Princes Park Dog Off Leash Area (South)

The southern off-leash section of Princes Park runs along the Royal Parade side between the tennis club and Bowen Crescent, offering open grass with mature trees for shade in a spot that is central to both Carlton North and Parkville.

The dog setup

This is a designated off-leash area, but dogs must be under control at all times and ideally under voice command. Leashes are required within 20 metres of playgrounds, permanent barbecue or picnic areas, active sports fields, and near the park's water features such as the pond and fountains. A paved path runs through parts of the park and marks the line between the off-leash and on-leash zones.

A water tap with a dog bowl sits at the eastern end of the area, waste bins are provided, and there is a mix of shaded and unshaded benches. Public toilets are nearby, to the west of the main pond.

Max: the western edge is not fenced off from Royal Parade, so keep dogs leashed until you are well clear of the road, especially if recall is a work in progress.

The vibe

Weekends and weekday evenings after 5pm are the busiest times, with early mornings before 8am and mid-week lunchtimes the calmer windows. The mature trees make summer mornings comfortable, and the open layout suits a steady game of fetch more than fenced-pack socialising.

Getting there and parking

The area sits off Royal Parade and Bowen Crescent. Metered parking is available on Royal Parade and side streets like Bowen Crescent and Princes Street, though it can fill up. The number 19 tram runs along Royal Parade, and the park is an easy walk from Carlton North.

Close by with the dogs

If this section feels crowded, the larger Princes Park off-leash area (north) is a short walk away and gives dogs more room to spread out. The Curtain Square Fenced Dog Park offers a fully enclosed option nearby, and Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy North is another big off-leash favourite within easy walking distance.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Carlton North destination page.