Martin Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Martin Reserve in Hadfield is a 24/7 off-leash reserve built around a football and cricket oval, ringed by mature trees that keep most of the ground shaded. It is a genuine local favourite with enough open space for a proper off-lead run, not just a strip of grass.

The rules. The whole reserve is designated off-leash around the clock, but dogs must stay under effective voice control at all times. Keep your dog on-lead within 15 metres of the playground and BBQ area, and off the oval entirely, or on-lead within 15 metres of it, whenever organised sport is on. Clean up after your dog straight away, and remove a dog immediately if it is behaving aggressively toward people or other dogs.

What's there. Scattered seating is dotted around the reserve, and the tree cover gives good shade for most of the day. There is water access, usually a tap, though it is worth bringing your own bowl as a backup. Public toilets sit at the pavilion but are often locked outside of scheduled sport, so do not count on them. The reserve has no night lighting, so plan visits for daylight hours.

Getting there. A small gravel car park sits off Domain Street, with additional parking on surrounding residential streets. By public transport, the reserve is within reach of Gowrie or Fawkner stations on the Upfield line, and buses run along Sydney Road and Boundary Road a short walk away.

Nearby with the dogs. Sydney Road in nearby Fawkner and Coburg North has a good run of dog-friendly cafes, about a five-minute drive away.

Weekday mornings are the quiet window here. Late afternoon from about 4.30pm and weekend mornings draw the biggest crowds, so if your dog is not confident around a lot of others, aim for an off-peak visit.

Sources

• Martin Reserve - Merri-bek City Council · merri-bek.vic.gov.au
• Martin Reserve - Maribyrnong City Council · maribyrnong.vic.gov.au

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