Shore Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Shore Reserve is a large, open Merri-bek reserve in Pascoe Vale South with an off-leash zone wrapping around a central sports oval. It is a roomy space built for running, ball play and socialising, and it does double duty as a family park, so expect company most days.

The rules

Dogs may be off-leash across the oval and reserve, but must stay under effective voice or hand control and within your line of sight. Carry a leash at all times and put it on if your dog threatens another person or animal, or if you leave the designated area.

Dogs must be on-lead within 15 metres of the playgrounds and off the field entirely during organised sport or training. Bring your own bags, as none are supplied on site.

What's there

A perimeter path circles the sports field, with two playgrounds at the north and south ends, public toilets, a new pavilion with accessible facilities, barbecue areas, seating, cricket nets and a basketball court near the southern playground. This is an unenclosed off-leash area sharing space with the oval, so recall matters and there is no fencing to lean on. For a fenced alternative nearby, the Alf Pearce Reserve Fenced Dog Park at Strathmore is the secured option a short drive west.

Max: the off-leash zone runs right up to two playgrounds. Keep your dog leashed within 15 metres of them and get recall solid before the oval fills for footy.

Getting there

The reserve is at 223 Reynard Street, with car park access off Woodlands Avenue, and street parking along both streets is generally easy except on match days. The 513 bus runs along Melville Road and Reynard Street, and the 58 tram down Melville Road leaves a short walk.

Close by with the dogs

Follow a run with coffee at Parkstone, Old Faithful Cafe or Cactus, all dog-friendly and close by. More options are on the Victoria park guide and the Pascoe Vale South destination page.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quietest with the most open space, while weekday evenings after 5pm and weekend mornings are busiest. Footy and cricket game days crowd the oval, so check the fixture or come around it. Good for a social dog with reliable recall.