Hill n Dale Park Dog Off Leash Area

Hill n Dale Park on Summerhill Road is a busy little multi-use park in Glen Iris with a dog off-leash area on its open grass. The appeal for dog owners is the combination of room to run and a sealed path that plugs straight into the Ferndale Trail, so a quick off-leash session can become a proper walk. It is unfenced, and the park doubles as a cycling hub, so it rewards attentive owners.

Off-leash on the grass, lead on the paths

Off-leash exercise applies across the grassy areas under Boroondara's rules: keep your dog under effective voice and sight control, and carry a lead at all times. Dogs come back on-lead within 10 metres of the playground and stay out of it entirely, and they stay off any sporting oval that is in use. Council also asks off-leash dogs to keep 30 metres clear of barbecues, picnic areas and organised events. Waste rules are enforced with fines, so bag it and bin it. There is no perimeter fence, which matters here more than at some parks because the concrete bike lanes carry fast-moving riders.

The vibe

Open grass under established trees, bins at the entries and a water tap usually within reach. The on-site BMX and bike track brings constant through-traffic, and the shared trail means cyclists pass close to the greenery with short sightlines. Keep off-leash dogs clear of the concrete lanes and this works well. Peak dog times run roughly 7am to 9am and 4:30pm to 6pm, plus weekend mornings; mid-morning is calmer if your dog prefers space.

Getting there and parking

The park sits at 90 Summerhill Road, with street parking on the surrounding residential streets, Summerhill Road and Weir Street included. Glen Iris Station on the Glen Waverley line is a 10 to 15 minute walk, and the Ferndale Trail makes the park easy to reach on foot or by bike without touching a main road.

More grass nearby

If the bike traffic is heavy, a couple of quieter pockets sit close by. Burke Road South Reserve in Glen Iris is a relaxed off-leash patch with open grass, and Eric Raven Reserve is another local option in the same suburb. Across the boundary, Ardrie Park at Malvern East gives a different mix of shade and open space.

Max: Warm up on the grass, head out along the trail, finish at a cafe with water bowls. Hard to beat that loop.

Find more off-leash parks across Victoria or build a day out around Glen Iris.