Burke Road South Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Burke Road South Reserve, officially renamed Lewin Reserve, sits at the end of Parkin Street in Glen Iris, an open grassy pocket with 24 hour off leash access in its designated area. It is a low key neighbourhood spot for ball throwing and a casual run rather than a destination park, and its scale is part of the appeal: in and out, dog tired, done.

The dog setup

Dogs stay on lead in the car park and while walking in, then go off lead in the open grass zone. Carry a lead at all times and keep your dog under effective voice control. Under City of Boroondara rules dogs are not allowed in the playground and must be on lead within 10 metres of it, come off sports ovals during organised matches, and stay at least 30 metres from barbecues and picnic areas in use. Waste goes bagged into the bins, and bags are supplied.

Worth knowing

The reserve has been upgraded around the edges, with a modern timber playground with two slides, a flying fox and climbing frames, plus barbecues and picnic tables with shade. That makes it pleasant for a mixed family outing, though it also means the playground end draws kids while the grass draws dogs, so the 10 metre buffer is worth actually respecting here. Amenities are otherwise minimal; this is still a neighbourhood reserve at heart.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits near the end of Parkin Street off Burke Road South, with parking on the surrounding residential streets, so check the signage for restrictions. Tram route 72 runs along Burke Road and Gardiner Station on the Glen Waverley line is close by, making this an easy arrival without a car.

Close by with the dogs

Weekends and late afternoons from about 4pm to 6pm are busiest; with 24 hour access, before 8am is the quietest run. If you want something bigger, Nettleton Park is the major off leash space in Glen Iris, and Gardiner Park sits near the station. Over in Malvern East, Central Park adds bushland walking, and the Gardiners Creek Trail connects the area for a longer on lead outing.

More off leash parks are listed across Victoria, and the Glen Iris guide covers the suburb.