Forest Hill Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Forest Hill Reserve's off-leash area on Hawthorn Road is a large, open, unfenced stretch of grass with some mature trees for shade, the kind of straightforward local reserve that's easy to get to from Mahoneys Road or Canterbury Road.

The rules. The reserve is unfenced, so effective control and recall matter, keep your dog within 25 metres and returning on command. Carry a lead of no more than 1.5 metres. Dogs are not allowed on the sports fields, and you need a leash on within 2.5 metres of children's play spaces, playgrounds, barbecues, or picnic shelters, and whenever organised sport is using the fields.

What's there. Bins and dog waste bags are generally provided, which is a step up from some of the other reserves nearby. Scattered trees give some shade in summer, and there's street parking along Hawthorn Road.

Getting there. Drive in via Canterbury Road then Hawthorn Road, or via Mahoneys Road. Several bus routes run along Canterbury Road, with a short walk in from there. There's no direct train access.

Nearby with the dogs. The Jolimont Cafe on Jolimont Road in Forest Hill has a courtyard where dogs are welcome, worth a stop before or after a walk. Confirm current hours before you go.

Weekday mornings and afternoons bring the regulars, weekend mornings are the busiest overall, and a weekday mid-morning to early afternoon is your best bet for a quieter visit.

Sources

• Forest Hill Reserve - Whitehorse City Council · whitehorse.vic.gov.au
• Dogs in Public Spaces - Whitehorse City Council · whitehorse.vic.gov.au

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