Understanding Boroondara’s Dog Park Regulations

Before exploring specific parks, understanding local regulations ensures enjoyable, responsible park use for everyone.

Key regulations include:

• Dogs must be registered with Boroondara Council
• Dogs must be on-leash except in designated off-leash areas
• Off-leash times vary by park (typically dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk)
• Owners must carry waste bags and clean up after their dogs
• Aggressive dogs must be removed immediately
• Dogs in season should avoid off-leash areas

These rules exist to balance the needs of dog owners, other park users, and wildlife—creating harmonious shared spaces.

Top Off-Leash Dog Parks in Boroondara

1. Hays Paddock, Kew

This expansive off-leash area ranks among Boroondara’s most popular dog destinations, and for good reason.

What makes it special:

• Fully fenced 2.5-hectare space providing security for nervous dogs
• Separate small dog area protecting smaller breeds
• Agility equipment for active dogs
• Water fountains for both dogs and owners
• Shaded seating areas for comfortable supervision
• Double-gated entry preventing escapes

Location: Walmer Street, Kew
Off-leash hours: 24/7 (fully fenced)

Perfect for: All dog sizes and temperaments, especially those still building recall skills or owners wanting peace of mind.

2. Macleay Park, Balwyn North

Macleay Park offers a generous off-leash space within a larger park setting, combining exercise opportunities with scenic surroundings.

Highlights:

• Large open grassed area ideal for ball games
• Established trees providing shade
• Gentle slopes adding terrain variety
• Adjacent on-leash walking paths
• Good drainage maintaining usability after rain

Location: Buchanan Avenue, Balwyn North
Off-leash hours: Dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk

Perfect for: High-energy dogs who love to run and retrieve, plus owners who enjoy walking beyond the off-leash zone.

3. Fritsch Holzer Park, Kew East

This park combines off-leash dog areas with family-friendly facilities, creating a community hub where everyone’s needs are met.

Features:

• Designated off-leash zones
• Natural bushland areas for exploratory sniffing
• Open grassed sections for running
• Playground and picnic facilities nearby
• Creek access (seasonal)

Location: Belford Road, Kew East
Off-leash hours: Dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk

Perfect for: Families with both children and dogs, plus dogs who enjoy varied terrain and natural environments.

4. Beckett Park, Balwyn

Beckett Park’s off-leash area forms part of a beautifully maintained park offering something for every family member.

What you’ll find:

• Spacious off-leash zone with excellent visibility
• Flat terrain suitable for older dogs
• Duck pond (dogs must remain on-leash near water)
• Modern playground for children
• Extensive on-leash walking paths

Location: Balwyn Road, Balwyn
Off-leash hours: Dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk

Perfect for: Multi-generational outings where grandparents, children, and dogs all need appropriate spaces.

5. Wattle Park, Burwood (Boroondara Border)

While technically straddling Boroondara’s border, Wattle Park deserves inclusion for its exceptional dog-friendly facilities.

Park highlights:

• Multiple off-leash zones throughout the expansive park
• Varied terrain from open grassland to bushland trails
• Creek access for water-loving dogs
• Extensive path network for on-leash walking
• Historic features and beautiful mature trees

Location: St Leonards Avenue, Burwood
Off-leash hours: Dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk (designated areas)

Perfect for: Adventure-seeking dogs and owners who enjoy longer walks exploring diverse environments.

Best On-Leash Parks for Scenic Walks

6. Yarra River Trail (Hawthorn to Kew Section)

The Yarra River Trail offers one of Melbourne’s most scenic on-leash walking experiences, perfect for dogs and owners who prefer structured exercise.

Trail features:

• Paved paths suitable for all fitness levels
• River views and natural bushland
• Multiple entry and exit points
• Distance markers for tracking walks
• Cafés at various points along the route

Access points: Walmer Street (Kew), Grange Road (Hawthorn), and multiple others
Leash requirement: On-leash at all times

Perfect for: Daily exercise routines, older dogs preferring gentler walks, and owners who enjoy predictable, scenic routes.

7. Anderson Park, Hawthorn

This heritage-listed park combines historical significance with beautiful gardens, creating an elegant on-leash walking environment.

Park characteristics:

• Formal gardens with seasonal plantings
• Wide paths perfect for leisurely strolls
• Historic features and mature trees
• Quiet atmosphere ideal for calm dogs
• Proximity to Glenferrie Road cafés

Location: Glenferrie Road, Hawthorn
Leash requirement: On-leash at all times

Perfect for: Well-mannered dogs who enjoy gentler walks, plus owners who appreciate beautiful garden settings.

8. Kew Gardens and Studley Park

These connected green spaces offer extensive on-leash walking opportunities through some of Boroondara’s most beautiful landscapes.

What to explore:

• Formal gardens and natural bushland
• River access points
• Historic boathouse area
• Varied terrain and path options
• Abundant birdlife and native plants

Location: Studley Park Road, Kew
Leash requirement: On-leash at all times

Perfect for: Dogs who enjoy sensory-rich environments with varied sights, sounds, and smells.

Parks with Designated Off-Leash Times

9. Camberwell Sports Ground

This multi-use sports ground transforms into a dog exercise area during designated off-leash hours.

Facilities:

• Large, flat open space ideal for ball games
• Good visibility for monitoring dogs
• Minimal distractions from other activities
• Easy parking access
• Water fountain

Location: Cookson Street, Camberwell
Off-leash hours: Dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk (when not in use for sports)

Perfect for: Dogs who love wide-open spaces and owners who enjoy throwing balls or frisbees.

10. Stradbroke Park, Kew

Stradbroke Park offers a community-focused environment where dogs and their owners regularly gather.

Park features:

• Designated off-leash area within larger park
• Flat, grassed surface
• Shade trees around perimeter
• Friendly regular community
• Adjacent on-leash walking areas

Location: Pakington Street, Kew
Off-leash hours: Dawn to 10am, 4pm to dusk

Perfect for: Social dogs who enjoy regular playmates and owners seeking community connection.

Essential Dog Park Etiquette

Enjoying Boroondara’s dog parks responsibly ensures these spaces remain welcoming for everyone.

Key etiquette guidelines:

Before entering:

• Ensure your dog is adequately socialized
• Check your dog’s mood and energy level
• Remove toys if other dogs show possessive behaviour
• Observe the park dynamics before entering

While at the park:

• Supervise your dog actively at all times
• Intervene calmly if play becomes too rough
• Keep moving to prevent territorial behaviour
• Respect other owners’ space and preferences
• Clean up waste immediately

When to leave:

• If your dog shows signs of stress or fatigue
• If aggressive behaviour emerges
• If the park becomes overcrowded for your dog’s comfort
• After reasonable exercise time (typically 30-60 minutes)

Choosing the Right Park for Your Dog

Different dogs thrive in different environments. Consider these factors when selecting parks:

For puppies and young dogs:

• Fenced areas providing security (Hays Paddock)
• Separate small dog sections
• Moderate activity levels for gradual socialization

For senior dogs:

• Flat terrain with minimal obstacles (Beckett Park, Anderson Park)
• Quieter times with fewer boisterous dogs
• Shorter walks with rest opportunities

For high-energy breeds:

• Large open spaces for running (Macleay Park, Wattle Park)
• Varied terrain for mental stimulation
• Agility equipment for additional challenge

For nervous or reactive dogs:

• Quieter parks during off-peak times
• On-leash trails with predictable environments (Yarra River Trail)
• Gradual exposure building confidence

Seasonal Considerations

Boroondara’s parks offer year-round enjoyment, but seasonal factors affect the experience:

Summer:

• Visit during cooler morning or evening off-leash times
• Seek shaded parks (Fritsch Holzer, Wattle Park)
• Bring extra water for both you and your dog
• Check ground temperature before allowing off-leash play

Winter:

• Parks may be muddy after rain—choose well-drained options
• Shorter daylight hours affect off-leash times
• Fewer dogs at parks can benefit nervous dogs
• Paved trails remain accessible (Yarra River Trail)

Spring:

• Peak park usage as weather improves
• Increased wildlife activity—maintain leash control
• Seasonal allergies may affect some dogs
• Beautiful flowering trees enhance walking enjoyment

Autumn:

• Comfortable temperatures for longer walks
• Falling leaves create sensory enrichment
• Moderate park usage
• Stunning foliage along river trails

Building Your Dog Park Community

Regular park visits often lead to friendships—both canine and human—that enrich your life beyond exercise.

Benefits of park community:

• Playmates your dog recognizes and enjoys
• Shared knowledge about local dog services
• Informal support network for pet care
• Social connection for owners
• Organized group walks and events

Many Boroondara dog parks have informal communities that gather at consistent times. Becoming a regular opens doors to these connections.

Discovering Your Perfect Park

Boroondara’s diverse dog-friendly parks ensure every dog—from tiny terriers to gentle giants, from energetic youngsters to dignified seniors—can find spaces that meet their needs.

The perfect park for your dog might be the fully fenced security of Hays Paddock, the scenic beauty of the Yarra River Trail, or the community atmosphere of Stradbroke Park. Perhaps you’ll discover that variety itself becomes your approach, rotating through different parks to provide your dog with diverse experiences.

What matters most isn’t finding one perfect park but rather exploring the options, observing your dog’s responses, and building a routine that supports their physical health, mental stimulation, and social needs.

These parks represent more than exercise venues—they’re community gathering places where bonds form, health flourishes, and the simple joy of watching your dog’s happiness creates moments of pure magic in ordinary days.

So grab that leash, pack some waste bags and water, and set out to explore Boroondara’s wonderful dog-friendly spaces. Your dog’s next favourite park—and perhaps your next friend—awaits discovery.

After all, every day holds a little magic when we step outside with our four-legged companions, ready to explore the possibilities that await in our community’s green spaces.

For the most current information on off-leash times and park regulations, visit boroondara.vic.gov.au or call Boroondara Council on 9278 4444.