DOGS AT VAUCLUSE HOUSE AND GROUNDS

This 10-hectare historic site of gardens, parkland and bush is managed by the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales (HHT) to provide safe, healthy and pleasant recreational opportunities for all members of the public. Approximately 200,000 visitors use the gardens and grounds each year.

Dogs that are accompanied by their owners or carers are welcome in selected parts of the Vaucluse House estate at times determined by the HHT. Responsible dog ownership means accepting full responsibility for your dog and its needs. It also entails meeting the dog management standards required by the Historic Houses Trust’s Conditions of Entry, HHT staff and our community as expressed in the Companion Animals Act (1998) No 87.

The Companion Animals Act and its regulations introduced new standards of care for dogs and imposed duties and responsibilities on their owners. The Act requires that a dog must wear a collar around its neck with a tag identifying its name as well as the name, address and telephone number of its owner. The Act prohibits dogs from a range of areas for public health and safety reasons.

The HHT is able to control, restrict and prevent access to dogs and their owners through its Conditions of Entry, with which all visitors to Vaucluse House and its grounds must comply. Zones and times of access are shown on the site map overleaf. Leashed dogs are permitted at all times in the areas shown in green and only within the specified times the beach paddock (dotted area on map). Dogs are not permitted in the areas marked blue. These arrangements apply from 29 November 2005.

Woollahra Municipal Council’s brochure, People and Pets Flip Guide is a useful guide to owning a companion animal in Woollahra Municipality and provides information on where dogs are permitted on- and off-leash in the local area. This information is also available on the council’s website, www.woollahra.nsw.gov.au.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

The Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales is not responsible for the actions of dogs in the grounds of Vaucluse House. Dog owners and carers must comply with the following:

• Except where otherwise provided by the HHT, dogs must be under effective care and at all times be leashed
• Dog droppings must be immediately removed by the owners and carers
• A person is permitted to walk a maximum of four dogs
• Restricted zones and times within the Vaucluse House grounds are to be observed
• People breaching the Act are required to state their correct name and address if requested by an authorised officer, for example, a member of Vaucluse House staff, or a police officer. Dog owners and carers shall indemnify the HHT and its staff from and against all actions, claims, costs and expenses for which the HHT and its staff shall be liable in respect of any incidents involving the dogs of the owners and carers. The HHT has the right to eject people from the grounds of Vaucluse House or refuse entry to anyone who fails to comply with the requirements of the HHT and its staff in respect of the management of their dogs.

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

For many people, owning a dog is a great joy. Being a responsible dog owner means ensuring your dog is registered, trained, healthy and safe and does not create a nuisance to other members of the community.

Having your dog well trained is important not only for your own enjoyment and peace of mind, but also for the safety and comfort of your dog, other people and other animals. It is important that your dog responds quickly to commands.

Remember that you are sharing the grounds of Vaucluse House with many different users. Not everyone is comfortable when approached by unfamiliar dogs. This may be particularly true of children and elderly people. Please do not give people an excuse to complain.

Dog waste is also an issue. It is unsightly, smelly and can be a health risk. It is important you take responsibility for collecting your dog’s waste.

LOCAL PARKS

Unleashed dogs are permitted at all times in the following local parks:

• Yarranabbe Park, Darling Point
• North end of Steyne Park, Double Bay
• Lighthouse Reserve, Vaucluse

Unleashed dogs are permitted in the following local parks before 8.30am and after 4.30pm:

• Rushcutters Bay Park, Rushcutters Bay
• Lough Playing Fields, Double Bay
• Dumaresq Reserve, Rose Bay (water access)
• Lyne Park, Rose Bay
• Christison Park, Vaucluse

For information on Vaucluse House dog policy, please click here for the dog policy pdf.