Peanut Farm Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Peanut Farm Reserve is a big grassy sports oval at the corner of Spencer and Chaucer Streets, a short walk back from the Acland Street end of St Kilda. Its off-leash zone runs around the clock, which makes it one of the few places in the area where a dog can get a proper run at any hour.

The rules at the oval

The off-leash area covers the reserve between Spencer Street and Chaucer Street, north of Blessington Street, under City of Port Phillip's dog rules. South of Blessington Street is on-lead, and the adjacent Veg Out Community Gardens are off limits to dogs. Even inside the off-leash zone, stay clear of the playground and the basketball and netball courts, and leash up when organised sport is booked on the oval, as dogs are not permitted on the field while a game or training is underway. Greyhounds stay on lead in public spaces under Victorian law.

Fencing and facilities

The oval has a partial fence with open access points, so it is not an escape-proof enclosure. Dogs with patchy recall need a close eye. On the practical side there is a water tap with a bowl, bag dispensers and bins, and a pavilion with seating. The surface is open grass with little shade mid-day, and it can wear to dirt in high-traffic patches after dry spells.

Max: the fence has gaps and the oval doubles as a sports ground, so check for a game before unclipping a dog who loves to run.

Getting there and parking

Street parking around Spencer and Chaucer Streets is paid and tightens up on weekends, though side streets a block back usually have space. The 96 tram towards Acland Street and the 96 and 16 stops near Blessington Street both leave a short walk. Weekday mid-morning is the quiet window; 7 to 9am and late afternoons draw the local regulars.

While you're out there

For a swim session after the oval, St Kilda West Dog Beach is a few minutes away by car. M.O. Moran Reserve in Elwood offers a fully fenced option if the gaps here are a problem, and Hello Sparrow Cafe sits close enough to walk for a post-park coffee.

More grounds are listed on the Victoria dog parks guide and the St Kilda destination page.