About this park
Montpellier Park sits on one of the highest points in Highton, and the view is the main draw — a sweeping outlook over Geelong, Corio Bay and out toward the coast. It's a large, open grass reserve with walking paths, partially fenced along the lower boundaries but open to the surrounding streets at the top end — there's no enclosed or gated dog area here.
The park has real local history: it takes its name from "Highton House," a two-storey sandstone mansion built in 1851 by John Highett, whose name the suburb itself is derived from. The property later became the Montpellier Hotel and Picnic Gardens, a popular family resort with views over Corio Bay. The mansion was damaged in a 1932 storm and demolished shortly after — its foundations and cellar have been partly restored and now sit within the park, protected under the Heritage Act 1995.
Photos
Location
Good to know
Confirmed on-site: no dog-specific signage found — no off-leash rules, no boundaries, nothing indicating this is an officially designated off-leash area. This is a general open park reserve rather than a signed dog park. If you're relying on this listing, treat off-leash status as unconfirmed and keep your dog leashed unless you can verify current rules with the City of Greater Geelong directly.
The lower sides of the reserve have some wire fencing, but the top end is open directly onto surrounding streets — worth knowing if your dog isn't reliable around traffic, since there's no barrier there.
The restored ruins of the old Highton House are protected under the Heritage Act 1995 — it's an offence to disturb them, so keep dogs away from that section.
Popular as a lookout spot, especially in the evening when Kardinia Park is lit up for games, so it can get busier around events.
Nearest vet
Shown by proximity, not a personal recommendation — always confirm details directly with the clinic, especially in an emergency.