Clements Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Clements Reserve, at 40-42 Clements Grove in Reservoir, is a relaxed suburban reserve of open grass and native trees where dogs can run off-leash around the clock. It is unfenced and opens onto the surrounding streets, so this is a recall park rather than an enclosure, and it suits dogs with reliable manners more than keen escape artists.

The dog setup

Off-leash play is allowed in the designated grassy area 24/7, but the usual Darebin conditions carry real weight here because there is no fence doing the work for you: keep your dog under effective voice control, carry a lead and clip it on before leaving the area, and stay clear of playgrounds, shared paths and barbecue areas. Remove your dog promptly if it gets frightened or pushy, and clean up after it. Bring your own water; there is no dedicated dog tap.

Worth knowing

Seating is informal grass rather than built picnic facilities, so this is a throw-the-ball stop, not a destination park. The quiet stretches are mid-morning and early afternoon midweek; weekend mornings and late weekday afternoons draw the regulars. Save those busier times for dogs that stay close when distracted.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is reached via Cheddar Road or Edwardes Street onto Clements Grove, with free street parking along Clements Grove and McMahon Road. Reservoir Station on the Mernda line is the nearest rail stop, with local buses running along the main roads a short walk away.

Close by with the dogs

For a bigger loop, Edwardes Lake Park Dog Off Lead Area is the flagship off-leash ground a few minutes away, or L.E. Cotchin Reserve for another neighbourhood oval. For coffee after, Lady Bower Cafe and All Heart Cafe both take dogs in outdoor seating. The Victoria dog parks page and the Reservoir destination guide list the rest.

Pepsi: an unfenced reserve rewards dogs who check in, not dogs who check out. If the recall is shaky, keep the lead on and walk the grass instead.