At over 350 metres long, this fully enclosed off-lead dog park is one of the best in Melbourne's south-east for letting your dog run free. The park has a single gravel path that runs along the length of the park, with an open field on either side for your dog to explore. There are plenty of trees, but no undergrowth, so you can let your dog wander off whilst still being able to keep an eye on it.
The Farm Road entry to Farm Road Reserve
After having been a few times, I have noticed that this park is popular with professional dog walkers and dog sitters, which is a glowing endorsement of how good this park is for dogs. For anyone fortunate enough to visit while a dog sitter is there, being greeted by a pack of five or six friendly dogs, bursting with excitement and enthusiasm, is a joyous experience.
The path running through Farm Road Reserve
The park has gated entry points at Farm Road and Centre Dandenong Road in Cheltenham, with a third entry from a suburban side street. The entry from Centre Dandenong Road is along a narrow, 150 metre long path just beside the Arcare aged care centre. Street parking is available at both ends of the park, but spots are very limited on Centre Dandenong Road.
A place to rest and watch the dogs
After a slow lap up and back, there is a drinking fountain at the Farm Road entrance. For as long as I can remember, the drainage around the tap has been poor, with a near-permanent pool of mud around the tap. After having learned this the hard way, clip your dog back on the lead before you get anywhere near the tap, otherwise, you will be taking home a very muddy dog.
Avoid the puddle at Farm Road Reserve
