St Phillack Reserve Off Leash Dog Area

St Phillack Reserve sits on St Phillack Crescent in Rawson, a small reserve in the residential streets just off Thomson Valley Road. It has historically been the suburb's local off-leash spot, but the rules here have changed, so check the latest council signage before you unclip.

Where the rules stand

Baw Baw Shire Council's updated animal control orders removed the off-leash designation at St Phillack Reserve, because the reserve's playground is unfenced and sits in the middle of the open ground. Dogs are no longer permitted to run free here, which means leads on for any visit. Fines can apply to dogs off-lead outside designated areas under the council's local laws.

Worth knowing

The reserve itself is open grass with unpaved walking tracks, and it is quiet almost every day of the week, so a calm on-lead stroll still works well for dogs that find busier parks overwhelming. Bins are provided, and dogs need to stay clear of the play equipment.

Max: the old off-leash signs may still be in the ground, but the current order wins. If you want the free run, the off-leash area at Dunstan Oval in Rawson continues.

Getting there

St Phillack Crescent is reached off Thomson Valley Road through Rawson Village, with street parking nearby and no useful public transport this far into the high country, so plan on driving.

Close by with the dogs

For the off-lead run this reserve used to offer, head to the Rawson Recreation Reserve off-leash dog area at Dunstan Oval. More Gippsland options are in the Victoria dog parks guide and the Rawson destination guide.