1963 if a ranger is not in sight.

3. Off-leash area

There is one designated “off-leash” area in Karkarook Park. This is clearly signed and located in the large open area near Fairchild St.

If your dog is off leash in this area, you must remain in effective voice or hand control at all times to ensure that your dog does not cause problems for other people or animals within the park. You must also carry a leash with you.

4. Clean up after your dog

Dog droppings eventually find their way into waterways and finally into our bays.

Responsible dog owners carry plastic bags to clean up and take away any droppings. This significantly reduces the environmental and health risks associated with dog droppings.

Dogs are meat eaters whose instinct is to hunt and kill.

Further informationThank you for taking responsibility for your dog and complying with park rules. We appreciate your cooperation and hope you and your dog enjoy your visit to Karkarook Park.

For further information, or to contact a ranger, please call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.

For more information call the Parks Victoria Information Centreon 13 1963 or visit our website at www.parkweb.vic.gov.au