Cypress-Samuel Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Cypress-Samuel Reserve Fenced Dog Park occupies the northern end of the reserve in Hastings, entered off Cypress Court. It is a plain, local grassy paddock rather than a destination park, but the fully secure fencing makes it a safe bet for a quick off-lead run, and it is one of the few fenced options on this stretch of Western Port.

The dog setup

Off-leash is fine inside the fenced enclosure; the surrounding unfenced parts of the reserve stay on-lead territory. Stay with your dog and keep it under voice control. There is no dog water tap, no bins and no public toilet, so come prepared with water, a bowl and your own bags, and carry waste out with you. Basic seating and limited shade are the extent of the facilities.

Worth knowing

The enclosure is on the small side and the grass can grow long between mows, turning muddy after rain. Reactive dogs are better kept clear of this yard simply because there is no room to create distance if another dog comes through the gate.

Max: with no water on site and limited shade, fill a bottle and bowl before you leave home, especially on warm afternoons.

Getting there and parking

Drive in via Cypress Court, where street parking is generally ample and right at the gate. Public transport is a fair walk from the Hastings township, so this is a driving trip. The Hastings foreshore and marina precinct are only a few minutes away if you are combining errands with the dog run.

When to go

Mid-week mornings and early afternoons are quietest. Late afternoons on school days and weekend mornings bring the regulars, worth avoiding if your dog prefers space in a small yard.

While you're out there

Hastings Foreshore Reserve Dog Off Leash Area adds a beach leg to the day, and Civic Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Mornington is the bigger fenced option further down the peninsula.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Hastings destination page.