Whites Lane Retarding Basin Dog Off Leash Area

Whites Lane Retarding Basin is a City of Monash off-leash area in Glen Waverley, set on a large grassy basin near the corner of Watsons Road and Whites Lane, just east of the tennis courts. The open space gives dogs genuine room to run, with the trade-off that this is a low-lying stormwater basin, so the ground tells the weather's story.

The dog setup

The basin is mostly open grass framed by its own slopes rather than a fully fenced enclosure, so it is not an escape-proof yard and recall matters. Monash's off-leash conditions apply: effective voice or hand control at all times, a physical lead carried with you, and back on-lead within 20 metres of play equipment, playgrounds or barbecues in use. The tennis courts and sports fields in use are on-lead or off-limits. A bag dispenser and bins cover the clean-up, but water is not guaranteed, so pack your own bowl.

Worth knowing

The basin's job is to hold stormwater, and after heavy rain it does exactly that, leaving boggy patches and mud that a light-coloured dog will find first. In dry weather it is a big, simple running space. Seating is informal and limited, so bring a camp chair if you plan to stay a while. Weekday evenings and weekend mornings are busiest; mid-morning on a weekday suits shyer dogs.

Getting there and parking

Access is off Whites Lane near the Watsons Road intersection, with off-street parking at the Whites Lane lot. Buses along Springvale Road and Waverley Road put you within walking distance, and Glen Waverley's dining strip is a few minutes away by car.

Close by with the dogs

If the basin is waterlogged, the Glen Waverley North Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a solid alternative in the same suburb, and the Federal Reserve Dog Off Leash Area at Mount Waverley has better facilities including toilets and dog fountains. Mocha Jo's covers the coffee stop. More dog parks in Victoria or browse Glen Waverley.