Wally Tew Reserve is a dog-friendly park on Brenock Park Drive in Ferntree Gully. Formerly a shire tip, it has been rehabilitated into a premium “botanic garden” style reserve. It offers a diverse mix of open sports ovals and bushland walking tracks, though recent major construction works on the pavilion may impact access.
Wally Tew Reserve: At a Glance
- 🌺 The Vibe: Festival atmosphere. It feels polished, busy, and community-focused.
- 🐕 Best For: Social dogs and families wanting a “day out” experience with BBQs and playgrounds.
- Off-Leash Hours: Open 24 Hours (On-leash during organized sport).
- Fencing: Unfenced. Relies on vegetation and distance from roads.
- 🅿️ Parking: Onsite car park available (currently constrained by construction).
Dog Park Features & Amenities
For the Dogs
- Varied Terrain: You can choose between a high-speed run on the sports ovals (when empty) or a “sniffari” walk along the gravel tracks through native bushland.
- Water: Drinking water stations with dog bowls are available.
- Exclusion Zones: Dogs must be on-leash in conservation bushland areas and near the playground. Be mindful of the signs.
For the Humans
- Premium Facilities: This is a Tier 1 reserve. It features high-quality public toilets, electric BBQs, and a newly upgraded gazebo for shelter.
- Playground: An excellent playground makes this a top pick for families, but remember the 15-meter buffer rule for dogs.
- Construction Impact: Be aware that major pavilion upgrades ($3.2M project) are ongoing until early 2026, which may affect parking and access near the main buildings.
Insider Tip: The lower sections near Blind Creek can get boggy in winter due to the floodplain geology. Stick to the higher ovals or the gravel paths if you want to keep your car seats clean.
The Final Verdict
Wally Tew Reserve is the “jewel in the crown” for Ferntree Gully. It offers a beautiful, engaging environment for dogs and humans alike. It’s not a secure, fenced “dog park,” but for a social outing on a sunny Sunday, it is unbeatable. Just watch the sports schedule.
For construction updates, visit the Knox City Council website.
Wally Tew Reserve: FAQ
Q: Is the reserve fully fenced?
A: No, it is partially enclosed by bushland but not secure.
Q: Can dogs go on the oval during football?
A: No. Off-leash play is prohibited during organized sports matches and training.
Q: Are there toilets?
A: Yes, high-quality public toilets are available.
