Rockley Gardens

Rockley Gardens is a formal pocket park on Toorak Road, split in two by Rockley Road, with manicured lawns under big old elms. It makes a calm, shaded on-lead stop between the Toorak Road and Chapel Street shops.

Lead rules

Dogs must stay on a lead at all times, as the City of Stonnington does not list the gardens as an off-lead park. With Toorak Road traffic right beside you, it is sensible anyway.

The gardens

Concrete paths loop past tidy garden beds, the lawns and a children's playground. The mature trees give some of the best shade in the area.

There is a drinking fountain with a low bowl on site, and bins around the park.

Getting started

The gardens are at 349 Toorak Road. Street parking on Rockley Road and nearby side streets can be tight at busy times.

Pair it with

For an off-lead run, try Como Park Dog Off Leash Area or Princess Gardens Off-Leash Area.

It is small, so treat it as a short, shaded stroll for a calm dog rather than an exercise outing. Hot afternoons are when the elms earn their keep.