Gardiner Park Dog Off Leash Area

Gardiner Park sits on the corner of Carroll Crescent and Clarke Street in Glen Iris, a spacious, well-kept sportsground reserve managed by the City of Stonnington. Its draw is a large, flat off-leash space that is floodlit at night, handy for after-work runs in winter.

The rules. Dogs must be under effective control at all times in the off-leash area, and on a lead until fully inside the park. Keep dogs off the sporting ovals during organised matches or training, and limit to two dogs per person. Bags and bins are supplied in the designated off-lead areas, so clean up and bin it.

What is there. The park has floodlighting for evening use, public toilets, BBQ and picnic facilities, and wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances. Reports of a fenced enclosure are unconfirmed, so treat the space as open and rely on recall.

Watch-outs. The reserve is used heavily for soccer, rugby and football. Smaller dogs may need closer supervision when games are on, and the park backs onto the Monash Freeway, so keep well clear of the boundary edges.

Getting there. Street parking is available on the surrounding streets near the entrance. Gardiner Station on the Glen Waverley line is close by, and the park is a short walk from the Gardiners Creek Trail.

Nearby with the dogs. Good Bean at Gardiner Station on Glenarm Road has dog-friendly outdoor tables. So Pho So Good on High Street has shaded outdoor seating, and The Old Garage on Glen Iris Road in Camberwell does a pupuccino.

When to go. Busiest on weekends and weekday late afternoons and evenings, especially during soccer training. Weekday mornings before 8:30am give you the most open space.

Sources

• Gardiner Park - City of Stonnington · stonnington.vic.gov.au
• Off-lead parks and reserves - City of Stonnington · stonnington.vic.gov.au

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