Freeway Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Freeway Reserve is a large multi-use reserve at 361 to 415 Wellington Road, Mulgrave, run by the City of Monash on the edge of Jells Park country. Flat to gently rolling grass with a fringe of perimeter trees, sports fields at one end and an archery range on site, it is a regular morning and evening exercise ground for local dogs. Off-leash is allowed around the clock in the designated areas, but this is a shared reserve, so the buffers matter more here than at most suburban parks.

Off-leash status

Dogs can be off-lead 24/7 in the designated areas under effective voice or hand control, with a lead carried at all times. Two distance rules apply: back on-lead within 30 metres of any organised sport, training or the archery range while it is in use, and on-lead within 20 metres of play equipment, barbecues or picnic areas in use. Dogs stay off the turf wickets and away from playground perimeters, and the paved paths are generally treated as on-lead territory. The reserve is unfenced, and its Wellington Road boundary is a busy one, so solid recall is non-negotiable.

Max: It doubles as a sports ground, so scan for a game or training before you unclip and keep well clear of the archery range when it is in use.

Water and terrain

The ground is mostly open grass with enough slope to give a dog a proper run without rolling an ankle. Waste-bag dispensers and bins are provided, bench seating sits around the perimeter, and water taps are placed near the paths and car park, though it is worth checking they are running on a dry day before you count on them.

Getting there and parking

Entry is off Wellington Road on the north side, east of Blackburn Road, with free parking near the sports fields. EastLink and the Monash Freeway both put you minutes away, and the 693 and 754 buses stop along Blackburn or Wellington Road if you are arriving without the car.

When to go

Weekday late mornings through to mid afternoon are the quiet window; weekday evenings and weekend mornings fill with the regulars and with sport. If your dog is shy, aim for the northern end away from the parking and the pitches.

While you're out there

You are spoilt for dog country around here. Jells Road Reserve Dog Off Leash Area and Sabina Park are both close, and the Jells Park and Nortons Park Loop makes a good longer walk on-lead. Troublemaker Cafe in Mulgrave sorts the coffee afterwards.

More options at dog friendly parks in Victoria or around Mulgrave.