Warrandyte River Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Warrandyte River Reserve runs along the Yarra on Yarra Street, and it is the off-leash walk locals in Melbourne's northeast default to: 24-hour off-leash riverside tracks under good tree cover, with direct water access for dogs that swim. The one thing to get right before you go is that it is not all off-leash, so read the rules first.

The dog setup

Most of the reserve is off-leash under effective voice control. The exception is a 260-metre on-lead section between 183 Yarra Street and the Kangaroo Ground-Warrandyte Road bridge, which takes in the upgraded Lions Park area. Dogs also go back on lead within 15 metres of playgrounds, barbecues and organised events, and the fenced wonguim wilam playspace is strictly dog-free. Carry bags and clean up; council fines apply.

Water and terrain

Natural unsealed tracks follow the river, with benches along the path, bins, drinking water taps and plenty of shade. Direct access to the Yarra makes this a swim park as much as a walking park, and dogs regularly splash along the shallows. Currents strengthen after rain, so keep a close eye on even strong swimmers during high flows.

Getting there and parking

The reserve is roughly 40 minutes northeast of the Melbourne CBD, directly off Yarra Street in Warrandyte. Parking sits in pockets along Yarra Street near the main entrance and the bridge, and it fills on sunny weekends and market days, so arrive early. Buses run to Warrandyte Village from Doncaster, leaving a short walk down to the riverbank.

Max: the 260-metre on-lead stretch near the bridge is easy to miss when the rest of the reserve is open. Clip the lead back on before you reach 183 Yarra Street so you are not caught short.

More walks nearby

The Warrandyte Yarra River water frontage walk continues the riverside theme, and the Stiggant Reserve dog off leash area is another option in the village. If you need fences, the Aranga Reserve fenced dog park at Donvale is the closest secure run, and Now and Not Yet in town is a solid post-walk coffee stop.

More options sit under Victoria dog parks, and everything else in Warrandyte is here.