Shaeahans Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Sheahans Reserve sits on Morang Avenue in Templestowe Lower, a large unfenced green space where manicured lawn gives way to natural bushland along a creek line. It suits a dog that likes to sniff and scramble rather than one that needs a fast, fenced sprint.

The rules

Off-leash is permitted in the open areas, provided your dog stays under effective control and returns on command. Leads go back on within 15 metres of the playground, the permanent barbecues or any organised sport, and within 5 metres of the shared paths so cyclists and walkers are not clipped.

Carry waste bags and clean up, because Manningham fines for leaving it behind. Dog bag dispensers on site are usually stocked, but never count on it.

The reserve is roughly three hectares and links into a linear park trail network towards Birrarung Park, so a short off-lead session here can become a much longer walk. Creek sections get soft after rain.

The dog setup

There is no fencing here, so the reserve works best for steady dogs with a working recall. The trees and creek line give shade and scent trails, and a three-court basketball stadium, playground and picnic setup share the site, keeping the surrounding paths busy.

Max: think of this one as a bushland leg between fenced sessions, not a dog park. The creek corridor is where sniffy dogs earn their dinner.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Sheahans Road into Morang Avenue, with parking along the avenue that fills when the basketball club has games on. The 280 Manningham Loop bus stops right outside the reserve.

When to go

Saturday mornings and sports days bring the crowds. Tuesday afternoons and Friday evenings tend to be quiet, good picks if your dog needs space from the pack.

More walks nearby

Ted Ajani Reserve, Swanston Reserve and Bimbadeen Park round out the suburb's off-leash set, and the Main Yarra Trail adds a long on-lead riverside leg.

More options are on the VIC parks guide and the Templestowe Lower destination page.

Bring your own water bowl; drinking facilities for dogs are not part of the setup here, and the bushland edge means long grass in the warmer months where snakes live.