Wantirna Reserve Fenced Dog Park

Wantirna Reserve Fenced Dog Park sits on Mountain Highway in Wantirna, in Melbourne's east, with more than 3,500 square metres of fully fenced off-leash space and a dedicated zone for small and shy dogs. It is one of Knox Council's newer dog play parks, built for security rather than open paddock running.

The rules

Off-leash applies inside the fences, with dogs under effective voice control at all times. Use the double-gate airlock on entry and exit to prevent escapes, bin your bags in the provided waste bins, and keep dogs out of the adjacent upgraded children's playground entirely.

What's there

The park is split into distinct fenced zones, including a separate small and shy dog area that keeps first meetings manageable. Internal paths let you walk the space alongside your dog, and the design works in natural obstacles and sensory elements. Amenities include dog-friendly water fountains, picnic shelters, benches and solar-powered lighting for early morning or evening visits. Knox City Council upgraded the drainage too, though the ground can still hold water through winter and spring.

Max: the small-dog zone is only useful if you actually use it. If yours is under ten kilos or unsure around big players, start in there and move across only when you have read the room.

Getting there

The park is on Mountain Highway near the Burwood Highway end, with new sealed parking including a dedicated turnaround bay. Several bus routes run along Mountain Highway and Burwood Highway, so public transport is a workable option.

Close by with the dogs

For a post-park coffee, Spade 9 Cafe & Bar in Wantirna South and The Hatter and the Hare in Bayswater both have outdoor seating for dogs, and Punthill Knox is a short drive away if you need a base.

When to go

Weekday evenings and weekend mornings draw the biggest crowds; mid-morning on a weekday is the calmer window, and the lighting makes a late or very early session workable year round. Best for dogs that enjoy equipment and variety; if yours gets overwhelmed by busy enclosed spaces, go off-peak.

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