Hodgson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Hodgson Reserve's sports ground doubles as Bentleigh's off-leash area, a spacious community park on Higgins Road that's also home to the Bayside Companion Dog Training School. It's a solid everyday option for a run and a social sniff rather than a destination in itself.

The rules. The open sports ground is off-leash, but dogs must be leashed within 20 metres of barbecues, picnic areas, playgrounds and active sports facilities. The upper level and playground area are on-leash at all times, and dogs need to be under effective voice control whenever they're off-lead.

What's there. Public toilets, a drinking fountain, a playground, a half-basketball court, a table tennis table and a paved internal path. Plenty of shaded seating and picnic tables if you're settling in for a while.

Getting there. The reserve is at 18 Higgins Rd, Bentleigh. Street parking is available on Higgins Road and Bolinda Street, and it's a short walk from Bentleigh Station on the Frankston line.

• Nearby with the dogs. The Centre Road shopping strip is close by, with a good spread of cafes offering outdoor seating for a coffee before or after a walk.

Sunday mornings and Thursday mornings are the busiest windows; Tuesday and Wednesday evenings are noticeably quieter if your dog prefers a calmer paddock.

Sources

• Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve - Glen Eira City Council · gleneira.vic.gov.au

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