Trentham Off-Leash Dog Park

Trentham Off-Leash Dog Park sits at Market Street Reserve, a short walk from the town centre and right next to the Trentham Outdoor Swimming Pool. It is a natural open space with fencing added in 2023 as a council trial, and it is the easiest way to let a dog run properly if you are passing through the Wombat Forest corner of Victoria.

The dog setup

Hepburn Shire Council fenced the off-leash area to keep dogs clear of the neighbouring playground, and the enclosure now defines the run. Dogs can go off-leash inside the fenced sections under effective voice control, wearing a collar with identification. Near the outdoor pool, dogs go back on lead while the pool is operating through the summer season. Bag dispensers and bins cover clean-up, and aggressive dogs are expected to be leashed and removed. Take care at the gates near the shared playground zone so nobody slips out when they swing open.

The vibe

This is one large open space rather than separate small and large dog zones, ringed by tree cover around the edges of an otherwise open reserve. Local dog owners helped drive improvements here, with plumbing running water directly into the off-leash area and picnic tables built by the Cool Country Men's Shed. It sits alongside the swimming pool, a playground and Quarry Street Reserve, which makes it easy to combine with a family stop in town.

Max: it is one big shared space, so on a busy Saturday morning size up the crowd before letting a nervous dog off the lead.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is on Market Street, Trentham, about an hour and fifteen minutes from the Melbourne CBD. Street parking runs along Market Street with more parking around the recreation reserve. V/Line trains reach Woodend or Daylesford but not Trentham, so driving is the practical option. Weekday mornings are quietest; Saturdays between about 10am and 2pm draw the biggest crowd.

Pair it with

The Domino Trail is an easy on-lead walk from the reserve, and The Cosmopolitan Hotel welcomes dogs for a post-walk lunch. If you are making a weekend of it, Acre of Roses is one of the pet friendly stays around town.

More grounds sit under Victoria dog parks, and the rest of Trentham is here.