Rathmines Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Rathmines Reserve on Rathmines Road in Hawthorn East is two large sporting ovals bordered by residential streets and a steep, stone-walled bank on the east side, used as an off-leash area for local dogs outside of match times.

The rules. Dogs need to be on lead until you are actually within the designated off-leash section, and back on lead whenever organised sport or training is using the ovals, so timing your visit around club bookings matters here. Boroondara's rules cap it at two dogs per person, keep dogs at least 10 metres clear of the playground, and require registration with the council. Bring your own waste bags, council-supplied ones are not reliable.

What's there. Two open grassed ovals with trees around the edge for some shade, limited seating, and street parking along Rathmines Road.

Getting there. It is a 15 to 20 minute walk from Auburn station on the Lilydale/Belgrave line, with a few tram routes near Auburn Road also within walking distance. Driving in, use Rathmines Road or the surrounding streets off Fairview Avenue and Auburn Road.

Nearby with the dogs. Auburn Road and Camberwell Junction, both a short drive or walk away, have the area's dog-friendly cafe options, and there are serviced apartments around Hawthorn that take pets on request.

Sunday afternoons and Tuesday mornings tend to be busiest with the local crowd. Weekday middays are quieter and a safer bet if your dog is not confident meeting lots of others on open ground.

Sources

• Off-lead dog parks | City of Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au
• Boroondara Council Dog Off Leash Areas · melbourneplaygrounds.com.au
• Victoria Road Reserve and dogs | Your Say Boroondara · yoursay.boroondara.vic.gov.au

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