Harold Hurst Reserve Dog Off Leash Area on Douglass Street in Herne Hill is two flat sporting ovals with clear sightlines from one end to the other. Worth knowing before you arrive: the reserve does have a fenced area, but it is the playground, and dogs are prohibited from it. The ovals themselves are open.
On This Page
Harold Hurst Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Wide open sporting ground with nothing to block your view of the dog.
- Best For: Long-distance fetch and dogs that need a genuine sprint.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days on the grassed ovals only, when no organised sport is taking place. Check the signs on arrival.
- Fencing: Partially Fenced. A low white pipe-and-rail boundary rings the ovals. The only proper fence is around the playground, which is off limits to dogs.
- Parking: On-site parking off Douglass Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Two Full Ovals: The reserve carries two sporting ovals, so there is real distance to cover when neither is booked.
- Level Surface: The ground is flat end to end, which makes for consistent footing at speed.
- Drinking Water: No water tap on-site. Bring a bottle and bowl, especially in warm weather.
For the Humans
- Clear Sightlines: The open layout means you can track your dog from anywhere on the ground.
- Shade Around the Edges: Mature trees on the boundary throw shade in the afternoon, with more cover near the pavilion.
- Courts On Site: There is a netball court and a basketball half court within the reserve, along with turf and hard cricket wickets.
Insider Tip: Do not let the fence fool you. Council lists a small fenced playground here, and it is easy to read that as a fenced dog area from the car park. It is not one. Dogs are prohibited from playgrounds, and the ovals where your dog actually runs have only a low rail between them and Douglass Street. There is also no tap, so water comes with you.
The Final Verdict
Harold Hurst Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a plain, effective place to burn energy: flat, open and big enough for a proper run. There is no water, no secure boundary and the ovals belong to the clubs when sport is on. Time it right and it does the job in Herne Hill.
For more official information, visit the Greater Geelong City Council website.
Harold Hurst Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: FAQ
Q: Is Harold Hurst Reserve fully fenced?
A: No. The ovals have only a low pipe-and-rail boundary. The fenced area at the reserve is the playground, and dogs are prohibited from it.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs on-site?
A: No. There is no water tap at the reserve, so bring your own.
Q: Can my dog be off leash at any time?
A: Off-leash use applies to the grassed ovals when no organised sport is taking place. Check the signage on arrival.
