Como Park Dog Off Leash Area

Como Park is Stonnington's sloping riverside parkland off Alexandra Avenue in South Yarra, all mature trees, open lawn and Yarra views, and its dedicated off-leash space is the fenced Thomas Oval Dog Park at the southern end. One visit can cover both: a riverside walk on the lead, then a proper run inside the fence.

The dog setup

City of Stonnington allows dogs off-lead only inside Thomas Oval, which is fully fenced with separate sections for larger and smaller dogs and seating throughout. You reach it via the boardwalk beside Alexandra Avenue. Everywhere else, including Como Park North across the road near the Kanteen cafe, is on-lead only. Keep dogs clear of the playground, barbecue areas and garden beds, and off the main sports oval whenever football or cricket is on. Waste bag dispensers, drinking fountains and bins are all in place, and the usual rule of carrying a lead applies even in the off-lead zone.

The split large-dog and small-dog sections are the reason nervous or tiny dogs do well here, and the lawn is big enough for a genuine chase rather than a token trot.

The vibe

This is inner-city dog ownership at its most polished: manicured riverfront parkland, historic Como House on the boundary, and a steady stream of locals. Expect company on weekday mornings and evenings and from mid morning through the afternoon on weekends; before 8am on a weekday is the quiet window. It is a popular spot rather than a hidden one, so if your dog needs calm space, the small-dog enclosure does a lot of the work for you.

Getting there and parking

The park fronts Alexandra Avenue, South Yarra. Street parking along the avenue exists but tightens up badly on weekend mornings. Chapel Street trams and South Yarra Station are both walkable, and the Main Yarra Trail runs straight past, which turns any visit into part of a longer river loop.

Close by with the dogs

Thomas Oval has its own listing if you want the dedicated park details, and Fawkner Park offers a bigger open off-lead area further north. Across the river, Kevin Bartlett Reserve is a solid Yarra-side alternative, and Armadale Park Cafe is a dog-welcoming coffee stop if you are heading that way.

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