Charles Allen Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Charles Allen Reserve is a quiet suburban off-leash spot in Croydon, a large open grassy reserve that tends to stay calmer than the bigger Maroondah dog parks, which makes it a good pick if your dog finds busy yards overwhelming.

The dog setup

The off-leash area sits on the north side of the reserve and is not fenced, so dogs need to be under effective voice control, in sight and within about 50 metres of you. Maroondah City Council rules require dogs on lead within 15 metres of the fenced playground, on shared paths, and when entering or exiting, and greyhounds must stay on lead under Victorian law. Pickup is expected; bring your own bags rather than counting on a dispenser. Open grass with patches of mature trees gives a mix of running room and shade, and there is a water tap with a dog bowl, a covered shelter with a table, seating and a bin.

The vibe

Weekday mid-mornings are quietest. It picks up early morning and around 5pm to 6:30pm on weekdays plus weekend mornings, though even then it stays calmer than the larger reserves. The reserve also carries a fenced children's playground on the south side and the Parkwood tennis courts, so expect some family traffic. Because the ground is open and unfenced, solid recall matters here.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is at 13 Sabato Street, Croydon, with on-site parking off Sabato Street and access via Dublin Road or Mt Dandenong Road. Croydon Station on the Lilydale line is a short walk or bus ride away, with bus 670 stopping nearby on Mt Dandenong Road.

Close by with the dogs

If your dog needs a secure fence instead, the Eastfield Fenced Dog Park and the Parkwood Fenced Dog Park at Ringwood North are the area's dedicated enclosed options, and the Lipscombe Park off-leash area is another open reserve. The Jolly Miller works for a coffee on the way home.

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