Colman Park Dog Off Leash Area

Colman Park Dog Off Leash Area is a quiet sports oval at 76 Croydon Road in Warrandyte South, ringed by gum and pine bushland on the city's north-eastern edge. It is the pick for dogs that want space and a bit of solitude rather than a crowded, high-traffic dog park.

The dog setup

Dogs can run off-lead on the sports ground, but only when no organised sport or events are in progress. Manningham's standard buffers apply: on-lead within 15 metres of the playground, barbecue area or any active sporting event, and solid voice control is essential because the oval fencing is partial and opens onto the surrounding streets and bush. The reserve also hosts tennis, football, cricket and pony club riding, so share the space and keep dogs from rushing other users or horses.

Worth knowing

The oval sits below a bushland playground, with a pavilion, shelter, barbecues and toilets in the reserve. There is no public water tap for dogs, the pavilion taps are locked, so bring your own water and a bowl. Weekend mornings bring the local cricket or football crowd in season; for the oval to yourselves, aim for a weekday or a quieter afternoon, and the bush trails around the perimeter are usually empty if the ground is booked.

Max: no water on-site catches plenty of owners out. Carry a bowl even on a short visit.

Getting there and parking

The park is on Croydon Road, reached off Ringwood-Warrandyte Road, with a gravel car park beside the oval. Public transport does not really reach this spot, so plan to drive.

Close by with the dogs

Narr-Maen Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is the nearest alternative to the west, and the fully fenced Parkwood Fenced Dog Park at Ringwood North is the secure option nearby. The riverside Warrandyte River Reserve Dog Off Leash Area makes a good weekend pairing.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Warrandyte South destinations page.