Box Hill Gardens

Box Hill Gardens is a historic garden reserve between Station Street and Whitehorse Road, a green break in the middle of Box Hill's apartments and shops. Dogs are allowed on the paths and lawns, but only on a lead.

Lead rules

Whitehorse City Council requires dogs to stay leashed throughout the gardens. They are also kept out of the fenced ornamental lake precinct and must stay at least 2.5 metres from playgrounds and permanent barbecues.

The walk

Sealed paths loop through the gardens, and a rubberised track of about a kilometre runs around the outside. The surfaces suit prams and wheelchairs, which also makes them easy on older dogs.

Along the way you pass the duck pond and its ornamental bridge, big shade trees and the Box Hill War Memorial obelisk. Bins sit along the perimeter and the main internal paths.

Getting there

Street parking is on Station Street and the residential streets around the edge of the gardens.

Pair it with

For off-lead time, R.H.L Sparks Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is also in Box Hill. The Gardiners Creek Trail is another walk nearby when you want a change of scene.

Shade makes this a decent summer choice, and the smooth track is ideal for a slow lap with a senior dog. Hold the lead short near the pond, where the ducks are a big distraction.