Melbourne is getting the Southern Hemisphere's biggest dog park

KCC Park - 30-hectare playground for dogs

Dogs Victoria is planning a major overhaul of its long-running KCC Park in Melbourne's south-east, transforming the 74-acre property into a year-round recreation, training and social hub for dogs and their owners.

The organisation says the revamped park, at 655 Western Port Highway in Skye, is expected to open in early 2027 following a $12 million investment.

Central to the redevelopment will be six purpose-built off-lead areas. Rather than putting every dog into the same paddock, the spaces will cater for different sizes, activity levels and behavioural needs, including quieter areas for dogs better suited to one-on-one exercise.

A dedicated five-kilometre walking and endurance trail will wind through the grounds, while plans also include expanded facilities for canine sports, training and behaviour support. Dog daycare, a professional grooming centre, a dog-friendly café and community spaces are also slated for the precinct.

Dogs that prefer the water won't be left high and dry. KCC Park already has a dam where dogs can swim, alongside indoor and outdoor areas used for training, exercise, conformation shows and sporting competitions.

KCC Park is opening up to more dog owners

The project is more than an expansion of the existing dog park. Dogs Victoria is also introducing a Community Membership program designed to give everyday Victorian dog owners greater access to the organisation's facilities, activities, education and dog sports.

KCC Park has been a centre for Victorian canine activities for more than four decades, with its grounds traditionally associated with registered members, breed shows, training and competitive dog sports. Events are already staged at the Skye site on most weekends, including disciplines such as lure racing, while the grounds host obedience, agility and other canine activities.

The new membership model is intended to broaden that community beyond breeders and sporting competitors, with access open to dog owners regardless of their pet's breed or pedigree status.

That could also give curious owners an easier route into organised dog sports such as agility, obedience, scent work and trick training, alongside educational programs aimed at responsible dog ownership and canine behaviour.

When will the new KCC Park open?

Dogs Victoria is targeting early 2027 for the official opening of the redeveloped KCC Park. Further details about Community Membership tiers, access arrangements and construction milestones are expected as the project progresses.

KCC Park is in Skye, near Cranbourne and Frankston, around 35 kilometres south-east of Melbourne's CBD. Until the redevelopment is complete, the existing State Dog Centre continues to operate as a venue for dog exercise, training, shows, trials and competitions.



SOURCE

This park will have dog appeal in spades

Jennifer Pittorino | HeraldSun

The southern hemisphere’s biggest dedicated dog park will be created in Victoria after a multimillion-dollar expansion.

Dogs Victoria has announced plans for a $12m expansion of the KCC Park, in Skye, to create a 74-acre precinct just for dogs.

“For the first time we will be utilising all 74-acres of KCC Park for dog-related activities and opening new opportunities for dog owners across Melbourne and Victoria to become involved,” Dogs Victoria Chief Executive Kirk Edwards said.

Due to open in early 2027, the State Dog Park redevelopment will have six off-lead areas tailored to different dog sizes, behaviours and activity levels.

For $200 a year, members will gain access to these off-lead spaces, walking tracks, community events, discounts and onsite amenities.

Non-members will have access to the off-lead dog areas and community events, including outdoor movie nights, picnics and a Christmas market.

Mr Edwards said: “This is about improving the wellbeing of dogs, supporting responsible dog ownership and creating a place where people and dogs can exercise, learn, socialise and participate together.”

The expansion is due to begin by September 2026 and the park will remain open while renovations are under way.

Photo caption: Australian shepherd puppy Dice is keen to dig in on the $12m expansion to make the biggest dog park in the southern hemisphere. Picture: David Caird