Arthur John Upton Reserve Dog Off Leash Area

Arthur John Upton Reserve is a 2.2 hectare off-leash reserve off Hartley Road in Wonga Park that feels more like old farmland than a suburban dog park, with open grass, a stand of pines and three former farm dams. Manningham Council designates the reserve off-leash, so dogs can range across most of it while you walk the dirt paths.

The dog setup

This is a space-first park rather than a facilities-first one: natural dirt walking paths, open grassland and a pine plantation that throws decent shade. The three farm dams remain from the land's farming days, and the reserve is largely unfenced with natural open boundaries.

A pavilion, toilets, sheltered barbecue and playground sit nearby, all inside the on-lead buffer. There is no dedicated dog water tap, so bring your own bowl.

Worth knowing

Standard Manningham off-leash conditions apply. Dogs must stay under effective control, meaning in sight and returning on command, and go back on lead within 15 metres of the playground and barbecue area or while an organised sporting event is on. Leash up entering and leaving and in the car park, and carry bags to pick up after your dog.

Max: the dams are unfenced and the surrounding bush carries wildlife. If your dog's recall goes soft around water or a bolting rabbit, keep the long lead on until you know how they handle it.

The vibe

Weekday afternoons are usually quietest, and even on a busy Saturday morning the 2.2 hectares gives dogs room to spread out. Good for sniffy, independent dogs; nervous dogs will prefer the calmer mid-week windows.

Getting there

The reserve sits off Yarra Road with parking near the Hartley Road entrance, plus walk-in entries from Upton Court, Vine Court and Inverbervie Court. Public transport is thin out this way, so plan to drive.

Close by with the dogs

The adjoining Wonga Park Reserve Dog Off Leash Area adds ovals and a cafe at the gate, and Warrandyte River Reserve is about ten minutes away for an off-lead run beside the Yarra. The Blackwood Drive Reserve is another small option in the same suburb.

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