Park Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Park Avenue Reserve is a neighbourhood sports reserve on Park Avenue in Doncaster, sitting alongside the Koonung Creek Linear Park. The open grass doubles as a local off-leash spot, and the creek trail next door turns a quick run into a proper walk.

The dog setup

The open treed and grassed sections of the reserve are designated off-leash under Manningham Council rules, with dogs under effective control. The conditions still bite: dogs go back on lead within 15 metres of the BBQs and the children's playground, and stay off the ground during organised sport or training. The reserve is not fully fenced and it fronts Park Avenue and the busy Koonung Creek trail, so it suits dogs with reliable recall. Bags are provided and clean-up is mandatory.

Worth knowing

A pavilion, public toilets and a playground share the reserve, and the sporting pitch takes priority when matches or training are on. The shared trail along Koonung Creek carries a steady stream of cyclists, so keep your dog close as they pass. Confirm the current lead zones against council signage on your way in, because boundaries around the sporting areas can shift with the season.

Max: the trail side is the open side. Head away from the pitch and you get the whole run to yourself on a weekday afternoon.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits on Park Avenue just off Doncaster Road, with a free on-site car park next to the grounds. The Doncaster Park and Ride is close by if you come in by bus, and walkers and riders can arrive straight off the Koonung Creek Trail.

Make a day of it

Follow the creek north into the Koonung Creek Linear Park off-leash area for a longer stretch of waterside walking, or try the off-leash paddocks at Wilsons Reserve a few minutes away. When the walk is done, Secret Grounds Cafe on Doncaster Road is an easy coffee stop with outdoor tables.

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