Edwardes Lake Park

A flat lap of Edwardes Lake with a fenced dog park at the end for an off-lead run is the draw here. The park sits in Reservoir, just north of West Preston, in the City of Darebin.

Leads and the off-lead area

Darebin City Council requires dogs on lead on the lakeside paths. The rule protects the birdlife and the habitat restoration areas around the water.

The fenced off-lead dog park is at the corner of Leamington Street and Seaver Grove. It has separate zones, so small or shy dogs can play apart from bigger ones.

The loop

The circuit around the lake is flat and accessible, mostly concrete and asphalt with some gravel. You get open water views, wetlands and plenty of waterbirds.

Bins are around the park, and toilets sit beside the athletics track and the Scouts Hall on Leamington Street. Bring water for the dog.

Pepsi: Ducks on the lake, friends in the dog park. Save the zoomies for inside the fence.

Make a day of it

For coffee, Cheshire is in West Preston.

For another off-lead space, try W. R. Larkins Reserve Dog Off Leash Area in Preston.

The smooth, level path suits older dogs and slow walkers, and the dog park gives young dogs somewhere to burn energy.