Melbourne dog parks

St Kilda West Beach, on the western side of St Kilda's foreshore near the marina, is one of the City of Port Phillip beaches where dogs are permitted off-leash at all times of year, unlike most of the municipality's beaches which restrict off-leash access to the cooler months. The neighbouring native grass dune habitat is closed to dogs, on or off leash, to protect the vegetation. It sits within walking distance of St Kilda's cafes, restaurants and the St Kilda Pier precinct.

Off-leash hours: 24 hours, year-round (dogs must stay off the native grass dune habitat at all times)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

The stretch of Port Melbourne Beach next to Lagoon Pier is a permanent off-leash area, open to dogs at all times rather than only outside the summer restriction period that applies elsewhere on this beach. The foreshore has walking and bike paths, with public toilets located between the Station Pier car park and the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club.

Off-leash hours: 24 hours, year-round (permanent off-leash area next to Lagoon Pier)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Sandridge Beach in Garden City, Port Melbourne, looks back toward the Melbourne skyline and has a dog off-leash area next to it that operates year-round. Dogs are not permitted in the adjoining Perce White Reserve, which is managed as a coastal nature reserve. The beach is close to the Beacon Cove dining strip and the Sandridge Life Saving Club.

Off-leash hours: 24 hours, year-round (permanent off-leash area next to the beach; dogs not permitted at adjoining Perce White Reserve)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Thomas Oval Dog Park, opened in 2022 at the southern end of Como Park beside the Yarra River, was Stonnington's first purpose-built off-leash dog park. It is fully fenced with separate sections for large and small dogs, and its official facility list includes drinking fountains, a dog waste bag dispenser, toilets and paved walking trails. The Kanteen cafe overlooks the river nearby on Alexandra Avenue.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction stated (fully fenced off-leash park; check on-site signage)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Gilpin Park in Brunswick has a natural bush setting crossed by granitic walking paths and includes an enclosed dog park added in 2018, with a dual-gate entry and signage setting out the rules for the fenced area. Merri-bek council does not supply dog-waste bags at its off-leash areas, so owners need to bring their own. A playground with picnic and barbecue facilities sits in the park's north-east corner.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction (check on-site signage; off-leash only within the fenced area)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Richards Reserve in Coburg North combines the Coburg Velodrome, a soccer pitch, a BMX track and circuit paths with a fenced off-leash dog area, connected by a shared path to Bakers Road and Charles Street. As with other Merri-bek off-leash areas, the council does not provide dog-waste bags on site, so owners should carry their own.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction (check on-site signage; off-leash only within the fenced area)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Kingsford Smith Ulm Reserve in Glenroy pairs a nature play space with a fenced off-leash dog area, and connects via a DDA-compliant shared path down to the Moonee Ponds Creek trail. Parking is available in the car park area built alongside the 2016 playground upgrade. Merri-bek does not supply dog-waste bags here, so owners need to bring their own.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction (check on-site signage; off-leash only within the fenced area)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Gordon Barnard Reserve in Balwyn North has a dedicated fenced off-lead dog area between the reserve's east oval and the Boroondara Sports Complex. It is open every day during daylight hours, except on Thursdays from 7am to 8:30am when it closes for maintenance. Three car parks serve the reserve, off Carrington Street, Belmore Road and Balwyn Road.

Off-leash hours: Daylight hours daily, except Thursday 7am-8:30am (closed then for maintenance)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Curtain Square, in the Rathdowne Street shopping strip of Carlton North, has a fully enclosed dog run where dogs can be off-leash; they must stay on-lead within 10 metres of the adjoining playground, where dogs are not allowed at all. The square is wheelchair accessible and has an accessible toilet.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction (check on-site signage; off-leash only within the fenced dog run)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Barbara Beyer Reserve, on the corner of Whitehall and Harris Streets within the Yarraville Gardens Precinct, is designated as an off-leash area for dogs at all times. The wider precinct has public toilets and sealed paths; dogs must stay at least 30 metres from the precinct's playground.

Off-leash hours: 24 hours, year-round (Barbara Beyer Reserve component of the precinct is off-lead at all times)

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Macleay Park is a Balwyn North sports venue with a designated off-leash dog area. Council lists a drinking fountain, parking and toilets among its public facilities; dogs need to leave the ovals when training or matches are taking place.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction stated; ovals must be cleared during organised sport.

Last verified: 2026-09-12

Hislop Park is a Balwyn North park with a designated off-leash dog area. Council lists public toilets and a barbecue, playground and basketball half-court, while angle parking is available on Albury Road.

Off-leash hours: No time restriction stated; check on-site signage and sporting-use conditions.

Last verified: 2026-09-12