Hillview Community Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Hillview Community Reserve sits at the corner of the Nepean Highway and Palmerston Avenue in Dromana, backing onto the Mornington Peninsula National Park. The draw is space and a swimmable dam, with a large grassed off-leash area and walking tracks that carry bay views.

The rules. The western side of the reserve, including the dam, is off-leash all year, around the clock. Dogs must be under effective voice or hand control, on-leash until they reach the off-leash zone and back on-leash when they leave. Keep dogs on-leash within 20 metres of the playground, barbecues and picnic areas. Clean up after your dog, as fines apply.

The terrain. A large grassed area with a freshwater dam where dogs can swim, plus scenic tracks. Because it is a dam rather than a beach, there are no tides to plan around.

What's there. A gravel car park at the main entrance, public toilets, and a water tap with a dog bowl near the toilets. The entrance has a shelter with tables, barbecues and shaded seating. Note the toilets are locked overnight, roughly 10pm to 6am in summer and 9pm to 7am in winter.

Watch-outs. Dogs are strictly banned from the adjoining Mornington Peninsula National Park, so keep them out of that boundary. There are ducks on the dam and cattle in the neighbouring paddocks that must not be disturbed. In the warmer months snakes use the longer grass, so keep dogs in the open.

Getting there. Reach it from the Nepean Highway in Dromana, or take the M1 then the Mornington Peninsula Freeway from Melbourne. The 788 Frankston to Portsea bus runs along the Nepean Highway and stops nearby.

Nearby with the dogs. A small shopping strip with local cafes sits opposite on the Nepean Highway for a coffee afterwards.

Best early morning or late afternoon, when it is quieter and cooler. Good for water-loving dogs and those that need room to run.

Sources

• Hillview Community Reserve Walk · walkingmaps.com.au
• Dogs on the Peninsula - Mornington Peninsula Shire · mornpen.vic.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.