Fairview Park Dog Off Leash Area

A riverside off-leash run on the Yarra. Fairview Park sits at 15 Fairview Street, Hawthorn, on the banks of the Yarra River. It is a leafy, dawn-to-dusk off-leash park with mature gums, open grass and gentle slopes, and the one thing to know before you go is that it is unfenced and open to both the river and the road.

The rules. Dogs are off-leash dawn to dusk, seven days, but must be under effective voice control and you need to carry a lead. Keep dogs at least 30m from BBQ and picnic areas in use, and on-lead within 10m of the fenced playground (dogs are not allowed inside it). Bring your own waste bags and clean up. This is Boroondara council land, so your dog should be registered.

What is there. There is a drinking fountain, seating and tables, and plenty of natural shade from the big trees. Public toilets are shared with the neighbouring Wallen Road Reserve. The riverbank gives dogs something to sniff along, but the banks are steep.

Getting there. Street parking on Fairview Street is limited, so the car park at the adjoining Wallen Road Reserve is the easier bet. It is a short walk from the trams on Glenferrie Road and from Glenferrie Station.

Watch-outs. The park is unfenced with a steep riverbank, and the Yarra can run fast and high after rain. Dogs with shaky recall are better kept on-lead near the water.

When to go. Weekend mornings and late afternoons plus weekday evenings from around 5pm are the social peaks. Early morning is quietest. Good for confident, sociable dogs that like a river to nose along.

Sources

• Off-lead dog parks | City of Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au
• Fairview Park - Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au

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