St James Park Dog Off Leash Area on Burwood Road in Hawthorn is a large, open park open 24 Hours, 7 Days. It has wide grass lawns framed by rows of big old elm and oak trees. The park has no fences and borders busy roads on three sides, so your dog needs reliable recall before you let them off the leash.
On This Page
St James Park Dog Off Leash Area: At a Glance
- The Vibe: Historic suburban park. Neighbours walk dogs under shady tree avenues while sports teams use the oval.
- Best For: Dogs with reliable recall that stay close and ignore traffic on the surrounding roads.
- Off-Leash Hours: 24 Hours, 7 Days. Dogs must be on a leash when organised sport is on the oval.
- Fencing: Completely unfenced. The grass borders Burwood Road, Denham Street and Wood Street with no boundary fences.
- Parking: Kerbside street parking along Wood Street and Denham Street.
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Southern Lawn: The open grass south of the cricket oval is the main off-leash spot for a game of fetch.
- Shady Avenues: Rows of mature elm and oak trees provide deep shade across the paths and lawn through warm afternoons.
- Drinking Water: A cast iron water fountain with a ground-level bowl sits on a brick path near the edge of the grass.
For the Humans
- Public Toilets: Council toilets sit within the reserve near the sports pavilion.
- Poo Bags and Bins: Waste bins sit near the paved paths. There are no bag dispensers, so bring your own poo bags.
- Playground Rules: The children’s playground is unfenced. Council rules require dogs to stay on a leash and at least 10 metres clear of the play equipment.
Insider Tip: Burwood Road carries heavy traffic, including regular buses and trucks. If your dog spooks easily at loud traffic or chases moving cars, keep the leash on. Walk to the centre of the southern lawn to stay as far from the road borders as possible.
The Final Verdict
St James Park Dog Off Leash Area gives Hawthorn locals a large, shady park with working toilets and a drinking fountain. The open boundaries border busy roads on three sides, so dogs need reliable recall to exercise safely. If your dog listens well and ignores passing traffic, the wide lawns and mature tree shade make it a practical spot for a quick daily run.
For more official information, visit the City of Boroondara website.
St James Park Dog Off Leash Area: FAQ
Q: Is St James Park Dog Off Leash Area fully fenced?
A: No. The park is completely open to Burwood Road, Wood Street and Denham Street. Dogs need reliable recall.
Q: Is there drinking water for dogs?
A: Yes. A drinking fountain with a ground bowl sits along the path.
Q: Are there public toilets at St James Park?
A: Yes. Public toilets are located near the sports pavilion inside the park.
