Ashburton Park Dog Off Leash Area

Ashburton Park is a big grassed oval and surrounds on Fakenham Road, Ashburton, beside the Ashburton Recreation Centre, where dogs can run off-leash on the open areas at any time outside organised sport. It is one of three off-lead options in the suburb and the pick for dogs that want a genuine sprint.

The rules. Standard Boroondara conditions: keep your dog in sight and under effective voice control, carry a lead at all times, and go on-lead within 10 metres of playground equipment. The oval is off-limits to dogs during matches and organised training, and dogs should be kept well clear of in-use picnic and barbecue areas. Pick up; bins are at the entrance and fines apply.

What's there. Mature trees around the oval give decent natural shade, there is basic seating, and parking is easy off Fakenham Road beside the recreation centre. A water tap and dog bowl have been reported near the oval, but bring your own water to be safe. The park is only partially fenced, with gaps, so treat it as open ground.

Getting there. Drive in via Fakenham Road; Alamein station is walkable and local buses run along High Street.

When to go. Early mornings and club training evenings are the busy windows, and weekends bring families and local sport. Sunday and weekday afternoons are usually the calm option. Warner Reserve and Markham Reserve are both minutes away if the oval is booked out.

Sources

• Off-lead dog parks | City of Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au
• Boroondara Council Dog Off Leash Areas - Melbourne Playgrounds · melbourneplaygrounds.com.au

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