Mahoneys Reserve Fenced Dog Off Leash Area

Mahoneys Reserve's off-leash area is a fenced sports oval in Forest Hill, in Melbourne's east, and that combination shapes everything about a visit here. The fencing makes it one of the safer bets in the area if your dog bolts the moment the lead comes off; the fact that it is also a playing field means you share the schedule with cricketers and soccer teams.

The dog setup

The oval runs as a designated off-leash area when sport is not on, but the gates do get left open by other users, so check them yourself before unclipping. Dogs are never permitted on the adjoining Soccer 1 sportsfield, and Whitehorse council rules require you to keep 2.5 metres clear of the children's playspace and the picnic and barbecue areas. If formal training or a match is using the oval, the leash goes back on until it clears. Effective control applies throughout, and bags are on you.

Max: Confirm the gate is latched before you let go of the lead, and watch the sportsfield boundary, it is not marked as clearly as you would expect.

The vibe

The reserve has room for a fast dog to genuinely open up, with shade and seating for the humans and a water bowl for the dogs. Lighting was upgraded around the reserve, so evening visits are practical. Wednesday and Thursday evenings draw the biggest crowds of regulars; Sunday morning through Monday afternoon, or a weekday late morning, is the calm window if your dog prefers space to socialise.

Getting there and parking

The off-leash area is best reached by car at 2 Kira Court, with the main reserve entry off Mahoneys Road. There is no train line at the gate, so plan a short drive or a walk from surrounding streets. Parking is generous: around 40 spaces in the main car park plus a smaller sealed area near the Scout Hall. Kira Court sometimes carries through traffic, so keep your dog on lead until you are inside the fence line.

While you're out there

Davy Lane Dog Off Leash Area is the other Forest Hill option nearby if the oval is booked for sport. For a longer on-lead outing, the Gardiners Creek Trail at Blackburn is close, and The Peddler Cafe in Nunawading makes a good coffee stop. More choices are on the Victoria parks list and the Forest Hill destination page.

Browse more dog friendly parks across Victoria at pawscapes.com.au/parks/state/vic, and everything nearby at pawscapes.com.au/destinations/forest-hill.