Gracedale Park Dog Off Leash Area

Gracedale Park is a large open reserve on the Bayswater North and Ringwood East boundary, off-leash across the oval and green space at all times except when organised sport is running. The draw is simple: room to run plus direct access to the Tarralla Creek Trail for a longer walk afterwards.

The dog setup

Off-leash covers the open space whenever sport is not on. Dogs go back on-lead within 15 metres of the playground, barbecue and picnic areas, and during any training or matches, and the shared walking and cycling paths including the Tarralla Creek Trail are on-lead throughout.

The reserve is unfenced and sits near roads, so reliable recall is not optional here. Bring your own waste bags, as the dispensers are not always stocked.

Max: the lower sections near the creek turn muddy through winter, so keep a towel in the car. And mind the unfenced edge closest to the road if your dog wanders.

Worth knowing

Beyond the ovals there is a drinking fountain, a large covered picnic shelter, public toilets, a playground and tennis courts, which makes it a workable family stop rather than just a dog run. The oval itself is big and flat, a good fit for dogs who want a full-pace run rather than a nervous sniff around the fence line. Weekday mornings are quiet; weekend sport takes over the ovals, so check fixtures before relying on the off-leash space.

Getting there

The reserve is off Mount Dandenong Road, with the main car park at the end of Berry Road. Buses run along the main road, and Ringwood East station is close enough to make it a walkable outing if you combine it with the creek trail.

More walks nearby

The partially off-leash ovals at Glen Park Dog Off Leash Area are around 30 minutes on foot, and the off-leash sections at HE Parker Reserve Dog Off Leash Area in Heathmont add a second option a few minutes south. In summer, Riverside Gardens Dog Beach on the Yarra at Bayswater is a short drive for a swim.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Bayswater North destination page.