Pine Avenue Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Pine Avenue Reserve Fenced Dog Park is a fully fenced, year-round off-leash reserve in a quiet residential pocket of Mornington. The space is roughly triangular, shaded by large mature trees, and crossed by a packed path that loops the interior, so dogs get a proper run without you losing sight of them.

The dog setup

The whole reserve is enclosed, with double-gated entries at three points, reached from Pine Avenue, Pitt, Downward or Adelaide Streets. Close each gate behind you as you come through. Inside, the running area is about 180 metres long, and the perimeter is fully fenced, which suits dogs that like to cover ground. Off-leash rules apply within the fence; the surrounding reserve is on-lead territory, so clip the lead back on before you step out.

A drinking fountain with a tap that serves both dogs and people sits near the northern gate. Benches are scattered through the park, and a sheltered seat in the western corner sits just outside the play area if you want a break from the action. Bins are on site, with bags available at the entry gates.

Max: the low ground in the middle is a stormwater basin and it holds water. After a wet stretch it turns to mud, so let it drain for a day or pick one of the other fenced parks in town.

Worth knowing

Standard Mornington Peninsula Shire rules apply: keep your dog in view and under effective voice control the whole time, and only unleash dogs that are well socialised. The park is open 24 hours, and mid-week mornings and early afternoons are the quietest windows. Weekend mornings and weekday late afternoons draw the after-work crowd, and the tree cover keeps the shade up on warm days.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits off Pine Avenue, about five minutes from the Mornington town centre via the Nepean Highway or Main Street. There is a small car park right by the gates at the end of Pine Avenue, and street parking along Mariners Retreat and the adjoining residential streets when that fills.

Close by with the dogs

If the low ground is sodden, Civic Reserve fenced dog park is the other main enclosed option in town and drains better. On a fine day, Fossil Beach dog off-leash area adds a swim to the outing, and Commonfolk Mornington on Dava Drive does a solid coffee stop with outdoor seating on the way home.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Mornington destination page.