Bonbeach Sports Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Bonbeach Sports Reserve Dog Off-Leash Area is the easternmost oval at the reserve on Bondi Road, a large, partially fenced expanse of grass that suits dogs who want to run rather than paddle. It works as an inland alternative when the coast is busy or the weather is ugly.

The dog setup

The eastern oval is off-leash 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but the four ovals to the west of the car park and the surrounding walkways stay on lead. If a sports match or training session is running on the off-leash oval, leash up regardless of the usual rule. Keep your dog under control with a lead on hand, and pick up waste immediately.

The fencing on the off-leash oval has gaps on the eastern side, so it is not fully secure for dogs prone to bolting. Treat it as open rather than enclosed.

Max: check which oval is in use before you let your dog off. The reserve hosts club sport, and the off-leash oval sits right next to on-lead ones with only partial fencing between them.

Worth knowing

There is a water tap and bowl near the pavilion and on the reserve's southeast corner, public toilets near the sports pavilions, and limited seating around the oval. This works best for high-energy dogs that want space to run, and as a wet-weather backup since the ground drains better than sand does after rain.

Getting there

There is a dedicated car park off Bondi Road, including wheelchair-accessible parking. Bonbeach station on the Frankston line is the nearest train stop, followed by a 15 to 20 minute walk or a short bus ride.

Close by with the dogs

Actual sand is a few minutes away: Bonbeach Beach allows dogs in designated sections. If your dog needs a secure boundary instead, Roy Dore Reserve's fenced dog park in Carrum is a short drive down the highway, and Chelsea Bicentennial Park adds an obstacle course option.

Refuel at Ministry Kitchen and Bar. More options are on the Bonbeach destination page.

Weekday mornings and later evenings are quieter than weekend mornings and the 4pm to 6pm rush.