Norris Bank Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Norris Bank Reserve Fenced Dog Park is a secure off-leash enclosure within the larger Norris Bank Reserve on McLeans Road, Bundoora. At roughly 100m by 30m it runs longer than most suburban dog parks, and a dog shower near the gate makes it a practical stop after a muddy run.

The rules

The park sits in the City of Whittlesea and is open 24 hours. Dogs must be under effective voice control even inside the fence, with a leash carried at all times, and the double gates need to be closed behind you. Dogs declared dangerous or under a destruction order are not permitted, and dogs showing aggression should be leashed and taken out. Pick up after your dog; bins and bags are provided. Bike paths run alongside the reserve, so keep an eye out near the fence line.

What's there

The grassy eastern end holds up better underfoot; the western end gets worn and dirty with heavy use. A water tap with a bowl and a dog shower sit near the main entrance, with two tables and a seat inside the fence, waste bags, and shaded tree lines running along the boundary. Public toilets, including accessible ones, are at the main Norris Bank Reserve pavilion, and the wider reserve's playground and barbecues keep non-dog family members occupied.

The vibe

Locals rate it friendly and well maintained, with a regular crowd that knows each other's dogs. Weekend mornings and weekday evenings from about 4:30pm to 6pm are the busy stretches. For a shy or reactive dog, weekday mid-morning or early afternoon gives the most room.

Getting there

Access is via McLeans Road, with parking in the Norris Bank Reserve carpark. The Route 86 tram runs along Plenty Road, a short walk from the McLeans Road intersection, which makes it doable without a car.

Close by with the dogs

After the run, Vorea Polaris in Bundoora is a nearby coffee stop. If you want to compare fenced options, Bundoora Park Fenced Dog Park has agility equipment, and Redleap Recreation Reserve Dog Off-Leash Area at Mill Park adds a walking track and lake to the visit. See more off-leash parks in Victoria or explore Bundoora.

Pepsi: a dog shower by the gate, so even the western end mud does not follow me home.