Civic Reserve Fenced Dog Park at 1 Billabong Walk is one of the most-used dog parks in Mornington. It sits on the east side of the Civic Reserve lake, south of the Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery, and covers about 150 by 80 metres of open grass broken up by clumps of trees. It’s fully fenced with several double-gated entrances, and there’s usually a friendly crowd of locals chatting while the dogs run.
On This Page
Civic Reserve Fenced Dog Park: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Busy and friendly, with lake views over the fence and a regular crowd of local dogs.
- Best For: Social dogs who love to play with others in a large, secure space.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days inside the fence.
- Fencing: Fully Fenced. Timber posts with wire mesh fencing, and double-gated airlocks at several entrances.
- Parking: Plenty of parking near the Regional Gallery and the Recreation Centre, a short walk away.

Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Secure Enclosure: The fully fenced area and double-gated entrances give owners of escape artists some reassurance.
- Giant Tree Stump: In the north-west corner, a large weathered tree stump sits in a sandy pit ringed by timber logs, and dogs love to climb on it and dig underneath.
- Varied Terrain: It isn’t a flat paddock. Clumps of trees break up the open grass and give the park a natural feel.
- Drinking Water: Water taps with dog bowls are at several of the entrances and in the north-west corner.
For the Humans
- Seating: Benches and shady spots under the trees make it comfortable to stay a while.
- Public Toilets: Available on the outside of the nearby sports pavilion. There are more across the lake at the playground, along with tables and BBQs.
- Bins and Paths: Bins sit at the entrances, and paved and gravel paths around the lake make access easy.
Insider Tip: Watch Your Step. Because the park is so busy, not every owner picks up after their dog, so keep an eye on the ground. There’s also no separate small dog area, so watch the gate when big groups of large dogs are playing. The lake is outside the fence, and signs warn against contact with the water.
The Final Verdict
Civic Reserve is one of the best all-round dog parks in Mornington. It’s secure and spacious, with water, toilets and parking close by, plus a giant tree stump to climb. If you want a relaxed outing where your dog can run and make friends, this is the spot.
For official info, check the Mornington Peninsula Shire website.
Civic Reserve Fenced Dog Park: FAQ
Q: Is there a separate small dog area?
A: No. It is a single large enclosure for all dogs.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: Yes, public toilets are available at the nearby sports pavilion.
Q: Is there water?
A: Yes, water taps with bowls are provided at several entrances.
