Hovells Creek Reserve Fenced Dog Park (Lara)

Hovells Creek Reserve Fenced Dog Park is a fully fenced, double-gated off-leash area within the wider Hovells Creek Public Recreation Reserve on Rennie Street, Lara. It is set up as a proper training and exercise space rather than a plain paddock, with a built agility course alongside the open run.

The rules. Dogs must be on-leash until you are through the double gates, then off-leash inside the fenced area. Keep voice control over your dog at all times and remove them immediately if they show aggression towards other dogs. Clean up after your dog using the doggy bag dispensers and bins provided.

What's there. The fenced area includes separate zones for active dogs and for smaller or more passive dogs, plus an agility course with a balance beam, hurdles, weave poles, a tunnel and a sand pit. Water taps and bowls are on site, though shaded seating looks limited, so bring your own if you plan to stay a while.

Getting there. The reserve is at 106 Rennie Street, Lara. It is an easy drive with parking at the reserve; if you are coming from Lara train station on the Geelong line it is a fair walk rather than a quick one.

Weekends and early mornings or late afternoons on weekdays are the busiest times, so aim for a weekday mid-morning if you want the space to yourself. The tracks around the creek can get muddy after rain, so it's worth a hose-down kit in the car if you're planning to explore beyond the fenced area. Lara's cafe strip on The Centreway is a short drive away for a coffee afterwards.

Sources

• Hovells Creek Public Recreation Reserve - City of Greater Geelong · geelongcity.vic.gov.au

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