Rieschiecks Reserve

Rieschiecks Reserve on George Street is Doncaster East's big multi-use sporting ground, home to the Tom Kelly Athletics Track, several ovals and a set of paved circuit paths. When organised sport is not running, the open ovals double as one of Manningham's most useful off-lead exercise spaces, 24 hours a day.

The dog setup

Dogs can go off-lead across the general reserve areas and ovals under effective voice control, but only when the grounds are not in use for matches or training.

Three rules do the heavy lifting: back on-lead within 15 metres of playgrounds and BBQs, on-lead whenever games or training are in progress, and no dogs at all on the fenced Tom Kelly Athletics Track at any time. The reserve is not fenced, so solid recall matters, and bags are provided for clean up.

Max: check the weekend fixture load before you go. Cricket and athletics club bookings claim the ovals most Saturdays, so a weekday late morning gives you the most open grass to work with.

Worth knowing

This is a working sports precinct rather than a dedicated dog park, so the off-lead window moves with the fixture calendar. Peak dog hours run roughly 6 to 8am and 4.30 to 6.30pm, and the paved loop paths are a good option for on-lead walking even when the ovals are booked.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits on George Street, easily reached from the Eastern Freeway via the Doncaster Road exit, with free off-street parking on site including accessible bays.

Buses along Manningham Road and Doncaster Road, including routes 280, 281, 295 and 902, stop within walking distance. Drinking fountains around the reserve usually have dog bowls fitted, and public toilets sit in the pavilion.

Make a day of it

Ruffey Lake Park is a short drive north for a bigger walk around the lake, and Boronia Grove Reserve Dog Off Leash Area covers the secure run if your dog needs a fenced option.

For coffee with the dog, Bob's Your Uncle Cafe in Doncaster East is a local favourite. More options are in the Victorian dog friendly parks guide and on the Doncaster East destination page.