Columbia Park Dog Off Leash Area

Columbia Park is a Wheelers Hill reserve off Columbia Drive with a designated City of Monash off-leash area on open grass, some of it shaded. It sits next to a playground, pavilion and local schools, so it is a community-focused spot for a run rather than a secure enclosed dog park.

The dog setup

Dogs must be under effective voice or hand control at all times, in constant sight, with a leash carried. Lead up within 20 metres of the playground, barbecue and picnic areas, and keep dogs off the sportsground during organised training or matches. The Monash two-dogs-per-person cap applies, and dogs must not worry other people or animals. Bins are usually provided, but carry your own bags in case.

Worth knowing

The reserve has open grass, shaded seating, walking tracks, cricket nets and a children's playground. Parts are partially fenced, though it is not a fully enclosed park, so it suits dogs that check back with their owner. Accessible parking gives direct access to the park area. Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons give you the most space; weekend mornings and after-school hours are busiest, with sport training on some evenings.

Max: it is not fully fenced, so this one rewards a dog that keeps an eye on you between zoomies.

Getting there and parking

Access is via Columbia Drive, Wheelers Hill, with parking at the reserve. Buses along Jells Road or Wellington Road leave a short walk in.

Close by with the dogs

Jells Road Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is close by for another run, while Hertford Crescent Reserve Dog Off Leash Area and Lum Reserve Dog Off Leash Area are the other neighbourhood options. Code Five is the local cafe stop.

More options are on the Victoria dog parks guide and the Wheelers Hill destinations page.