Barkly Gardens Dog Off Leash Area

Barkly Gardens is a 19th-century residential garden square in Richmond, and the off-leash zone here is its northern half, roughly between Madden Grove and Rose Street. The catch worth knowing up front: it is unfenced, so this one is for dogs with reliable recall, not bolters.

The rules. Off-leash is limited to the northern section only. The southern half, the playground and the picnic areas are on-leash, and you must stay on-leash within 10 metres of the playground and picnic spots. Carry a lead at all times and pick up after your dog. Yarra rangers patrol the local parks, so clip the lead back on the moment you cross the boundary.

What's there. Big grassy lawns under mature shade trees, drinking fountains, and scattered benches. There is a playground and picnic shelters in the on-leash section. Bring your own bags and a water bowl, the council does not always stock them.

Getting there. The address is 144-154 Madden Grove. Street parking on Madden Grove and Rose Street is very limited, so allow time to circle. Trams 70 and 75 stop nearby on Bridge Road (Stop 20, Power Street), a short walk south, and Burnley Station is a 10 to 15 minute walk.

Nearby with the dogs. Swan Street and Bridge Road have plenty of dog-friendly footpath cafes, and The National Hotel on Victoria Street runs a dog-friendly beer garden if you want to make a day of it.

Best early on weekday mornings when the regulars gather, or mid-afternoon on weekdays if your dog does better with fewer distractions. Weekend late mornings are the busiest.

Sources

• Barkly Gardens | Yarra City Council · yarracity.vic.gov.au

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