Blue Gum Reserve

With about 20 acres of open grass under old blue gums and ghost gums, Blue Gum Reserve is one of the few big green spaces in Cowes. Dogs can run off lead all year in the northern part of the park.

Leads and the off-lead area

Bass Coast Shire Council allows dogs off lead year-round in the section north of the recreation facilities. Elsewhere in the reserve, where it is shared with clubs and other users, the lead goes back on.

The reserve

There are no formal paved paths, just open lawns and grass and dirt tracks between the trees. The Phillip Island Croquet Club and the Scouts are based here, and there is a casual disc golf course.

The big gums give plenty of shade. Dog water is sparse, so bring some, and clean up after your dog as council requires.

Getting started

Find it at 80 to 120 Dunsmore Road, on the corner of Settlement Road. Parking is next to the reserve and the club facilities.

Make a day of it

For a beach run, Ventnor Dog Beach lets dogs off lead at all times on the stretch between Graydens Road and Ventnor Beach Road.

It is a sound choice for dogs who need to burn off energy on a Phillip Island holiday.