Hosken Reserve Dog Off Leash Area(Coburg North)

Hosken Reserve is a large community reserve on Shorts Road in Coburg North, with open grass, walking paths and a small wetland edge. The draw is space: room for a proper run in an area that doubles as a local recreation and off-leash spot, a short walk from either Merlynston or Batman stations on the Upfield line.

The rules. This reserve is not fully fenced, so your dog needs to be under reliable voice or hand control the whole time it is off-leash. Keep dogs leashed within 15 metres of the playground and sporting grounds, and off the field entirely when organised sport is on. Part of the old oval is now sometimes set up as an enclosed soccer pitch, which changes how much open off-leash room is actually available on the day, so have a look before you let your dog go. Bring your own bags and clean up.

What's there. BBQs, picnic tables, shelters and public toilets make it easy to linger. There are dog water fountains on site, plus a playground and sandpit if you have kids in tow. The entrance and parking are wheelchair accessible.

Getting there. Access is off Shorts Road, with parking near the reserve entrance. On public transport it sits roughly midway between Merlynston and Batman stations, and local buses run along Gaffney Street.

When to go. Weekday mornings are the calm window. It gets busiest Sunday mornings and afternoons and on Wednesday evenings, so if your dog prefers space, avoid those. Good for social dogs with a reliable recall.

Sources

• Hosken Reserve - Merri-bek City Council · merri-bek.vic.gov.au
• Park amenities and equipment - 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.