Pridmore Park Dog Off Leash Area

Pridmore Park Dog Off Leash Area runs off Mason Street in Hawthorn along the eastern bank of the Yarra River, a linear strip of open grass and dirt paths with a calmer, more local feel than Boroondara's headline dog parks. There is room for a proper run, shade trees, and a river setting that makes the daily walk feel less suburban.

The dog setup

The off-lead area is designated but not fenced; the boundaries are natural, so mind the river edge and the shared Yarra trail where cyclists pass. There is a drinking fountain, seating and tables, and a dirt walking path along the reserve. Waste bag dispensers are not reliably stocked, so bring your own bags. The reserve also has a fenced children's playground and a small soccer pitch, which shapes where dogs can and cannot be.

Worth knowing

Boroondara's off-lead rules apply: carry a leash at all times, keep the dog under effective control and coming when called, and leash up within 10 metres of the playground perimeter. If the picnic areas or barbecues are in use, keep 30 metres clear or re-clip. Dogs must be registered with the council and fines apply for uncollected waste. In the warm months watch the riverbanks and undergrowth, as snakes are occasionally active along the Yarra corridor.

Pepsi: this is the low-key pick when the big parks are heaving. Early mornings belong to the regulars, and midday you can get the whole river flat to yourself.

Getting there and parking

The park sits at the river end of Mason Street in Hawthorn. There is no dedicated car park, so use the surrounding residential streets, mainly Mason Street, and expect restrictions near the school and sporting areas at peak times. It is an easy walk from local Hawthorn streets and not far from the Yarra River Trail for anyone arriving on foot or by bike. Busiest early morning and late afternoon; weekday midday is quietest.

Close by with the dogs

Rotate with Wallen Road Reserve Dog Off Leash Area over the river and St James Park Dog Off Leash Area up the hill, and Kevin Bartlett Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is south along the river at Burnley. For coffee, The Other Ostrich Cafe is the nearest stop.

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