John Coutts Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

John Coutts Reserve's off-leash area runs along the western side of the reserve in Gladstone Park, hard against the Western Ring Road. It is unfenced, open around the clock, and honest about what it is: a straightforward stretch of grass for local exercise rather than a scenic destination park.

The dog setup

The off-leash zone operates 24 hours a day, but because it opens onto other sections of parkland, dogs must be under effective voice and hand control the whole time. Outside the marked zone, leads go back on. Hume City Council's standing rules apply: dogs need to be at least six months old, fully vaccinated, wearing current registration tags, and no owner takes more than two. Carry bags and clean up immediately; bins are on site. The setup is basic, just waste bins and open grass for running or ball games.

Max: unfenced and connected to the rest of the reserve means it is not the place for a dog that bolts. If recall is a work in progress, stick to the quiet midday hours.

The vibe

Quietest around the middle of the day on weekdays, busiest in the early morning and evening shifts. There is little shade, so aim for the cooler parts of the day through summer. Hume has flagged upgrades to the wider reserve, including a kick-about area and bike terrain, which could reshape the off-leash zone over time, so check the signage on the day. Walking and cycling links run through towards the Moonee Ponds Creek Trail for extending the outing.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits between Coates Court and Streeton Court, south of Stewarts Lane. Street parking is easiest along Katrina Drive. Local buses run along Gladstone Park Drive, though most visitors drive.

Close by with the dogs

The Elmhurst Park Fenced Dog Park is the enclosed alternative a short drive away, and the Ginifer Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is the other local unfenced option. The Ninth Ave at Westmeadows covers the coffee stop on the way through.

More options are in the Victoria dog parks guide and on the Gladstone Park destination page.