E J Andrew Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

The lead. E J Andrew Reserve is a small, grassy local reserve on Williams Road in Briar Hill, rehabilitated after it served as a site compound for the Hurstbridge Rail Line Duplication works. It is a designated off-leash area, but the freedom is qualified: leash up near the playground and on the paths, and this is a neighbourhood park, not a destination run.

The rules. Dogs can be off-leash in the open grass, but under Banyule Council rules dogs must be leashed within about 5 metres of the playground and BBQ area, and on-leash on the shared concrete pathways through the reserve. Leash up too during any council-permitted events on site. Bring your own bags as a backup even though bins are usually provided, and always pick up.

What's there. A 2023-upgraded, wheelchair-accessible playground with wooden play structures, a swing set and a bird's nest swing sits at one end. There is a drinking water tap, an unshaded table and chairs, and a concrete path running through the reserve, but no dedicated dog-wash or fenced boundary, so treat this as an open local reserve rather than a fenced dog park.

Getting there. The reserve is on Williams Road, Briar Hill, with only limited street parking nearby. It's within walking distance of the Hurstbridge line, with Eltham and Greensborough stations both a short trip away if you're coming by train.

Nearby with the dogs. Shillinglaw Cafe & Restaurant in Eltham, about a five-minute drive away, has a dog-friendly courtyard if you want to make a morning of it.

When to go. Mid-week mornings are quietest. Weekends and the after-school run bring families to the playground, and because the reserve is compact, that's when the off-leash space feels tightest, so it suits dogs with solid recall more than boisterous groups. Confirm current rules signage on site, as council orders can be updated.

Sources

• E J Andrews Reserve - Banyule City Council · banyule.vic.gov.au
• Dogs in public places - Banyule City Council · banyule.vic.gov.au
• Council Order for the Control of Dogs and Cats · banyule.vic.gov.au
• EJ ANDREWS RESERVE PLAYGROUND - BRIAR HILL · shaping.banyule.vic.gov.au

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