Clarendon Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Clarendon Reserve is a quiet residential off-leash spot in Somerville, a large open grassed paddock at 114 Clarendon Drive surrounded by housing. It is a straightforward local runaround for fetch and frisbee rather than a destination park, and the single most important thing to know is that it is not fenced.

The dog setup

The designated off-leash zone is the open grass set back from the playground in the corner of the reserve, and dogs must stay under effective voice control the whole time. Under Mornington Peninsula Shire rules, dogs go back on lead within 20 metres of the playground, so keep to the far grass if children are about.

Facilities are minimal: bins near the playground, two picnic tables, and little tree cover or shade. There is no water tap, so bring your own water and bowl, especially over summer.

Max: there is no fence between the off-leash grass and the playground, and kids will be about. If recall is shaky, work the far end away from the equipment.

Worth knowing

The reserve is bounded by neighbouring backyard fences on two sides and long grass and trees on another, so a dog that ranges wide will end up sniffing along boundaries. The open, unfenced layout suits dogs with solid recall, and it works best as a quick local burn-off rather than a long play session.

Getting there and parking

Street parking runs along Clarendon Drive beside the reserve, and there is no dedicated car park. It is an easy walk from the surrounding streets, and Somerville Station on the Frankston line is a short ride away if you are coming from further along the peninsula.

While you are out there

For a fully fenced alternative in the same suburb, Grant Road Reserve Fenced Dog Park is the better pick for uncertain recall. Afterwards, Pugs in Mugs and Miss Moose Cafe are dog-friendly coffee stops close by.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Somerville destination page.