Kingsford Smith Ulm Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Kingsford Smith Ulm Reserve's off-leash area sits on a steep hillside above Moonee Ponds Creek in Glenroy, with double-gated fenced enclosures and a view down the valley to the heritage-listed railway trestle bridge.

The rules. Dogs need to be under effective voice or hand control at all times, even inside the fenced sections. Carry a lead with you and put your dog back on it if they're bothering other park users or animals. Bring your own waste bags and use the bins provided. Keep dogs on-lead within 15 metres of the children's play area and barbecues.

What's there. The fenced enclosures have basic agility and play equipment, and there are dog-friendly drinking fountains inside the reserve. Shaded picnic tables and benches let you sit while the dogs run, and the wider reserve has free electric barbecues, public toilets and a nature play area for kids.

The terrain. This one's on a hill, not flat ground. The main loop drops sharply down to the creek and connects into the 7.5km Moonee Ponds Creek shared path, useful if you want to turn the visit into a longer walk. If your dog is older or you'd rather avoid a steep climb back up, stick to the flat, top-level fenced areas.

Getting there. There's dedicated on-site parking off Loongana Avenue. The nearest stations are Glenroy and Oak Park on the Craigieburn line, both around a 20-30 minute walk or a short bus trip away. Bus route 513 stops on Pascoe Vale Road, a short walk up Loongana Avenue from there.

Nearby with the dogs. It's a drive rather than a walk, but A Minor Place in Brunswick and Old Man Drew in Ascot Vale are both dog-friendly cafes with outdoor seating, roughly 15 minutes away. Glenroy itself is largely residential, so for pet-friendly stays your best bet is searching Airbnb for townhouses or homes with secure yards around the wider Merri-bek area, and confirming the pet policy directly before booking.

When to go. Before 9am or after 4.30pm are the busiest windows, especially on weekends when the local regulars turn up. For a quieter visit with room to let an energetic dog run properly, aim for a weekday mid-morning. Good for confident dogs who can handle a hill; less ideal for older dogs if you plan to do the full creek loop.

Sources

• Park amenities and equipment - Merri-bek City Council · merri-bek.vic.gov.au
• Moonee Ponds Creek - Kingsford Smith Ulm circuit · walkingmaps.com.au
• Dog Off Leash Areas - Merri-bek City Council · merri-bek.vic.gov.au

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