Hurstbridge Dog Park

Hurstbridge Dog Park is a fully fenced off-leash enclosure inside Ferguson's Paddock on Arthurs Creek Road, open around the clock. It sits a short walk from the Hurstbridge railway station, so it works both as a daily run for local dogs and a stop if you are riding out on the Hurstbridge line with your dog.

The rules

Off-leash applies only inside the fenced enclosure. Under Nillumbik Shire's conditions your dog must be under effective control the whole time, which means staying in constant sight and responding immediately when called, and there is a limit of two dogs per handler. On the surrounding paddock and shared paths dogs stay on lead, and they must be leashed within five metres of playgrounds and barbecues, with wetland areas off limits entirely.

The dog setup

The enclosure is a flat, open field with a water fountain that serves dogs and owners, poo bags provided, and benches with some shade around the edge. Free parking sits on site, so the logistics are simple. It is a running and socialising park rather than an agility course, and the flat ground suits older dogs and recall practice.

Worth knowing

Weekday mornings and midweek evenings are the calm windows, while Monday and Friday afternoons and Saturday afternoons draw the biggest groups. If your dog is nervous in crowds, time your first visit for a quiet slot and keep visits short while they settle in.

Getting there and parking

The park is on Arthurs Creek Road at the edge of the Ferguson's Paddock reserve, with its own car park, and it is an easy walk from Hurstbridge village or the train station.

Close by with the dogs

Hurstbridge village on Main Road is close enough for a coffee after a run. Bridge 2 Eden Cafe and WILD WOMBAT Cafe both welcome dogs at outdoor tables, and Black Vice Coffee Roasters covers the serious coffee end of town.

See more options in the Victoria dog parks guide or the Hurstbridge destination page.

Max: flat paddock, water on tap, and the village coffee strip five minutes down the road. This is what a good local dog park looks like.