Montmorency Park

Montmorency Park, off Para Road in Montmorency, gives dogs something rare in suburban Melbourne: open space where they can run off lead, with the Plenty River bush corridor alongside.

Leads and the off-lead area

Banyule City Council lets dogs off lead in the park's general open space, as long as they stay under effective control.

Clip on within 5 metres of shared trails, playgrounds and picnic or barbecue areas, and whenever organised sport or an event is on the ovals.

The walk

Paths mix concrete and compacted gravel and link into the Plenty River Trail. A local walking circuit connected to the park runs about 3.5 kilometres, past tall manna gums and open sports ovals.

Max: The shared trail carries bikes. Leash up before you reach it, not once you are on it.

Make a day of it

Coffee is close at The Were Street Food Store in Montmorency, and E J Andrew Reserve Dog Off Leash Area in Briar Hill is another run nearby.

When to go

Go when the ovals are free of sport for the most room off lead. Carry water, as taps along the trails are sparse.