Jones Park Dog Off Leash Area

Jones Park is an unfenced off-leash park in Brunswick East with rolling, undulating ground and a strip of wetland through it, open 24 hours. The hills give high-energy dogs a genuine workout, and the ponds, bridge and rising ground make it a far more interesting run than a flat oval.

The dog setup

Dogs run off-lead across the open areas under effective voice or hand control, and you must carry a lead at all times. Leads go back on within 15 metres of the playground and within 15 metres of sporting grounds, and dogs stay off the field entirely during organised sport. The wetland is the one hard boundary: it is fenced off from the main park to protect wildlife and water quality, so dogs keep out of the wetland and the creek areas altogether. The council supplies no bags, so bring your own and use the bins.

Because the park is open and runs toward the roadway and the creek wetlands, this is a spot for a dog with strong recall rather than one likely to drift off after a bird or a scent. If you are not sure yet, work the middle of the rise and keep a long line on near the water.

What's there

Drinking water taps with bowls, a playground, picnic spots and benches, small ponds and a walking bridge through the wetland. Public toilets are on-site but can lock automatically after sunset. Mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays is the quiet window; weekend mornings fill the street parking on Albion and Harrison Streets, so arrive early.

Max: unfenced, with a road and a creek at the edges, this one rewards a solid recall. I earned my cafe stop by coming back on the first whistle. Usually.

Getting there and parking

The address is 9-23 Albion Street, Brunswick East, with free street parking on Albion and Harrison Streets. The Lygon Street trams are a short walk away, and the Merri Creek trail connects directly if you want to extend the walk into a proper loop.

Make a day of it

Fleming Park Dog Off Leash Area and Balfe Park Dog Off Leash Area are nearby alternatives in the same suburb, and A Minor Place on Albion Street welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables for the post-park coffee.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly parks guide and the Brunswick East destination page.