Charles Mutton Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a massive spot for your dog on Lorne Street in Fawkner, kitted out with two ovals and netball courts. It offers heaps of room for a run, but since it is a busy multi-use park, you have to work around the local sports schedule and be aware that the water taps are in a bit of an awkward spot.
Charles Mutton Reserve: At a Glance
- 🏉 The Vibe: Sports complex. It’s big, green, and busy with training on weekends.
- 🐕 Best For: Dogs with high energy who need a full-sized oval run.
- Off-Leash Hours: Open 24 Hours (On-leash during organized sport).
- Fencing: Unfenced.
- 🅿️ Parking: Onsite car park available.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Green Grass: Thanks to a stormwater harvesting system, the grass here stays greener in summer than other parks.
- Water Headache: The single dog water bowl is located at the playground—where dogs are not allowed off-leash. This is a major design flaw complained about by locals. Bring a bottle to avoid the hassle.
- Path Issues: New paths have improved access but reportedly suffer from poor drainage, creating large puddles.
For the Humans
- Amenities: There are toilets, bins, and seating near the pavilion.
- Playground: A playground is available, but maintain the 15-meter buffer zone with your dog.
- Safety: Some users have reported cars driving on the grass (“hooning”), so stay alert.
Insider Tip: Don’t rely on the water fountain attached to the playground unless you want to leash up every time your dog needs a drink. It’s much easier to bring your own water and stay on the oval.
The Final Verdict
Charles Mutton Reserve has some of the best grass for your dog in the summer, though it is let down by a few small issues like poor drainage and hard-to-find water taps. It works well if you come prepared with your own water and make sure to check when the local sports teams are using the fields so you don’t get in the way of a game.
For sports schedules, visit the Merri-bek City Council website.
Charles Mutton Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is the reserve fenced?
A: No, it is unfenced.
Q: Is there water for dogs?
A: Yes, but the bowl is inconveniently located at the playground.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: Yes, public toilets are available.
