Egan Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Egan Reserve is an off-leash strip of unmanicured bushland running along the Merri Creek in Coburg, and the draw is simple: an open creek bank where dogs can wade in and cool off. This is gravel and dirt tracks through tall trees rather than mown lawn, which is exactly why its regulars like it.

The dog setup

The reserve is a designated off-leash area, but there is no fencing anywhere along the boundary, so your dog needs solid recall and to stay under effective voice control. Merri-bek rules mean clipping back on within 15 metres of sporting grounds and whenever organised sport is on the adjoining fields. The Merri Creek Trail itself is shared and on-lead, so leash up when you join it.

Water dogs get the best of it here: shallow creek banks for paddling and swimming, with natural shade from the tree cover. The reserve is deliberately undeveloped, with no toilets and few built facilities. A dog waste bin sits near the northern entrance at the end of Rennie Street, so come self-sufficient.

Worth knowing

The tracks are unmade and hug the creek, so they turn to mud after rain and the southern path can flood. It suits confident dogs that like water and come back when called; dogs prone to bolting or chasing wildlife need close supervision near the unfenced creek edge and the bike traffic on the shared trail.

Getting there and parking

The main northern entrance is at 145 Rennie Street, Coburg, with street parking along Rennie Street. Batman Station on the Upfield line is a short walk away, and the reserve sits directly on the Merri Creek Trail if you are arriving on foot or by bike. Expect company in the 7 to 9am and late-afternoon dog-walking windows; mid-morning is quieter.

While you're out there

Big Elma and The Nicholson Coffee House on Nicholson Street both make an easy coffee detour on the way home, and the Coburg Bush Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is nearby if you want to extend the walk.

More options are in the Victoria dog friendly parks guide and on the Coburg destination page.