Federal Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Federal Reserve is a popular off-leash spot in Mount Waverley, built around a large partially fenced oval ringed by open grass and trees and managed by the City of Monash. The open room to run is the appeal; the fact that it doubles as a sports ground, sharing space with a playground and seasonal fixtures, is what you plan around.

The dog setup

Dogs must be under effective voice or hand control and in your sight, and you must carry a lead no longer than 1.5 metres. Under Monash rules the lead goes back on within 20 metres of playground equipment, BBQ or picnic areas in use, and any organised sport or training.

The off-leash run comes off the table when the oval is booked for a match or training, so check Monash's listings if you are heading out on a weekend. Clean up after your dog; bag dispensers are provided.

What is there

A big grassed oval for fetch and running, a water tap with a bowl near the pavilion, sheltered seating and picnic tables, and waste bins around the southern side. A playground sits in one corner, so keep an eye on direction of travel when children are around, and the Essex Heights Tennis Club operates at the Barton Street entrance.

Max: this is a control park, not a fence park. If your dog's recall is still a work in progress, the oval's size is exactly what makes it risky.

Getting there and parking

A car park sits near the pavilion off High Street Road, with street parking also available off Barton Street and Federal Street. The reserve is a short walk from Mount Waverley Station, which makes it one of the more train-friendly off-leash options in Melbourne's east.

Close by with the dogs

The bushland Damper Creek Reserve dog off-leash area is the natural second visit in the same suburb, and Heany Street Reserve is another local option. For the coffee stop, Four Point Grind is a dog-friendly short drive away.

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