Fawkner Park Off-Leash Area

Fawkner Park Off-Leash Area sits in the central parkland of Fawkner Park, a large City of Melbourne reserve between Toorak Road West and Commercial Road on the South Yarra side. The off-leash zone is the flat, wide grassed avenue country under mature elms, and it gives dogs room to properly stretch out rather than circle a small enclosure.

The dog setup

Off-leash applies in the designated central areas only. The perimeter paths, including the Domain Road side, are on-lead, as is the space within 10 metres of playgrounds and barbecue areas.

This is an unfenced park bordered by busy roads, so effective voice control matters. If the recall is not reliable, keep the lead on, especially with runners and cyclists cutting through the internal paths.

Bag dispensers are provided and pickup is expected. Check the on-site City of Melbourne signage for any temporary changes to the rules.

Worth knowing

Dog-friendly water fountains, waste-bag stations and bins sit at the entry points, with bench seating around the off-leash lawns and heavy shade from the mature tree lines in summer.

The park is busiest on weekday mornings and evenings and on weekends from about 10am to 3pm, when it gets genuinely social. Mid-morning or late afternoon on a weekday is calmer for a shy dog.

Max: the lawns run right up to open roads with no fence, so good recall or a long line is the go here, especially with runners and cyclists cutting through.

Getting there and parking

The off-leash area is reached off Pasley Street, South Yarra. Metered street parking on the surrounding streets fills fast on weekends.

The 58 tram on Domain Road and the tram on Toorak Road both stop nearby, and it is a short walk from South Yarra Station and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

More walks nearby

If your dog needs a fence, Thomas Oval Fenced Dog Park is the fully enclosed alternative in South Yarra.

For a river-adjacent run, Como Park Dog Off Leash Area is just down the hill towards the Yarra.

See more dog parks in VIC or our guide to South Yarra with the dogs.