Glenelg Drive Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Glenelg Drive Reserve (Reserve 2D) in Maiden Gully is a designated off-leash area giving local dogs open grass to run and exercise. It is a simple suburban ground rather than a built facility, and it works precisely because of that: room, mature trees for shade and a permitter quiet enough for voice control to do its job.

The dog setup

Dogs are permitted off-leash but must remain under effective voice control at all times. Owners must pick up after their dogs and use the provided bins. Outside the designated off-leash boundary, dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 8 metres, and dogs with a history of aggression should be muzzled or kept leashed. Note that fencing may not fully enclose all sides, so check the perimeter if your dog tends to wander.

Max: voice control means your dog comes back the first time you call, every time. If that is not reliable yet, keep the leash on and work on it here before going off-leash.

Worth knowing

A large grassy area suits fetch and free running, with natural shade from mature trees on sunny days. Water stations are limited, so bring your own. Curbside parking along Glenelg Drive is the access, and the site is best reached by car.

While you're out there

For a fully fenced run, the Harcourt Dog Park in Strathdale is the Bendigo standard. Heading into town afterwards, The Golden Bean is a cafe option about 10 to 15 minutes' drive away, and Irishtown Cottage offers pet-friendly accommodation in the same area.

When to go

Mid-morning or early afternoon on weekdays tends to be quieter. Weekday evenings after 5pm and weekend mornings between 9 and 11am are typically busier with the local after-work crowd.