Trade Park Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Trade Park Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a long, narrow strip of green running about 300 metres along Melrose Drive in Tullamarine, in the industrial pocket near Melbourne Airport. It is unfenced and sits against a busy road, so this is a working stop for dogs with solid recall rather than a set-and-forget off-leash park.

The dog setup

Off-leash play is allowed across the reserve, but the eastern boundary runs along Melrose Drive with no fence between grass and traffic, so check the road before unclipping and keep a genuine eye out. Hume City Council rules apply: dogs under effective voice control at all times, a leash carried even while the dog runs free, a two-dogs-per-person limit, and all waste picked up and binned. On site there is a community dog toy library with ball-throw sticks and similar gear anyone can borrow, a table and seating for owners, and a water tap, though supply can be inconsistent so bring your own bowl.

Max: the road is close and unfenced. If your dog's recall is still a work in progress, keep the lead on and save the off-lead time for a fenced park.

The vibe

Weekday and weekend evenings draw the most traffic, with locals using it as a stop between the airport corridor and home. It is a functional neighbourhood reserve rather than a destination park, and the trade-factory surrounds give it a workmanlike feel. A separate playground with slides, swings, monkey bars and a see-saw sits alongside if kids come along, and the park is wheelchair accessible.

Getting there and parking

The reserve sits on the west side of Melrose Drive, an easy detour off the Tullamarine Freeway or Airport Drive. Parking is on-street along Melrose Drive, and local bus routes run past the strip. It is a few minutes from both the airport terminals and the Gladstone Park shops.

Close by with the dogs

Leo Dineen Reserve dog off-leash area is a few hundred metres south with open sports fields, and if the road proximity worries you, Elmhurst Park fenced dog park at Gladstone Park is the secure alternative. Elms Court dog park at Gowanbrae covers the hill to the east, and Mister Hoffman in Niddrie does the post-park coffee.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Tullamarine destination page.