Don Road Sporting Complex

Don Road Recreation Reserve in Healesville pairs sports ovals and walking paths with the thing many local owners come for, a council-designated off-lead area. It sits around the Don Road Sporting Complex at 249B Don Road.

Leads and the off-lead area

Yarra Ranges Council lists part of the reserve as an off-lead dog zone, and signs on site show where it applies. Everywhere else, around the ovals, courts and shared paths, keep your dog on lead.

Max: Read the signs before you unclip. The off-lead zone covers only part of the reserve, and sport is played on the rest.

The walk

Paths range from formed gravel and earth tracks to sealed walking and bike paths, circling open grassy ovals with a farm-like valley view beyond. Mature trees give scattered shade.

Facilities

There is parking on site, including accessible spaces, plus toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and bins. Water for dogs is not guaranteed, so bring a bowl and a bottle.

Make a day of it

Coffee is close at Cherry Tree Cafe, or head to the Healesville Showgrounds Dog Off Leash Area for another run.

It suits social dogs who like a mix of lead walking and a run, and owners who want toilets and a picnic table close to the car.