Uralla Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Uralla Reserve is a small, secluded grassy off-leash reserve at the corner of Uralla Road and the Nepean Highway in Mount Martha. You park at the top of Uralla Road and follow a path down to a private-feeling lawn ringed by thick bush, which is what gives it its quiet, tucked-away character. It works best as a quick pit stop or a calm midweek walk rather than a big social dog run.

The dog setup

The reserve itself is a designated leash-free area where dogs can run, but it is unfenced and opens close to the Nepean Highway, so a dependable recall is essential. Keep dogs on lead while arriving and leaving, and note the distinction with the adjoining bushland: the Balcombe Estuary tracks that connect nearby require dogs on lead at all times, with the off-leash status applying to the Uralla Reserve lawn itself. Shire-wide rules also put dogs back on lead within 20 metres of playgrounds, barbecues and organised sport.

Max: the highway is right there and the reserve is open. If your dog does not turn on a dime when called, keep the lead on near the road side.

Worth knowing

Facilities are basic: no water, no reliable bins and no bag dispensers, so carry your own supplies. On-site parking is very limited at the Uralla Road entrance. A connecting track links down towards the Balcombe Estuary circuit walk if you want to turn a lawn run into a longer leashed ramble.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits at the intersection of Uralla Road and the Nepean Highway on the inland side of Mount Martha. Parking is limited to the small entrance area, which is another reason it stays a quiet-time spot.

Close by with the dogs

For a fully fenced bushland run, Community Forest Fenced Dog Park at The Briars is the standout nearby, and Hawker Beach adds sand and a paddle to a Peninsula day. Donato is a coffee stop on the way through.

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