Coate Park Dog Off Leash Area

Coate Park is a quiet, bush-like reserve on Yarraford Avenue in Alphington, sloping down towards the Yarra River. It is a Yarra City Council park with a natural, semi-secluded feel, better suited to a scenic sniffing walk than a flat open run.

The rules. This is a shared reserve rather than a fenced dog park, so check the current on-lead and off-lead signage at the park before letting your dog off. Under Yarra City Council rules dogs must be on-lead within 5 metres of shared paths and within 10 metres of picnic and play facilities, and all dogs must be registered with the council. Carry a lead and bags at all times and clean up after your dog. As a designated environmental corridor, wildlife here should not be chased.

What's there. Expect unsealed dirt tracks through mature native trees, park benches, waste bins near the entrances, and direct access to the Yarra River for a paddle.

Getting there. The park is off Yarraford Avenue near the Chandler Highway, with limited street parking. Alphington Station on the Mernda line is roughly a 1.2 km walk.

When to go. Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons are the most secluded; weekend mornings and weekday evenings are busier. Good for owners who want a calm, leafy stroll with river access rather than a social off-leash paddock.

Sources

• Coate Park - Yarra City Council · yarracity.vic.gov.au
• Responsible pet ownership - Yarra City Council · yarracity.vic.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.