Nicoll Park Dog Off Leash Area on Lane Street in Nunawading is one of those lovely local spots that makes up for its lack of flashy amenities with a huge amount of heart. Wrapping in an L-shape around the local tennis courts, this quiet, unfenced strip of grass is famous for its “sharing wall”, a sweet little community initiative where neighbors leave spare tennis balls and water bowls for everyone to use.
Nicoll Park Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- 🐾 The Vibe: Quiet, local, and incredibly friendly. It feels like a secret community garden tucked away behind the tennis club.
- 🐕 Best For: Dogs who love a good sniff along the fence line and owners who enjoy a chat with local regulars.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (but remember, there are no lights after dark).
- Fencing: Unfenced. The area is open to the surrounding streets, so your dog needs a reliable recall.
- 🅿️ Parking: Very easy street parking right outside on Lane Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- The “Sharing Wall”: Keep an eye out for the fantastic community station where locals leave spare tennis balls and fresh water bowls. It’s a really nice, welcoming touch.
- L-Shaped Exploration: The layout of the park means your dog has to round the corner to see the whole space. It’s great for sniffing, but it does mean you can occasionally lose sight of them, so keep them close.
- Bring a Bottle: Because there is no official water tap connected to the mains, it’s always safest to bring your own water, just in case the community bowls are empty.
For the Humans
- Family Options: There’s a playground on-site for the kids, but remember that dogs must be kept clear of the play equipment.
- Zero Council Amenities: Be prepared to be completely self-sufficient. There are no public toilets and no bins provided by the council. You must pack it in and pack it out.
- BYO Bags: While there is a bag dispenser, locals warn that it is notoriously empty. Do not rely on it, bring your own poo bags.
Insider Tip: Because the grassy off-leash strip wraps right around the local tennis courts, you’ll often find stray tennis balls flying over the fence. If your dog is an absolute ball-thief, keep a close eye on them, you don’t want them interrupting a serious match to steal the match ball!
The Final Verdict
Nicoll Park is a brilliant example of a community making a park special. While the local council hasn’t provided much in the way of infrastructure (no taps, no toilets, no bins), the locals have stepped up with the “sharing wall” to give it real heart. It’s a very basic, unfenced strip of grass, but for a quick, friendly visit, it’s a wonderful local asset.
For more official information, visit the Whitehorse City Council website.
Nicoll Park: FAQ
Q: Is there fresh water available for dogs?
A: There is no official council water tap. However, locals often leave water bowls out at the “sharing wall.” It’s best to bring your own just in case.
Q: Is the off-leash area fenced?
A: No, it is a completely unfenced strip of grass open to the street.
Q: Are there public toilets or bins?
A: No, there are no public toilets and no bins available at the park. You must take your waste home.
