Herne Hill Reserve Dog Off Leash Area on Finchaven Street in Herne Hill is a working sports ground with two large flat ovals, a pet water station and toilets on site. It is one of the better-equipped reserves in the area, but the ovals belong to the clubs first and the dogs second.
On This Page
Herne Hill Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A busy club ground that empties out into wide open grass between fixtures.
- Best For: Dogs that need distance on flat, even ground, and owners who want water and toilets on site.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days on the grassed ovals only, when no organised sport or training is taking place. Check the signs on arrival.
- Fencing: Partially Fenced. Chain mesh in sections and low post barriers elsewhere. It is not an enclosed area.
- Parking: Free car park on site near the main pavilion.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Two Large Ovals: Twice the running room of a single-oval reserve, on turf kept even enough for fetch without trip hazards.
- Dog Water Station: A water pedestal with a ground-level concrete bowl sits on site, which is not something most Geelong reserves offer.
- Gums Along the Boundary: Large trees on the Finchaven Street edge give shade and plenty to sniff along the fence line.
For the Humans
- Public Toilets: Toilets are maintained on site, alongside two oval pavilions.
- Poo Bags: None provided. Bring your own and carry everything out.
- Playground and Courts: The reserve has a children’s playground, two netball courts, a turf wicket and four training nets. Dogs must stay more than 10 metres from the playground or any BBQ.
Insider Tip: Council applies a 10 metre exclusion around the playground and BBQ here, which is wider than the usual rule and easy to breach without noticing on an open oval. Keep your run to the far side of the ground. Mid-morning on a weekday is the quietest window, since the clubs have the place on Saturday mornings and weekday evenings.
The Final Verdict
Herne Hill Reserve Dog Off Leash Area gives you space, water and toilets, which puts it ahead of most sporting reserves nearby. The trade-off is that it is genuinely busy with organised sport, the boundary will not hold a dog, and the playground exclusion zone eats into the usable ground. Come outside fixture times and it is one of the better options in Herne Hill.
For more official information, visit the Greater Geelong City Council website.
Herne Hill Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: FAQ
Q: Is Herne Hill Reserve fully fenced?
A: No. There is chain mesh in some sections and low post barriers in others, but the reserve is not enclosed.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs on-site?
A: Yes. There is a water pedestal with a ground-level bowl for dogs.
Q: How close can my dog get to the playground?
A: Dogs must stay more than 10 metres away from the playground or any BBQ at this reserve.
