Woodside Avenue Dog Off Leash Area

Woodside Avenue is a large natural off leash reserve in Frankston South, shaped like a grassy bowl with steep, wooded embankments around it. It runs off leash around the clock and gives dogs genuine room to run and sniff, but it is a bare-bones free roam area with one boundary you need to take seriously: the southern side opens towards a busy road.

The dog setup

Under Frankston City Council's free roam rules dogs exercise off lead 24/7 but stay under effective voice control at all times, and you are legally required to carry a leash and clip it straight back on if recall drops. Dogs must not rush, chase or bite any person or animal, and greyhounds and declared dangerous or menacing dogs are not permitted off lead in free roam areas. Clean up all droppings; bins are nearby, but bring your own bags to be safe.

The reserve is only partially fenced. Some sides back onto thick bushland without a formal boundary, and the road edge is the real watch-out. If your dog bolts on a scent or has shaky recall, work the far side of the bowl and keep the leash handy.

Max: That open road edge is the thing to mind here. If your dog bolts on a scent, work the far side of the bowl away from the traffic, and keep the leash handy.

Worth knowing

Facilities are minimal: an open grassy area with a dirt track through it and nothing else. There are no water taps, toilets or shelters, so bring water and a bowl for your dog and dress for the weather. The bowl turns muddy after heavy rain, so a dry stretch makes for a cleaner visit and a cleaner car.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Woodside Avenue, off the Nepean Highway or Moorooduc Highway in Frankston South, with street parking on Woodside Avenue itself. Frankston Station is the nearest train, a five to seven minute drive or a short bus trip away.

Close by with the dogs

Early weekday mornings and mid morning on weekends are the calm windows; weekday evenings from about 5pm to 7pm bring the after work crowd. If the road edge or the partial fencing puts you off, the John Butler Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Mount Eliza is the secure option nearby, and Delacombe Park is another local free roam area. For coffee after, Mr Frankie is the neighbourhood fixture in Frankston South, and Mount Eliza Beach adds an off leash swim in season.

More off leash areas are listed across Victoria, and the Frankston South guide covers the suburb.