Crib Point off leash dog park

The Crib Point off leash dog park at 2 Lens Street, Bittern is the locals' pick on this stretch of the Mornington Peninsula: an open, unfenced reserve with room to properly run a dog rather than just walk one. It sits above the sporting oval on a slight rise, which means good sightlines if your dog likes to range.

The dog setup

The off-leash area is open 24/7 on the reserve's non-sporting sections. There is no fence, so this suits dogs with solid recall rather than nervous bolters, and a long-line lead is a sensible backup near the road edge. Mornington Peninsula Shire rules require effective control at all times, a leash carried on you even inside the off-leash zone, and dogs kept from chasing wildlife or rushing other users. Leash up within 20 metres of the playground and barbecue area, and whenever sporting events or training are using the oval: on those days the ovals switch to on-leash only. The shire also excludes greyhounds from off-leash areas. Bring your own bags; bins are usually on site but do not rely on them in a pinch.

Max: No fence means no autopilot. If your dog chases cars or bikes, keep the long line clipped on near Lens Street and save the free-running for well inside the reserve.

A large free sealed car park sits right on the reserve, and there is normally a drinking water station for dogs. Mature trees are scattered through the grounds for shade, though most of the run is open grass, so it plays more like a big paddock than a dedicated dog park.

Getting there

Drive in off Frankston-Flinders Road via Park Street or Lens Street. Crib Point railway station on the Stony Point line is a short walk away, and local buses run along Frankston-Flinders Road if you are leaving the car at home.

Make a day of it

The Point 202 Cafe and Take Away at Crib Point keeps dog-friendly outdoor seating, and the Hastings Foreshore Reserve Dog Off Leash Area adds a waterfront run nearby. The Cypress Samuel Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Hastings and Grant Road Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Somerville cover the secure-run days when an unfenced paddock is not the right fit.

Weekday mornings are quietest; weekend sports days push the ovals to on-leash only, so check before planning a big run. Browse more Victoria dog parks or check what else is dog friendly in Bittern.