Royal Park

Royal Park is the inner north's big parkland, about 170 hectares of native grassland and old gums in Parkville, on the North Melbourne edge. It mixes signed off-lead zones with on-lead areas, so it pays to learn the map.

Leads and the off-lead area

The City of Melbourne allows dogs off lead in designated zones, including the area south of MacArthur Road, Poplar Oval and McPherson Field. The native grassland circles are on lead only.

Dogs are not allowed at all in the Australian Native Garden. Check the signs as you move between zones.

The walk

Surfaces change as you go, from sealed paths to granitic sand and informal dirt and grass tracks. You pass native grasslands, towering gums and the outer walls of Melbourne Zoo.

South of MacArthur Road, a multi-use path wraps a large circular off-lead area. It is a social spot, drawing dogs from across the inner north.

Water and shade

Water for dogs is scarce in the MacArthur Road area, so pack a bowl and bottle. Bins and toilets are near Gatehouse Street, and mature trees give patchy shade.

Max: Bikes and runners use the path around the MacArthur Road circle. Call your dog in before it crosses.

Getting started

Street parking around Gatehouse Street can be competitive on weekends. If your dog prefers a smaller space, Clayton Reserve in North Melbourne is nearby.

Weekday mornings are calmer than weekends, when parking and the off-lead circle both get busy.