Donald MacDonald Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

The one reason to come. Donald MacDonald Reserve is a flat, open sportsground off Keating Street in Beaumaris with well-kept natural turf that gives good grip for a game of fetch. It is a shared-use oval rather than a dedicated dog park, so the off-leash freedom comes with a few conditions worth knowing before you arrive.

The rules. Dogs can be off-leash when the oval is free, but they must be under effective voice or hand control, and any dog that will not recall goes back on the lead. The reserve is an active sportsground, so dogs must be leashed whenever organised sport, training or a match is on. Keep dogs on-leash and at least 20 metres clear of the playground, skatepark and barbecues, and on-leash through the native scrub in the eastern section to protect local wildlife. Carry bags and pick up after your dog; the council requires it.

What's there. Waste-bag dispensers and bins are on-site, along with public toilets, a community and sports pavilion, and a kiosk. There is a children's playground, a basketball half-court, a skatepark and sheltered picnic tables, so it is a genuine family reserve rather than a dogs-only space.

Getting there. The reserve sits off Beach Road and Balcombe Road, with street parking around Keating Street and Stawell Street. By public transport, take the Sandringham line to Sandringham Station then a 600 or 922 bus towards Southland, alighting near the Beaumaris Concourse for a short walk. The 822 and 825 buses also stop nearby.

Nearby with the dogs. The Beaumaris Concourse is about a kilometre away with several dog-friendly cafes and outdoor seating. For a change of scene, the off-leash beach at Ricketts Point is close by, though it runs on time restrictions in the warmer months, so check the signage first.

When to go. The oval is busiest on weekday late afternoons and across the weekend with community sport and training. For a clear run, aim for mid-morning on a weekday when the ground is likeliest to be empty. Good for big dogs that want room to stretch out.

Sources

• Walking your dog in Bayside · bayside.vic.gov.au
• Donald MacDonald Pavilion upgrade complete · bayside.vic.gov.au
• Dog-friendly or dog-free - which beach is right for you? · bayside.vic.gov.au
• Bayside Council - Off Lead Parks · baysidedogownersgroup.com.au

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