Kevin Bartlett Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Kevin Bartlett Reserve is a large, flat, unfenced sportsground running alongside the Yarra River on F.R. Smith Drive in Burnley, popular with local dog owners for its open space, riverside setting and generous off-leash hours.

The rules. Dogs are allowed off-leash 24/7 on the reserve's unfenced sporting grounds, but only when those grounds aren't booked for organised sport or training, so check for events before you head down. Leash up within 10 metres of any sporting activity in progress and on the shared pathways that cross the reserve. You can bring up to four dogs per person, and dogs need to be under effective voice or hand control and in sight at all times. Bring your own waste bags as a backup even though bins are provided, and always bag and bin.

What's there. Ample parking on F.R. Smith Drive, public toilets and BBQ areas nearby, and open grass for a proper run. The Yarra River runs right alongside the reserve, but it isn't a designated dog swimming spot, so treat the bank as a boundary to manage rather than a swim stop.

Getting there. Drive in via F.R. Smith Drive off Yarra Boulevard. Without a car, it's about a 10-15 minute walk from Burnley train station, or take tram route 70 along Swan Street.

Nearby with the dogs. Richmond's Swan Street and Church Street strip has several dog-friendly options within a few minutes' drive, including pub beer gardens and cafes that welcome dogs outdoors, confirm current pet policy at the door as these can change.

Weekday evenings from 5 to 7pm and weekend mornings from 9 to 11am are the busiest. For a quieter run, aim for a weekday morning or later on a weekend. Good for confident, well-recalled dogs who want the space to properly stretch their legs.

Sources

• Kevin Bartlett Reserve | Place, Yarra City Council · yarracity.vic.gov.au
• Kevin Bartlett Reserve venue map - Yarra City Council · yarracity.vic.gov.au
• Yarra Council Dog Off Leash Areas - Melbourne Playgrounds · melbourneplaygrounds.com.au
• Kevin Bartlett Reserve Loop, Victoria, Australia - 29 Reviews, Map · alltrails.com
• Yarra Ranges council - pet exercise rules reference · parks.vic.gov.au

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