Sydare Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Sydare Reserve is a narrow grassy strip in Malvern East, roughly 300 metres long and only about 40 metres wide, running between Sydare Avenue, Hyslop Parade and Waverley Road. It is a casual local off-leash spot rather than a destination park, and being long, thin and unfenced shapes how you use it.

The dog setup

Off-leash is permitted provided your dog is under effective voice control. Dogs must be on-lead within 10 metres of the playground, BBQs or picnic areas. Bins are on site, so clear up after your dog, and keep them away from the front fences of the houses along Sydare Avenue to sidestep barking complaints.

Max: Long, thin and unfenced means a fast dog can be near a suburban street in seconds. Keep recall tight and give the Waverley Road end a miss.

Worth knowing

There are a few bench seats, a mix of open grass and mature trees for shade, and a children's playground beside the reserve. There is no dog water tap, so bring your own bowl. Mid-morning or early afternoon gives you the most open space; early morning and late afternoon are the busy dog-walking windows.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Sydare Avenue and Hyslop Parade, and trams on Waverley Road stop nearby. It is an easy walk from the surrounding Malvern East streets.

Close by with the dogs

For a longer circuit, the Gardiners Creek trail is close by for an on-lead walk, and the Ardrie Park off-leash area and Central Park both give you a bigger off-leash option within a short drive. Afterward, Mr Sister is a local coffee stop worth trying with a dog at your feet.

See more dog friendly parks in VIC or our guide to Malvern East with the dogs.