Gilpin Park Fenced Dog Park

Gilpin Park in Brunswick West holds one of the inner north's better fenced dog parks: fully enclosed since 2018, double-gated, and split so small or nervous dogs get their own section. For dogs whose recall is still a work in progress, this secure enclosure is the reason to come, and it sits inside a bigger park with playgrounds, BBQs and public toilets.

The dog setup

Dogs run off-lead inside the fenced enclosure, which has dual-access gate airlocks, and go back on lead everywhere else in the wider park, including within 15 metres of any playground equipment. Match your dog to the right gate: a smaller zone suits little or timid dogs, the larger zone takes everyone else. Standard Merri-bek rules apply inside the fence too: keep your dog in sight, carry a leash, and clean up.

The enclosure has a dog-friendly drinking fountain, bench seating, climbing rocks and waste-bag stations. Surfaces have been upgraded with granitic sand and mulched areas replacing some grass, which has cut the winter mud problem, though a towel is still wise after heavy rain.

Worth knowing

Gilpin Park is part of Merri-bek's dog walking pilot program running from July 2025 to early 2026, which is testing changes to how open space is shared with dogs here. Check the council's Conversations Merri-bek page for the current rules and map before you go, because the trial can adjust access arrangements.

Pepsi: weekend mornings here run high-energy. If your dog is timid, a weekday afternoon in the small-dog section is a far calmer first visit than Saturday at 9am.

Getting there and parking

The park sits between Pearson Street and Albert Street in Brunswick West. The 58 tram along Melville Road stops a short walk away, and parking is street-only on the surrounding residential streets, tight at peak times. Weekday afternoons and evenings are the quiet windows; Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons are busiest.

Make a day of it

For an unfenced creek-side alternative, Holbrook Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is about 1.4 km away. Dalys on Dawson Street keeps a water bowl out the front, and The Nicholson Coffee & Eatery is a dog-friendly brunch stop on the way home.

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