Narr-Maen Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Narr-Maen Reserve is a quiet wetland reserve in Croydon Hills, at 71-93 Narr Maen Drive, with open grass for off-leash play and a natural pond that pulls in waterbirds. It is completely unfenced, which shapes everything about the place: this is a reserve for dogs with reliable recall, not bolt-prone ones.

The dog setup

Per Maroondah City Council, dogs can be off-leash only in the designated open grass areas and must stay under effective voice and hand control the whole time. The lead goes back on south of the wetlands, on the shared walking and cycling paths, within 15 metres of the playground and play equipment, and anywhere near the water, which the council manages as habitat for the local birdlife. Waste bins are on site, and there are water fountains, shaded picnic tables and seating around the reserve.

Max: the pond is the magnet here, for dogs and birds both. Keep the lead on near the water edge and let the grass do the work.

The vibe

This is a wanderers' reserve rather than a fetch circuit: calm dogs that enjoy sniffing a perimeter over a full-tilt run get the most out of it. Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons are quietest. Weekend mornings and the after-school stretch bring the dogs and prams, so head into the reserve past the playground if you want space.

Getting there and parking

There is no on-site car park, just street parking on the surrounding residential streets. A small playground sits near the reserve entrance. The nearest train station is Croydon, followed by a short drive or bus, though most visitors simply walk in from the neighbourhood.

Close by with the dogs

For a fully enclosed run, Eastfield Fenced Dog Park in Croydon is roughly eight minutes away with separate small and large dog areas. For a coffee afterwards, The Scented Garden in Croydon has a sheltered, dog-friendly outdoor area, and Bede Spillane Reserve Fenced Dog Park is another local option if you are looping through the suburb.

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