Benbenjie Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Benbenjie Reserve is a quiet, unfenced reserve at 47 Matthew Street in McCrae, with 24-hour off-leash access year-round. It is the bushier, low-key alternative to the beach off-leash zones down the road: grass dotted with clumps of trees, better suited to a dog who likes a sniff and explore than a wide-open gallop.

The dog setup

There is no fencing and the reserve is bordered by roads, so reliable recall is the entry requirement, or a long lead if you are still building it. Dogs must stay within sight and under effective control at all times, and go on-leash within 20 metres of any playground, barbecue or picnic area. Carry a leash even in the off-leash hours. Pick up waste and use the bin on site.

Worth knowing

Amenities are basic: natural tree shade, a few unshaded seats and a waste bin, with no water tap and no public toilets, so bring your own water and a bowl and have the dog drink before you arrive. The reserve is generally quiet, with weekend mornings the busiest stretch. Because it is 24/7 off-leash, it makes a reliable backup when the summer daytime beach restrictions nearby are in force; being inland, tide times never matter here.

Max: no fencing and no water on site means this one is for dogs with solid recall who have already had a drink before you arrive.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits just off the Mornington Peninsula Freeway via the Jetty Road exit, or off the Nepean Highway. Street parking is easy along Matthew Street or Bass Street, and the 788 bus along the Nepean Highway stops a short walk away.

Close by with the dogs

If your dog needs a fence, Lawson Park Fenced Dog Off Leash Park at Rosebud is close by, and Rosebud Beach Dog Off Leash Area covers the sand option. For coffee, Laneway Espresso at Dromana is a short drive down the highway.

More options across the state are on the Victorian dog parks guide, and the local area is covered on the McCrae destination page.