Wilkinson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Wilkinson Reserve is a flat, eucalypt-dotted off-leash reserve on Wilkinson Way in Park Orchards, in Melbourne's north east. Manningham lists it among the council's dog off-leash areas, and its simple layout, open grass in small stands of gums with a couple of seats, makes it an easy neighbourhood run rather than a structured dog park.

The dog setup

Off-leash dogs must stay under effective control at all times, within sight and responsive to you, with a lead carried the whole visit. Dogs go back on-lead within 15 metres of children's play equipment or permanent barbecue facilities, and must not chase wildlife or rush other park users. Clean up immediately and carry bags with you. Expect the basics only: benches along the walkway and open grass, so bring your own water rather than counting on a tap.

Worth knowing

The reserve's other job is as a pedestrian link: a paved path connects Wilkinson Way to Joseph Court, which makes it handy for a local loop walk with the dog on-lead as well as an off-leash run on the grass. It is quiet and mostly used by locals, so sessions tend to be short and calm. Weekend mornings and late weekday afternoons bring the most dogs. Weekend organised events on public land mean on-lead rules for the day, so if a function is being set up, clip the lead on.

Max: keep the lead clipped on until you are clear of the path. The Joseph Court link is a proper walking route, and bike-riding locals use it too.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is reached via Park Road then Wilkinson Way, with straightforward on-street parking nearby. There is no direct public transport to the reserve itself, so it is a car trip unless you are walking in from the surrounding streets.

Close by with the dogs

Other Park Orchards off-leash options include Iona Reserve Dog Off Leash Area and the bushland walk at Dirlton Reserve, and Aranga Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Donvale if a fence is non-negotiable. For coffee, Petty's Orchards at Templestowe is a short drive.

More options across the state are on the Victorian dog parks guide, and the local area is covered on the Park Orchards destination page.