Egan Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Egan Reserve is an off-leash strip of unmanicured bushland running along the Merri Creek in Coburg. The reason to come is the creek access: an open bank where dogs can wade in and cool off, set among gravel and dirt tracks through tall trees rather than mown lawn.

The rules. This is a designated off-leash area, but dogs must stay under effective voice control at all times. Lead up within 15 metres of any sporting ground, and whenever organised sport is on the adjoining fields. The Merri Creek Trail itself is shared and on-lead, so clip back on when you join it.

What is there. It is deliberately undeveloped. There are no toilets and few built facilities. A dog waste bin sits near the northern entrance at the end of Rennie Street. The reward is the bush feel and the water, not the amenities, so come self-sufficient.

Getting there. The main northern entrance is at 145 Rennie Street, Coburg, with street parking on Rennie Street. It is a short walk from Batman Station on the Upfield line, and it sits directly on the Merri Creek Trail if you are walking or riding in.

Nearby with the dog. Big Elma and The Nicholson Coffee House on Nicholson Street are both an easy detour for a coffee after the walk.

When to go. Busiest in the morning and late-afternoon dog-walking windows, roughly 7 to 9am and 4.30 to 6.30pm. Go mid-morning or after rain has dried out if you want quieter, firmer tracks. Good for confident dogs that like water and recall well off-lead.

Sources

• Egan Reserve - Merri-bek City Council · merri-bek.vic.gov.au

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