Hurlingham Park in Brighton East is a leafy, two-oval reserve on Francis Street with water, public toilets, and poop bags on-site, set within a well-established residential pocket where the shaded edges give dogs a cool resting spot. It’s unfenced and off-lead access is conditional on sports, and the drainage issues in winter mean it’s best visited during the drier months.
Hurlingham Park: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: Relaxed, leafy, and genuinely local, with the calm feel of a well-established park that the community has been using for years.
- 🐕 Best For: Dogs who enjoy a summer evening run on open grass and owners who want a comfortable, tree-shaded setting for a longer session.
- Off-Leash Hours: Open 24 hours a day, though access is restricted to off-lead only when organised sport is not being played on the ovals.
- Fencing: Unfenced, with several gaps in the perimeter, so it’s effectively open and your dog needs reliable recall before going off the lead.
- 🅿️ Parking: On-site car park available off Francis Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Two Ovals: The double-oval layout means there’s usually enough space for a proper fetch session without crowding other groups, which makes a genuine difference on busy weekend mornings.
- Mature Shade Trees: The large trees around the perimeter give dogs somewhere to sniff and cool off on a warm day rather than baking in the middle of an open oval.
- Water On-Site: A drinking fountain is available, though it can be unreliable at times, so bringing a backup bottle is a practical habit here.
For the Humans
- Public Toilets: Available on-site, which makes this a practical option for a longer community outing rather than a quick in-and-out visit.
- Poop Bags: Council bag dispensers are generally stocked here, making it easy to keep the reserve clean without needing to remember to bring your own every single time.
- Picnic Tables and Seating: Tables are available and there’s plenty of room to spread out under the trees, making it a comfortable spot for a longer stay rather than just standing in the middle of an oval.
Insider Tip: Hurlingham’s drainage isn’t its strongest point, and the ground can turn into a proper bog after heavy winter rain that lingers for longer than you’d expect given the size of the ovals. Summer mornings are when this park is at its best: the shade from the big trees keeps it comfortable on warm days while most other parks in the area are fully exposed. Stick to the drier months if you want to leave with clean paws on both ends of the lead.
The Final Verdict
Hurlingham Park is a well-equipped, community-oriented off-leash reserve in Brighton East that works well for dogs and owners who want a leafy, relaxed setting with all the practical basics covered. The winter drainage issue is the main caveat, but for summer visits with a dog that has solid recall and can work around the sports schedule, it’s a genuinely pleasant option.
For more info, visit the Bayside City Council website.
Hurlingham Park: FAQ
Q: Is Hurlingham Park fully fenced?
A: No, the park is effectively unfenced because there are several gaps in the perimeter fencing.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs at Hurlingham Park?
A: Yes, there is a water fountain on-site, but it can be unreliable, so bringing your own bottle is a practical backup.
Q: Are there public toilets at Hurlingham Park?
A: Yes, public toilets are available on-site for park users.
