Queen Victoria Reserve Off-Leash Dog Park

Nice place to take your dog, access to the water, grassy area to play on too!

An "Off- Leash Dog Park". Seems a rather narrow focus for rating this place and for the decision to make a visit or not. It is time-limited for "leash-free" anyway, but as no one appeared to be extending any "cooperation" to the Council request in respect of their leash rules, the name has some justification. There is a special dog waste bin with plastic bags, as well as two "general" waste bins. A lovely small grassed Reserve with a river beach adjoining which, in turn, extends to another grassed reserve (which I believe is Pelican Reserve). Beautiful scenic views across the water from all areas to the historically significant "Spectacle Island", which is getting some local artist attention more and more; and beautiful views in other directions (and distances) too. The City views are particularly memorable of a day, and would likely be stunning at night. Quiet and uncrowded when I was there, with only a couple of large unleashed dogs beyond apparent effective immediate control of owners to keep an eye open for. Otherwise, it would be very easy and delightful to take an intended or unintended nap. Nice shade from trees, and surrounding large homes (and I would hate to pay their rates, fees, funds or whatnot and power bills). In fact, the entire vicinity has some spectacular properties to look at - that inspire investing in bank shares. The boats and yachts plying the waters are pleasant and relaxing to watch, and the dinghies and kayaks pulled up on the Reserve that goes down from the mere 5 space parking cul-de-sac to the water (and adjacent beach) make colourful and interesting patterns. Very near to the parking area is a well-stocked street book library - what a great idea. A water station or just a tap would be nice, and is lacking, so bring a full water bottle. There is no fresh water source on the beach or Pelican Reserve either, but there is usually a (empty) dog water bowl on Pelican Reserve. Some sharp nettle type weeds down the water end in the grass of the Reserve that slopes down to the water (and adjacent beach), so don't sit down too hard on the ground here. Other grassed areas not affected. There are also some bench seats in the grassed areas of both the Reserve and on Pelican Reserve. On the latter all places are particularly exposed to the weather and nearby Peppercorn Reserve is the better picnic place option; if you are able to negotiate the many steps to the lower part of Peppercorn Reserve). The slope of the Reserve from the parking cul-de-sac down to the water (and adjacent beach) isn't extremely steep, but a material thing to consider for a visit; and access to the adjoining beach requires a steady step - and not suitable for a stroller or mobility aids - but no agility. It is a pity that the short pathway to the beach couldn't be kept unpaved but levelled, and a ramp built to go down to the sand itself (there is only a step down from a low retaining wall). A fairly narrow turf strip at the back of the beach to enable people with need for mobility aids and strollers to reach the next flat and large grassed area of Pelican Reserve might be feasible or might not; but the unevenness of the short pathway and the absence of a small ramp down to the sand suggests these people have not been fully considered. As there are no public toilet facilities at this Reserve, and none at nearby parks and reserves, a sign indicating where they are hiding in the area would be a considerate measure by Council for seniors and others. I'd suggest the closest are back at Birkenhead Point outlet centre, 10 minutes walk away.

Not a "park". A small scrappy piece of land and dogs are only allowed off lead before 9am and after 5pm

Nice outlook from here. However the park needs or is in the process of a little tidy up. Maybe a community BBQ and some tables would be nice.

Such a beautiful spot to walk the dog and what we do, which is going fishing. For those who like fishing, don’t expect much apart from some decent sized whitings and a couple of brims. This place is also a great place to watch the fireworks at NYE and a great way to be able to stay away from the crowds at the CBD. View isn’t 100% but it’s definitely seeable.