McDonald Reserve Dog Off Leash Area is a district sporting reserve on Reynolds Road in Belmont, shared between local football, netball and cricket clubs. Dogs are welcome off leash on the grassed ovals when no organised sport is running, which makes it a straightforward option for a long morning run on maintained turf rather than an enclosed dog park.
On This Page
McDonald Reserve: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A working suburban sports reserve. Wide, flat, well-kept turf with clubrooms along one edge.
- Best For: Dogs that come back when called and want room to stretch out on even ground.
- Off-Leash Hours: On the grassed ovals only, whenever no organised sport or training is on. Check the ground and the on-site signage before you unclip.
- Fencing: Partially Fenced. A low white chain-link boundary around a metre high marks the oval, not a dog-proof barrier.
- Parking: Off-street parking at the reserve off Reynolds Road.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Two Maintained Ovals: Sports-grade turf gives you a large, even run with no holes or hidden dips underfoot.
- Areas That Are Off Limits: Dogs are not permitted on the playground, the netball court or the turf wickets, and must stay 10 metres clear of play equipment and picnic areas.
- No Dog Water Point: There is no dog bowl or drinking station on the oval, so bring water with you.
For the Humans
- Toilets and Pavilion: Public toilets are available at the reserve alongside the clubrooms, though access can depend on club bookings.
- Walking Paths: Sealed paths run through the reserve if you want to add an on-leash lap either side of the off-leash run.
- Picnic Table: Council lists a picnic table at the reserve. Remember the 10-metre rule applies around it.
Insider Tip: This is a busy club ground. Highton Cricket Club and the South Barwon Football and Netball Club both use the reserve, so a free oval on Saturday morning is the exception rather than the rule. Weekday mornings are a safer bet. If a game or a training session starts while you are there, leash up and move off the playing surface.
The Final Verdict
McDonald Reserve works best as a wide-open running ground for dogs you can call back, not as a secure enclosure. The low boundary fence will not stop a determined dog and the sports calendar dictates when the ovals are free. Time your visit around the clubs and you get a large, well-maintained stretch of grass a few minutes from central Belmont.
For more official information, visit the City of Greater Geelong website.
McDonald Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is McDonald Reserve fully fenced?
A: No. A low chain-link fence marks the oval boundary, but it is not a secure dog enclosure.
Q: When can my dog be off leash here?
A: On the grassed sporting ovals only, when no organised sport or training is taking place. Check the on-site signage.
Q: Can my dog go on the playground?
A: No. Dogs are prohibited from the playground, netball court and turf wickets, and must stay 10 metres clear of play equipment.
