Don Jackson Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Don Jackson Reserve is a fully fenced off-leash park on Ahern Road in Pakenham, set on a 6,000-plus square metre site with a separate small and quiet dog zone. The draw is the secure double-gated fencing paired with a built-in agility course, so confident dogs get a proper run and shy ones get their own space.

The rules. Dogs run off-leash inside the fence but must stay under effective voice control. Double-entry gates at both the east and west ends keep escapes in check. Clean up after your dog using the bins on site, and leash anything showing aggression. Supervise closely around the agility equipment.

What's there. The park has agility gear including tunnels, hurdles, logs and a rock mound, plus a concrete path circling the grassed area for easy walking. There is bench seating, drinking fountains with dog bowls, bins and a sheltered spot near the entrance. The wider reserve also holds a cricket oval and a children's playground.

Getting there. Drive to the far end of Ahern Road, between Ahern Road and Shetland Court, where a dedicated car park sits right beside the gates. Pakenham Station is roughly 2 to 3km away, so public transport means a short rideshare or about a 30-minute walk.

Nearby with the dogs. Nancy Eatery on Mulcahy Road and Frankies at Lakeside both welcome dogs at their outdoor tables for a post-run coffee.

Weekend mornings and weekday late afternoons from 4 to 6pm are busiest. For a calmer session, aim for a weekday morning or early afternoon.

Sources

• Don Jackson Reserve | Pakenham - Cardinia Outdoors · outdoors.cardinia.vic.gov.au
• Don Jackson Reserve dog off-leash area | Pakenham · projects.cardinia.vic.gov.au

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.