Richards Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Richards Reserve on Charles Street is the one fully fenced dog park in this pocket of Coburg North, which makes it the sensible pick if your dog's recall is still a work in progress. It is a medium-sized, well-shaded enclosure in the north-west corner of the reserve behind the Coburg Velodrome, open around the clock.

The dog setup

The main enclosed area runs to bare earth and mulch with grass patches, log and rock obstacles for agility, mature shade trees along one side, and a water tap with a bowl. A separate quiet zone at the eastern end has its own gated entrance, a gentle slope and heavy shade, which gives shy or small dogs a space of their own; bring your own bowl for that tap. Rubbish bins sit just outside the perimeter.

Inside the fence, off-leash still means effective voice control and attentive handling. In the wider reserve, Merri-bek City Council rules apply: keep dogs on-lead within 15 metres of the playground, off active sporting grounds during organised matches, and on-lead within 15 metres of active sports fencing. Carry bags and clean up immediately.

Pepsi: a full fence and good shade is the winning combination on a warm day. I claim a shady log between zoomies and defend it accordingly.

Getting there and parking

The park is at 30 Charles Street, Coburg North. Street parking is available on Charles Street and the surrounding residential streets, and it is an easy walk for most of the suburb. The wider reserve adds public toilets, BBQs, picnic shelters, a playground and the velodrome, so it works as a full family stop.

The vibe

Sunday mornings and evenings plus Tuesday evenings draw the biggest crowds; Friday evenings and Thursdays are quieter. Recent lighting has made evening visits more practical year-round. The mixed grass and dirt surface turns muddy after rain and dusty in a dry spell, so expect a dirty dog either way, and give the ground a day or two to drain after heavy rain.

Close by with the dogs

For an unfenced alternative, Hosken Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a ten minute walk away, and Cash Reserve is another local option. For coffee, Binky and Beans in Coburg North is a dog-welcoming stop on the way home.

More options are on the VIC dog parks guide and the Coburg North destination page.