Rathmines Reserve Dog Off Leash Area on Rathmines Road in Hawthorn East is a large sports oval surrounded by steep grass banks. The main oval gives dogs plenty of flat room for long ball throws, and the surrounding hills add extra space to run. The reserve is partially fenced, but dogs must go on a leash whenever organised cricket or footy matches and training sessions are on.
On This Page
Rathmines Reserve Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Active and social. Local dog owners gather on the turf for ball throws on weekday mornings and late afternoons.
- Best For: Dogs that need a long-distance ball sprint, and owners who want a clean, well-kept sports oval.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days (restricted during organised sports matches and training).
- Fencing: Partially Fenced. Low post-and-rail fencing and garden boundaries frame parts of the oval, but open exits lead straight onto surrounding streets.
- Parking: Unrestricted street parking along Rathmines Road, including an accessible space.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Sports Oval: A full-sized cricket and AFL ground with lush turf. Dogs get plenty of open running room outside match times.
- Drinking Water: A modern drinking fountain with an attached ground-level dog bowl stands near the boundary.
- Grassy Banks: Mounded grassy slopes border the northern side of the oval. Dogs can run up and down the hills for extra exercise.
For the Humans
- Sports Pavilion: The upgraded pavilion on the southern boundary offers verandah shelter and bench seating.
- Public Toilets: Toilets are open inside the pavilion building during park hours.
- Poo Bags: None on-site. Bring your own poo bags. Council rubbish bins sit near the paths and pavilion.
Insider Tip: Local footy and cricket clubs use the oval on training nights and across the weekend. Dogs must be on a leash or off the ground whenever matches or training sessions run. The amphitheatre bank gives you a great elevated view, but watch for fallen sticks and twigs under the weeping willows.
The Final Verdict
Rathmines Reserve Dog Off Leash Area gives Hawthorn East dogs a well-kept grass oval for flat-out ball runs. Partial fencing means your dog must have reliable recall around the street boundaries, and weekend sports schedules mean you need to time your visits around match play. Bring your own poo bags and enjoy the open turf during quiet weekday hours.
For more official information, visit the City of Boroondara website.
Rathmines Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is Rathmines Reserve Dog Off Leash Area fully fenced?
A: No, the oval has post-and-rail fencing in sections but remains open to surrounding streets.
Q: Is there fresh water for dogs on-site?
A: Yes, a drinking fountain with a ground-level dog bowl is located near the boundary.
Q: Are there public toilets available?
A: Yes, public toilets are open inside the sports pavilion.
