Kingston Heath Reserve

Kingston Heath Reserve sits in Cheltenham, right on the Heatherton border, and the reason to come is a big off-lead exercise area ringed by on-lead walking paths. The City of Kingston looks after it.

Leads and the off-lead area

Inside the designated exercise area dogs can run free across a wide grassed space, with jumps and other agility gear in the middle. Everywhere around it, the walking zones are on-lead.

Gravel paths mark the line between the two, so it is easy to see where the lead goes back on. Families use the playgrounds and the Kingston Botanic Gardens next door.

The walk

Expect granitic sand and gravel paths over open grass, scattered with mature trees. There are water taps on site and bins along the paths and near the exercise area, though it pays to find the taps before heading to the back fields.

The car park is off Centre Dandenong Road.

Max: Clip the lead on before you step onto the gravel path out of the exercise area. The playgrounds are close by.

Pair it with

For a change of scene, Dales Park Reserve Dog Off Leash Area and Mavis Hutter Reserve Dog Off Leash Area are two more off-lead spaces in the area.

When to go

Much of the open grass has little shade, so summer visits work best early or late. The sheer size of the off-lead space keeps it from feeling crowded even at busy times, which suits dogs that love to sprint.