Roussac Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Roussac Reserve Fenced Dog Park is a compact, fully fenced off-leash enclosure on Somerset Drive in Sunshine North, managed by Brimbank City Council. It is a locals' park rather than a destination: quiet, recently upgraded, and fitted with the one amenity every dog owner rates highest, a proper water fountain.

The dog setup

The enclosure is fully fenced with gated entry, so once inside, your dog can run off-lead as long as they stay under effective voice or hand-signal control. The standout feature is a combined drinking fountain built for dogs and their owners, which removes the bring-your-own-bottle problem on warm days. Poo bags and waste bins are provided and there is seating around the enclosure. The reserve around the park is on-lead territory under Brimbank's local laws: keep your dog leashed outside the fence, stay at least 30 metres clear of the playground, and give a wide berth to organised sport on the reserve. If a game is on, either keep your dog leashed well away or come back another time.

Worth knowing

This is a small space, so it works best for dogs that are comfortable sharing. Weekday mornings are the quietest window, while Tuesday and Thursday afternoons through to Saturday evenings draw the regulars. If your dog is easily overwhelmed by others, a weekday morning visit is the safer choice. Carry bags even though the council supplies them, because the dispenser does run empty.

Getting there

The reserve sits at 14 Somerset Drive, Sunshine North, with street parking alongside. By public transport, bus routes run through Sunshine North; check PTV for services around Duke Street if you are not driving. It is a short drive from the Western Ring Road and the Princes Highway interchange, which makes it handy for a break if you are crossing the city with a dog.

Close by with the dogs

The bigger Duke Street Reserve is a few minutes away with a longer fenced run and agility gear, and Matthews Hill Reserve adds another option over in Sunshine. For a post-park counter meal, the Albion Hotel is nearby. More options are listed at dog parks across VIC and in our Sunshine North guide.

Pepsi: A fountain I can work myself, no human required. Five stars before I even sniff a blade of grass.