Macleay Park Dog Off Leash Area

Macleay Park is a large, open sports reserve on Belmore Road in Balwyn North with an unfenced off-leash area. Three big ovals and mature tree cover give it genuine room to run, which is the reason to bring a high-energy dog here rather than to a smaller pen.

The rules. The off-leash area is unfenced and sits close to roads and car parks, so reliable recall is essential. Boroondara sets a two-dog limit per person, and dogs must stay under effective control and within sight. Keep dogs on lead on the ovals during scheduled training or matches. If your park has time-of-day off-leash windows, check the current signed hours on the council listing before you go, since posted times can change.

What is there. There is a drinking fountain with a dog bowl attachment, several benches and picnic tables, and good mature-tree shade across the reserve. Bins are on site, but bags are not supplied, so bring your own.

Getting there. The address is 101 Belmore Road, Balwyn North, with a large free off-street car park entered directly from Belmore Road. Local buses run along Belmore Road with stops near the reserve.

Nearby with the dogs. The Balwyn and Balwyn North cafe strips are a short trip away for a coffee afterwards, including options along Belmore Road and Whitehorse Road with outdoor seating. Check each venue's current policy first.

Quietest on Sunday evenings and weekday mornings; busiest on Saturday mornings and weeknights when clubs are training. Good for confident, well-recalled dogs that want space, less so for a puller or a bolter given the open boundary.

Sources

• Off-lead dog parks | City of Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au

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