St James Park Dog Off Leash Area

Off-leash on the ovals, on-lead everywhere else. St James Park runs between Burwood Road and Wood Street in Hawthorn (near 3 Burwood Road). It is a hilly, mature-treed park where the off-leash zones are the two central sporting ovals; the rest of the park is on-lead. It is a well-used local socialising spot morning and afternoon.

The rules. Dogs are off-leash on the ovals only, under effective voice or hand control, and on-lead across the rest of the park including playgrounds and walkways. Stay at least 30m from BBQs and picnic areas in use and 10m from playgrounds. Dogs must be on-lead or kept off the ovals during organised sport. Maximum two dogs per person, carry bags, and your dog should be registered with Boroondara.

What is there. There are drinking fountains with bowls, benches and tables around the oval edges, public toilets and bins at the entrances. Lighting is limited, so it is best used in daylight.

Getting there. Access is off Burwood Road or Wood Street, with street parking that can fill during peak times or games. The 72 and 16 trams on Glenferrie Road are a short walk away, and Hawthorn Station is roughly a 5 to 7 minute walk.

Nearby with the dogs. Porgies is a dog-friendly cafe in Hawthorn with a courtyard and dog treats, and there are more dog-friendly tables along Glenferrie Road a short walk off.

When to go. Weekday mornings (7 to 9am), afternoons (4 to 6pm) and Saturday mornings are busiest; mid-morning midweek is calmer. The southern oval sees more ball-throwing than the northern one. After rain the steep banks get muddy.

Sources

• Off-lead dog parks | City of Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au
• St James Park - Boroondara · boroondara.vic.gov.au
• 10 Dog-Friendly Parks Boroondara: Complete Guide · basscare.org.au

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