Eric Raven Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Eric Raven Reserve is a sloping valley-style reserve off Estella Street in Glen Iris, in the City of Boroondara, with a sports oval at its base ringed by tree-dotted banks. The off-leash zone covers the ovals, which makes it a good open paddock for a serious run when the cricketers and lacrosse players are elsewhere.

The dog setup

Off leash means on the oval, and only when no organised sport, training or match preparation is happening. Everywhere else, including the surrounding paths and the car park, stays on leash. Boroondara's standard conditions apply: keep your dog under effective control, carry a lead, cap it at two dogs per person, clean up after them, and fill in any holes they dig. Bags are not supplied, so pack your own.

The reserve is not fenced, and its position matters: one side drops toward Gardiners Creek with steep, sometimes muddy banks, and the northern edge runs close to busy High Street. This is a park for dogs with reliable recall, kept in close near the edges.

What's on site

A dog drinking-water tap and bins sit near the pavilion, with limited bench seating around the perimeter. There are no public toilets. The car park sits at the end of Estella Street, and walking tracks along the oval's edge link into the Gardiners Creek trail network if you want to stretch the outing. Cricket nets and a multi-use hardcourt occupy the northern end, all off limits to dogs.

Max: a whole oval to myself on a weekday morning, a tap with a bowl at the pavilion, and a creek trail out the back. Worth the early start.

When to go

Weekday evenings and weekend mornings belong to sport and the regular dog crowd alike. For an open, quiet oval, come on a weekday morning or the middle of the day, and check the ovals are clear of training before unclipping.

While you're out there

Glen Iris is well supplied: Nettleton Park and Gardiner Park offer other off-leash options nearby, and the Solway to Burnley Gardiners Creek Trail extends the walk along the creek. For coffee, Mr Sister Cafe at Malvern East is a short drive. You can compare more dog parks in Victoria or browse Glen Iris.