East Ringwood Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

East Ringwood Reserve is a two oval sporting ground on the corner of Mt Dandenong Road and Dublin Road that doubles as Ringwood East's local off leash area. It is a short walk from Ringwood East station, with enough open grass across both ovals for a proper run, sports use permitting.

The dog setup

Maroondah City Council designates the reserve as an off leash area, but it is open rather than fenced, and the access is zone based. Off leash applies on the secondary oval spaces when organised sport is not on, while the main oval beside the Maroondah Sports Club stays on lead, along with all shared paths. Dogs must return to a lead within 15 metres of the playground, BBQ and picnic areas, and on the pavilion side of the ground. Greyhounds must stay leashed in public spaces under Victorian law. Keep your dog under effective voice control throughout.

Worth knowing

The reserve is a genuine sporting precinct, which cuts both ways: the new pavilion, oval lighting and drinking fountains with dog bowls make it comfortable, but cricket in summer and football in winter regularly take over the main oval. Check which oval has sport on before you arrive if off leash time is the point. Dog waste bags are supplied, though carrying your own backup is wise.

Getting there and parking

The address is 13 to 17 Dublin Road, Ringwood East, in Melbourne's outer east, with on site parking near the pavilion off Dublin Road. Ringwood East station on the Lilydale line is an easy walk away if you are coming without a car.

More walks nearby

The Knaith Road Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a smaller off leash option in the same suburb, and for a fully secure run the fenced enclosures at Dorset Recreation Reserve in Croydon are a short drive east. For coffee afterwards, Bean in the Woods in Ringwood is a dog friendly stop.

Max: Check which oval has sport on before anyone goes off lead. The 15 metre buffer around the playground and the pavilion side is enforced ground, not a suggestion.

Weekend mornings from 9 to 11 and weekday evenings after 5 are the busy stretches. Mid week mornings give you the most space. Good for locals wanting an open run, with the caveat that sport always wins the main oval.