Queens Park Dog Off Leash Area on Queens Park Road in Highton sits on the banks of the Barwon River, with two sporting ovals, river trails and a regional playground. Two things set it apart from other Geelong reserves, and both need thinking about before you unclip: the river, and the golf course the park is built around.
On This Page
Queens Park Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: A large riverside parkland with old pines, sloping ground and open ovals.
- Best For: Dogs that like a mix of open grass and river trails, and families making a half-day of it.
- 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. White post-and-rail around the ovals. The river and golf course sides are open.
- Parking: Several parking areas around the park loop.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Deep Natural Shade: Large pines and gums line the ovals, which makes a real difference on a hot day.
- River Frontage: The park runs along the Barwon River, with trails sloping down towards the water.
- Water Tap and Bowl: There is a tap with a dog bowl on site.
For the Humans
- Toilets, BBQs and Rotundas: The park carries substantial picnic and BBQ facilities, public toilets and several rotundas for shelter.
- Regional Playground: A large playground with rope climbing and a tree house. Dogs are prohibited from playgrounds under council rules.
- Footbridge Walks: The wooden footbridge connects to further river trails and Zillah Crawcour Park if you want to extend the outing on leash.
Insider Tip: Queens Park is laid out around a golf course, and the off-leash ovals are not walled off from it. A dog that runs onto a fairway is in the path of golf balls and will not see them coming. The Barwon River is the other open edge, with sloping banks and moving water. Keep your run on the oval side and bring the leash back on before you head down to the river or across towards the course.
The Final Verdict
Queens Park Dog Off Leash Area is the most scenic off-leash option in Highton, with shade, water, toilets and river trails on the doorstep. It is also the one that asks the most of your recall, because the boundary is a rail and what lies beyond it is a golf course on one side and a river on the other. Right park for a steady dog, wrong one for a bolter.
For more official information, visit the Greater Geelong City Council website.
Queens Park Dog Off Leash Area: FAQ
Q: Is Queens Park fully fenced?
A: No. The ovals have a white post-and-rail boundary, and the river and golf course sides are open.
Q: Can my dog swim in the Barwon River here?
A: The park runs along the river, but the banks slope and the water moves. Keep your dog on leash near the water.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs on-site?
A: Yes. There is a water tap with a dog bowl at the park.
