Doug Grant Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Doug Grant Reserve is a large grassy off-leash reserve at 274 Queen Street in Altona, right on the coastal edge with water views and round-the-clock access. It is fenced on most sides with double-gated airlock entries, which puts it above the average open oval for security, and it is big enough that a shy dog can peel away from the pack when it fills up.

The dog setup

Off-leash runs 24 hours a day under effective voice control, but the fence is not complete: the northern edge has gaps towards the shared walking and cycling path, so keep an eye on escape-prone dogs there. Dogs go back on-lead the moment they leave the reserve, including in Apex Park to the east and the Truganina Explosives Reserve to the west, both on-leash zones. A water tap, bench seating and bins are on site, though bags are not always stocked, so carry your own. A coffee van has been known to trade here on weekends.

Worth knowing

This is a coastal reserve, and snakes turn up along the paths in the warmer months, which is worth remembering on summer evenings. It is one of the social hubs of the local dog scene: big, popular and generally well kept. Weekday mornings are the quieter window; weekends suit dogs that thrive on company. If the crowd at the gate gets much, the far corners of the reserve give everyone room.

Getting there and parking

Come in via Queen Street beside the western end of Apex Park. There is a gravel car park in the north-east corner shared with Apex Park, plus street parking along Queen Street. Altona Station on the Werribee line is a short walk away.

Make a day of it

The Altona Beach Dog Off Leash Arena is a short drive towards the pier for a swim to finish, and the P A Burns Reserve Fenced Dog Park is another enclosed option in Altona. For coffee, Norfolk Cafe is on the way back through town.

More options are in our Victoria parks guide, and everything else under Altona.