Serpells Community Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Serpells Community Reserve at 7 Burleigh Drive, Templestowe is a large open suburban reserve where dogs run off-leash across most of the grounds. The draw is space: leafy lawns with mature trees, a paved perimeter path, and enough room that even on a busy weekend a shy dog can find a quiet corner away from the pack.

The dog setup

Dogs are off-leash through the reserve under effective voice control, with three exceptions: stay at least 15 metres from the playground and BBQ areas, keep off the ovals when organised sport is in progress, and keep the lead on in the car park, exit paths and surrounding streets. Pick up after your dog and carry bags with you. Boundaries are marked on Manningham Council signage on site, worth a quick read on arrival since the off-leash area is unfenced and borders residential streets.

Worth knowing

There is no fence here, so test your dog's recall near the edges before unclipping, particularly along the street boundaries. Bench seating circles the reserve, waste bins are provided, and the paved path doubles as an on-lead warm-up loop. Lighting is limited, so this is a daylight park, and the grass holds water after heavy rain, so expect mud in wet weeks.

Max: No fence here, so test recall near the edges before you let off the lead, especially with the streets close by.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Burleigh Drive off Serpells Road, with free street parking along Burleigh Drive. It is easiest by car, though bus stops within a short walk serve the suburb.

When to go

Weekday mornings are near-empty and calm. Weekend mornings from roughly 10am to noon and late afternoons are the social peak. It suits high-energy runners and dogs that enjoy company, and less so dogs that bolt or guard space.

Close by with the dogs

Ruffey Lake Park Dog Off Leash Area at Doncaster is the big-league option nearby with expansive off-leash zones and walking circuits, and Fielding Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a quieter Templestowe alternative. For coffee, Two Doors Cafe in the Templestowe village welcomes dogs at its outdoor tables, and Secret Grounds Cafe in Doncaster has a dedicated dog-friendly outdoor area.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks list, or browse dog friendly Templestowe.