Hunter Knoll Dog Off Leash Area

Hunter Knoll Dog Off Leash Area is a quiet suburban reserve at 44 Shawlands Ave in Blackburn South where the whole space is off leash. It is an open grass patch shared with a small playground at the eastern end, best understood as a neighbourhood run around rather than a fitted out dog park.

The dog setup

There is no fencing here, so reliable recall is the entry requirement. Whitehorse City Council rules for its off leash reserves apply: dogs stay under effective voice or hand control at all times, keep 2.5 metres clear of the playground, picnic tables and BBQ, and go back on lead the moment you leave the reserve.

Amenities are deliberately basic: open grass for fetch, waste bins, and a wheelchair accessible entrance. Bring your own bags and water, and do not expect shade structures or dog bowls. The old style playground alongside has a slide, wooden bridge and see saws for anyone managing kids and dogs at once.

Max: the playground and off leash dogs share one open space, so keep recall sharp whenever families with little kids are near the swings.

The vibe

This is a locals reserve, low on traffic and high on open lawn, which suits puppies building confidence and older dogs that want a gentle sniff rather than a crowd. Because the space is shared with the playground, the feel is family park first and dog run second, and the calmest stretches are outside the after school hours.

Getting there and parking

Street parking along Shawlands Ave and the surrounding residential streets is the only option. Blackburn Station on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines is the closest train stop but a fair walk away; buses on Blackburn Road and Canterbury Road are the more practical public transport route.

While you're out there

Cafes along Blackburn Road near Canterbury Road keep outdoor seating that works with a dog, and Aunt Billies Cafe in Blackburn is a short drive for the post park coffee. For an actual walk, Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is next door, and Mahoneys Reserve in Forest Hill covers the fully fenced option.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly parks guide and the Blackburn South destination page.