The Dog Friendly Parks & Beaches in Your Suburb

Looking for the best spots to let your dog run, roll, or paddle in Melbourne? Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or have just moved to the neighbourhood, the friendly team at Woodards have put together this guide to some of the best dog-friendly parks and beaches across Melbourne suburbs.

Carnegie
Nestled just a short drive from the city, Carnegie offers a relaxed suburban vibe with plenty of green spaces perfect for your furry friend to stretch their legs. Whether you prefer a gentle stroll or an energetic run, the local parks and nearby beaches have you covered.

• Packer Park – A great walking spot with paths and open grassed areas.
• Koornang Park – Smaller but handy, and often frequented by local dog owners.
• Nearby beaches – A quick drive to Elwood or Brighton for seaside off-leash fun.

Bentleigh
Known for its leafy streets and welcoming community, Bentleigh is a favourite for dog owners who love clean, spacious parks. Here, your pup can enjoy off-leash freedom in well-maintained reserves that balance open space with plenty of shade.

• Halley Park – Clean, spacious, and ideal for off-leash play.
• Hodgson Reserve – Open space and well-maintained; a local favourite.
• Victory Park – Peaceful with plenty of shade and space.

Elsternwick
Elsternwick blends leafy parks with easy access to beaches, making it a versatile playground for dogs and their owners. Its off-leash areas and scenic spots provide both exercise and relaxation, perfect for dogs who love a bit of everything.

• Elsternwick Park (Brighton side) – Huge off-leash area and great community feel.
• Hurlingham Park – Designated off-leash times and leafy surrounds.
• Elwood Beach – Popular for a dog-friendly stretch nearby.

Macedon Ranges
Escape the city bustle and enjoy nature’s tranquility in the Macedon Ranges. With beautiful bushland trails and peaceful parks, this area offers a natural playground perfect for dogs who love exploring the outdoors on or off leash.

• Campaspe Park (Woodend) – Natural bushland with creekside trails.
• Centennial Park (Macedon) – Great for a leashed scenic stroll.
• Hanging Rock Reserve – Dogs on leash welcome on most trails.

Blackburn
Blackburn’s mix of serene parks and leafy reserves makes it a peaceful retreat for both dogs and owners. Here, morning and evening walks become a relaxing ritual amid native trees and local wildlife.

• Furness Park – Peaceful and perfect for morning or evening walks.
• Koonung Reserve – Large open space with off-leash access.
• Blackburn Lake Sanctuary – Leashed walks among the trees and native birds.

Camberwell
Camberwell combines charming neighbourhood parks with family-friendly green spaces where dogs can play and socialise safely. It’s the kind of suburb where every walk feels like a breath of fresh air.

• Fordham Gardens – A picturesque park with on-leash paths.
• Riversdale Park – Great for off-leash play with wide lawns.
• Lynden Park – Shaded, quiet, and family-friendly.

Mornington Peninsula
If seaside strolls and beach play are your dog’s favourite activities, Mornington Peninsula is the place to be. With dog-friendly beaches and calm waters, it’s ideal for pups who love to splash and dig in the sand.

• Fossil Beach (Mornington) – Dog-friendly sections, especially in off-peak hours.
• Mount Martha Beach (Hawker Beach) – Calm waters, ideal for doggy paddles.
• Flinders Dog Beach – Rugged and relaxed, perfect for off-leash runs.

Mount Waverley
Mount Waverley offers a great balance of quiet walking tracks and open grassy reserves. Its bushland surroundings make it a calm and scenic place for dogs who enjoy long, peaceful walks.

• Valley Reserve – On-leash walking tracks with beautiful bushland surrounds.
• Bowman Street Reserve – Sloped grass ideal for fetch.
• Scotchmans Creek Trail – Excellent for longer leashed walks.

Oakleigh
A hub for local dog lovers, Oakleigh boasts friendly parks with plenty of off-leash areas. It’s a community that values green space and ensures there’s always room for a game of fetch or a leisurely sniff around.

• Caloola Reserve – A favourite among local dog owners, great for off-leash play.
• Jack Edwards Reserve – Great green space and open areas.
• Brickmakers Park – Quiet spot for a relaxing on-leash walk.

Ascot Vale
Riverside trails and shaded reserves make Ascot Vale a fantastic spot for energetic dogs and their owners. Whether it’s a brisk walk or an off-leash romp, you’ll find plenty of space to enjoy together.

• Fairbairn Park – Riverside trails and bushy off-leash zones.
• Walter Street Reserve – Great little local gem with shaded areas.
• Maribyrnong River Trail – Perfect for active dogs who love a longer adventure.

Essendon
Essendon’s welcoming parks offer wide open spaces and peaceful paths, perfect for dogs to stretch their legs and explore. With a relaxed vibe, it’s a great suburb to unwind with your four-legged friend.

• Woodlands Park – Lovely setting for a leashed stroll.
• Montgomery Park – Popular off-leash space with plenty of room to roam.
• Buckley Park – Open fields and a relaxed vibe.

South Yarra
For city dwellers who don’t want to compromise on green space, South Yarra provides off-leash parks and scenic spots with a vibrant urban backdrop. It’s where city convenience meets canine fun.

• Fawkner Park – Off-leash areas and great city views.
• Argo Reserve – Smaller local option with friendly regulars.
• Como Park – Thomas Oval is fenced and off-leash-friendly.

Carlton
Carlton blends culture and community with beautiful parks that cater well to dogs. Whether your pup prefers open running spaces or shaded strolls, you’ll find it all just steps from charming cafes and city life.

• Princes Park – Multiple open spaces with dedicated off-leash zones.
• Carlton Gardens – Leashed walks around the beautiful Exhibition Buildings.
• Curtain Square – Fenced park for smaller pups and low-key play.

Coburg
Coburg is known for its lively neighbourhood and expansive parks, making it a favourite for dog owners who enjoy social walks and a vibrant community vibe. Here, your dog will always find a friendly playmate and plenty of space to roam.

• Harmony Park – Big space and lots of dog-friendly vibes.
• Coburg Lake Reserve – Shady and relaxing with great water views (on-leash).
• Giles Reserve – Off-leash area with plenty of open grass and walking paths.

Pascoe Vale
Pascoe Vale offers open grounds and quiet green spaces that are perfect for weekend play and everyday walks. It’s a welcoming suburb with plenty of room for dogs to stretch their legs safely.

• Cole Reserve – Open grounds and great for weekend play.
• Murray Road Reserve – Small but friendly park with off-leash times.
• Jukes Road Reserve – Spacious and quiet, ideal for a peaceful walk with your dog.

Croydon
Croydon is all about family-friendly parks and relaxed green spaces where dogs can roam safely. It’s a great choice for those looking for a quiet suburb with plenty of outdoor fun for pups.

• Town Park – Off-leash area near the skatepark, well-frequented.
• Wicklow Avenue Reserve – Peaceful, green, and ideal for a quick run.
• Brentwood Park Reserve – Family-friendly and pup-approved.

Heidelberg
Heidelberg offers riverside trails and leafy parks that combine nature with accessibility. Its expansive reserves make it perfect for dogs who love a good run or a peaceful walk near water.

• Banksia Park – Fantastic off-leash area in a natural riverside setting.
• Warringal Parklands – Lovely for longer walks along the river.
• Banyule Flats Reserve – Expansive and peaceful with scenic trails.

Keilor
Keilor’s walking trails and open reserves provide an ideal setting for active dogs and their owners. With plenty of natural surroundings, it’s a suburb made for outdoor adventures.

• Green Gully Reserve – Local go-to with walking tracks and grassy areas.
• Taylors Creek Trail – Perfect for a leashed bush walk with your best mate.
• Horseshoe Bend Farm (nearby) – A mix of walking paths and nature.

Lilydale
Lilydale features spacious parks and lakeside walks that cater to dogs of all energy levels. It’s a community that embraces outdoor living and offers plenty of room to explore on leash or off.

• Lilydale Lake – Great off-leash area and full circuit for on-leash exercise.
• Gateway Reserve – Shady and quiet with relaxed vibes.
• Oxley Reserve – Convenient and popular for local dog walkers.

Yarra Valley
Famous for its stunning views and natural beauty, the Yarra Valley is a haven for dogs who love bushwalking and fresh air. Here, every walk is an opportunity to enjoy nature’s best.

• Maroondah Reservoir Park (Healesville) – Leashed walks with stunning views.
• Yarra Glen Dog Park – Fully fenced and close to town.
• Badger Creek Reserve – Bushy walks and river views for you and your pup.

Manningham
Manningham boasts large off-leash parks and riverside trails that combine space with serenity. It’s perfect for owners who want peaceful surroundings and plenty of room for their dogs to play.

• Ruffey Lake Park (Doncaster) – Massive off-leash area and beautiful views.
• Finns Reserve (Lower Templestowe) – Grassy, shaded and near the river.
• Warrandyte River Reserve – On-leash riverside tracks with a wild, peaceful feel.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Home Near These Dog-Friendly Parks?
Whether you’re after leafy parks, peaceful trails, or sandy beaches for your pup to explore, Melbourne’s suburbs have plenty to offer. If you’re dreaming of a home where your dog can roam free and you can enjoy the best outdoor lifestyle,

Woodards is here to help. Contact us today and we’ll help you find a place where both you and your furry friend can thrive!