Fully fenced dog parks in Melbourne

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