The Best Dog Friendly Walks in Melbourne

Australia has one of the highest household rates of pet ownership in the world with almost two in five households owning a dog. Dogs love to get outdoors and Melbourne dog owners are very fortunate to have a huge range of places to exercise their dog, ranging from fenced dog parks, year round off-leash beaches and more than 1600 dog off-leash areas.

There are also some wonderful walks, both off-leash and on-leash. So put on the walking shoes and explore Melbourne with your pooch on these walks.

Yarra Bend Park (Fairfield)



A huge area of parkland, woodlands and playing fields through which the Yarra River and Merri Creek run. There are many lovely walks within the park including walks to Dights Falls and places for dogs to access the river. A magnet for visitors is Studley Park Boathouse where Kanes Bridge crosses high over the Yarra River.

Distance: A range of walks up to 6.3 km.
Environment: A large park with the Yarra River running through it. Mainly grassy areas with light bushland.
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Off-lead: Yarra Bend Park is a multi-zone park. Dogs are permitted off-lead in the park, but must be kept on a leash within on-lead zones. There are also some dog exclusion areas including two golf courses.
Parking: Free parking in a number of places around the park.
Facilities: A number of locations with picnic facilities. There are a number of access points to the Yarra River for swimming by dogs.

Darebin Parklands (Alphington)



A large 33-hectare bushland reserve which borders Darebin Creek and has some lakes which are home to many species of birds. There is an area in the north-east which is a designated off-leash area which has a pool formed by the creek which is a popular swimming spot for dogs. The remainder of the parklands which is on-lead offers many interesting walking trails.

Distance: A loop walk is about 2.5km.
Environment: Grassy parkland and bushland beside a creek. Note that snakes are often spotted here during the warmer months. Try to keep your dog out of the long grass.
Difficulty: Easy
Off-lead: One off-leash area and the remainder of the park is on-leash.
Parking: Free parking. The main entrance is at Separation Street.
Facilities: Picnic area with shelter, tables, toilets and water tap. Check out 'The Nest' public art which is in the shape of an egg and made from recycled timber which echoes hope for recovery and new life. There is a 'Spiritual Healing Trail' in the park.

RJ Hamer Arboretum (Olinda)



The 126 acre arboretum is a cultivated collection of varied trees and shrubs which were chosen for their interesting flowers and foliage. The area was originally established to provide an area for passive recreation such as walking and picnicking. There are seasonal highlights throughout the year but our favourite time to visit is Autumn when there are spectacular colours and masses of fallen leaves to play in.

Distance: Circuit of the Arboretum is about 4.5km
Environment: Dirt paths, some tracks are a bit slippery when wet and sections are quite steep.
Difficulty: Moderate
Off-lead: On-lead at all times.
Parking: There is a free car park near the intersection of Chalet Road and Dam Track.
Facilities: On the southern side near the carpark on Chalet Road is a lookout, tables, BBQs and toilets. The Valley Picnic Ground at the northern end has picnic tables and toilets.

Mathias Track (Olinda)



Mathias track in the beautiful surroundings of Olinda is probably Melbourne's most iconic dog walk which means that it can be very busy. The track borders the Dandenongs National Park and is strictly an on-lead only walk (some sources may say this is an off-leash area for dogs but that is incorrect). It is possible to make a diversion or a stop at the Former Old Olinda Golf Course which is a huge hilly area adjacent to the walk which is an off-leash area. The track also passes through the RJ Hamer Arboretum which has a collection of beautiful and interesting trees from around the world.

Distance: 7.0 km return
Environment: The route follows a track which is closed to vehicles through a beautiful forest of towering eucalypts. The track borders the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Gardens) and passes through parts of the the RJ Hamer Arboretum. The Former Old Olinda Golf Course, a dog off-leash area, is close by.
Difficulty: The track has moderate slopes but can be fairly muddy and slippery after rain.
Off-lead: The track is on-lead but the former Olinda golf course nearby has been converted into a dog off-leash area.
Parking: There is a small car park at the start of the walk.
Facilities: There are no water taps or bins along the route.

Emerald-Cockatoo Trail (Emerald / Cockatoo)



A varied 14k return walk where you can catch a glimpse of Puffing Billy, pass through the interesting Nobelius Heritage Park and Emerald Lake Park and finally pass through the eucalypts of Wrights Forest.

Distance: 14km return. It is possible to use two cars and park one car at the Alma Treloar Reserve playground in Cockatoo. Dogs are not permitted on Puffing Billy.
Environment: A significant portion of the route is shaded and there are dirt paths.
Difficulty: Long but easy.
Off-lead: The walk is on-leash but there is an off-leash area at Pepis Land in Emerald near the start of the walk and another off-leash area at Alma Treloar Reserve in Cockatoo.
Parking: Free car parking in Emerald near the start of the walk.
Facilities: There is a playground in Emerald near the start of the walk and another playground at Alma Treloar Reserve in Cockatoo at the turnaround point. There are plenty of picnic facilities and toilets at Emerald Lake.

Ruffey Lake Park (Templestowe)



Ruffey Creek, which runs through the park, was dammed to form Ruffey Lake which was used to irrigate the surrounding orchards. The huge park, 168 acres in size, has lovely green hills dotted with trees, several walking trails, many picnic areas and three playgrounds.

Distance: There are two multi-use paths which go around and through the reserve, the 3.6km Hill Tops Outer Path Circuit and the 2.7km Ruffey Creek Inner Path Circuit. It is possible to make your own circuit without sticking to the paths.
Environment: A large park with some hilly areas, creek and lake.
Difficulty: Easy but hilly.
Off-lead: About two-thirds of the park is off-leash. The areas around the Victoria Street playground and The Boulevard playground are on-leash.
Parking: The park has three entrances with free car parking at Victoria Street, The Boulevard and King Street.
Facilities: There is an excellent playground at Victoria Street in the east, another good playground at The Boulevard in the south-east and a small playground at Church Road in the north. There are picnic facilities including toilets and water taps at the playgrounds. There is a Disc Golf course in the park and a large lake and creek but dog swimming is discouraged as there is a high potential for water contamination.

Princes Park Loop Walk (Carlton North)



Enjoy an easy walk around inner-Melbourne's Princes Park which surrounds the former home of the Carlton Football Club with acres of grassy areas dotted with trees. There is an off-leash area at the northern end of the park with a lovely pond and another off-leash area at the southern end around Crawford Oval. In between are some playgrounds and an on-leash area.

Distance: 3.5 km walk which loops around Princes Park
Environment: Parkland dotted with trees.
Difficulty: Easy
Off-lead: Two off-leash areas at the northern and southern ends. The remainder of the park is on-leash.
Parking: Ticketed parking from 7:30am to 6:30pm Monday to Friday along Princes Park Drive and Bowen Crescent.
Facilities: Two playgrounds - a small playground in the north and an extensive playground in the middle, water taps, picnic tables, BBQs, toilets, Princes Park Carlton Bowls Club, pond with fountain and accessible by public transport (tram route #19 or Royal Park station on the Upfield train line).

Jells Park Walk (Wheelers Hill)



A very popular park for family picnics which has wide open parkland, views of a large man-made lake teeming with birdlife and over nine kilometres of paths and trails.

Distance: 2-4 km
Environment: Parkland dotted with trees with some wetland conservation areas where dogs are prohibited.
Difficulty: Easy
Off-lead: Dogs are required to be on-lead within the park and there are some areas where dogs are prohibited (at the rear of the lake and other signposted bushland areas). There is a path to Nortons Park which is a dog off leash area.
Parking: Free parking with vehicle entry gate open at 8am and closeing at dusk with 24‐hour vehicle exit.
Facilities: Multiple picnic areas with tables, BBQs and playgrounds at Stringybark, Yabbie Hill and Oaks. There is a Visitor Centre with a cafe, restaurant, kiosk, toilet facilities and park information. Jells Lake is a feature of the park but no public boating or canoeing is allowed in the lake, although fishing is allowed from designated jetties.

Jawbone Foreshore Walk (Williamstown)



There is a dog friendly walk along the foreshore from Gloucester Reserve, a dog off-leash area in Williamstown. It follows the Bay Trail to the northern end of the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve opposite the mouth of Kororoit Creek.

Distance: 5.3km. The route can be extended to Altona Coastal Park or Cherry Lake.
Environment: Path beside a coastal conservation reserve.
Difficulty: Easy
Off-lead: Gloucester Reserve is an off-lead area and along the Bay Trail is an on-lead area, while dogs are prohibited from the Jawbone Flora and Fauna Reserve.
Parking: There is paid parking at along Williamstown beach but you should be able to find some free parking in the surrounding streets.
Facilities: Well maintained paths, seats, bins, water taps, wetland views and playgrounds at Crofton Drive Reserve and Jawbone Reserve.

Lillydale Lake (Lilydale)



Lillydale Lake is a lovely location with many facilities and activities including a nice playground, picnic shelters, tables, BBQs, toilets, water taps, outdoor gym, fishing jetties and three separate dog off-leash areas including one area with a creek.

Distance: 3.5km around the entire reserve and 2.6km just around the lake.
Environment: Grassy areas surrounding the lake and smaller areas of water with a few main tracks.
Difficulty: Easy
Off-lead: Three off-lead areas: North West of the lake where Olinda Creek runs around the outside, East of the lake and South East of the lake. The remainder of the large grassy areas are on-leash.
Parking: Free parking with the main car park and facilities off Swansea Road.
Facilities: A playground, picnic facilities, toilets, water taps, outdoor gym, fishing jetties

Royal Park (Parkville)



Royal Park is Melbourne's largest park and contains three dog off-leash areas, many sports grounds, Melbourne Zoo, Royal Park Public Golf Course and Royal Park Nature Playground. The off-leash areas can be joined together with sections of on-leash walks.

Distance: Loop walk up to 6km
Environment: Grassy park cut in half by busy Elliott Avenue.
Difficulty: Easy walking but be careful of traffic when near busy roads.
Off-lead: Royal Park has three off-leash areas - the main off leash area is south of MacArthur Road and there are two smaller areas in the northern part of the park at Poplar Oval and McPherson Field. The remainder of the park is on-leash except dogs are prohibited from the Australian Native Garden along Gatehouse Street and the playground.
Parking: Free parking can be quite difficult to find but is possible.
Facilities: Royal Park nature playground, toilets and water taps.

Wilson Botanic Park (Berwick)



The 39 hectare Wilson Botanic Park is one of the loveliest and most interesting parks in Melbourne. There are three lakes with hundreds of Eastern longneck turtles, boardwalk, panoramic views and beautiful gardens. The park is an on-leash area for dogs.

Distance: 3.2 km circuit walk around the park.
Environment: A lovely park walk with beautiful surroundings.
Difficulty: A flat area near the lakes with a steep walk to the top of the ridge.
Off-lead: The park is an on-lead area.
Parking: Free parking.
Facilities: The park is open 7am-6pm (to 9pm during daylight saving) every day except Christmas Day and Good Friday. There is a visitors centre, picnic facilities, toilets and a playground.

Ruffey Creek Trail, Wombat Bend and Finns Reserve in Templestowe



This walk, which is mainly off-lead, follows the Ruffey Creek from Ruffey Lake Park to Finns Reserve which is a large off-lead area beside the Yarra River.

Distance: 7.4 km return
Environment: A walk with some on-lead and off-lead sections including the large off-lead Finns Reserve.
Difficulty: Easy
Off-lead: Combination of on-lead and off-lead. The walk starts at Ruffey Lake Park which has large off-lead areas.
Parking: Plenty of free parking.
Facilities: There is a wonderful playground and picnic facilities including toilets at Wombat Bend which is next to Finns Reserve.

Fawkner Park (South Yarra)



A large park named after Melbourne co-founder John Pascoe Fawkner which is split by tree-lined paths with many grassy areas which are often used for sport - you may even see a Quidditch battle. The park is part off-leash and part on-leash.

Distance: 2km circuit within the off-leash area or 2.5km if include the on-leash area.
Environment: A large, 41 hectare park with many sports fields and grassy areas.
Difficulty: Easy. Keep an eye open for transition between on-lead and off-lead areas.
Off-lead: About half the park is off-lead and the other half is on-lead.
Parking: Free parking can be difficult to find.
Facilities: There are picnic tables, water taps and toilets in a number of places around the park. There is a nice playground on the east side.

Warrandyte River Reserve (Warrandyte)



The Warrandyte River Reserve runs along the southern bank of the Yarra River through the town of Warrandyte. On warm days there are families swimming, paddling or kayaking in the water. Dogs also love the river bank because it is an off-leash area where they can also take a dip.

Distance: 3km return walk
Environment: A gravel path with some rough areas runs beside the river.
Difficulty: Can be very busy with families and dogs and the path is uneven.
Off-lead: The whole route from Stiggant's Reserve in the west to The Island in the east is off-leash.
Parking: Free parking is available at Stiggant's Reserve.
Facilities: Located within the town of Warrandyte. There are toilets near the start point of the walk.

Outside Melbourne

You Yangs East-West Walk (Little River)



Distance: 4.5km loop walk.
Environment: The walk circles Flinders Peak in the You Yangs and there are some steepish sections with a narrow park. The walk has scenic views in all directions. The low vegetation means that there is little shade. The walk is 63km south-west of Melbourne.
Difficulty: Challenging with steep and narrow sections.
Off-lead: Dogs must be on-lead in the You Yangs park.
Parking: There is free parking near the start of the walk. This area is often busy and you may need to park along the side of the road.
Facilities: At the start of the walk there is a shelter, picnic tables, BBQs and toilets. Rubbish needs to be taken out and there are no bins. There are picnic areas in other parts of the park which also has two Mountain Bike Parks.

Kurth Kiln Regional Park (Gembrook)



The park is known for its kiln used during the Second World War to make charcoal for gas producer units fitted to motor cars. There is a 2km walk upstream along Tomahawk creek and another 2km walk down stream along the creek. The two walks can be combined into a lovely 4km walk through the forest.

Distance: 2-4 km
Environment: Thickish forest running parallel to the creek cut by a well-maintained path. The walk is 75km east of Melbourne.
Difficulty: The track is quite narrow and passes through vegetation which comes right up to the track. The path can get quite slippery when wet.
Off-lead: Dogs must be on-lead.
Parking: There is parking near the main Kurth Kiln picnic site where the walks start from.
Facilities: Picnic tables and toilets. There are information boards next to the kiln which provide a lot of information about the history of the kiln.

George Bass Coastal Walk (Kilcunda to San Remo)



The George Bass Coastal Walk is a cliff top walk that stretches from Kilcunda to the outskirts of San Remo. The walk offers spectacular views of the coastline and follows the route of the explorer George Bass' epic voyage of discovery along the southern edge of the Anderson Peninsula, over 200 years ago.

Distance: 7km each way.
Environment: A reasonably flat walking path along the cliff tops with some chances to go down to the beach. You need to be a bit careful since the track goes past the edge of high unstable cliffs and there are no fences. The walk is 125km south-east of Melbourne.
Difficulty: Quite long but fairly flat.
Off-lead: Dogs must be on-lead.
Parking: Free parking is available in Kilcunda at the start of the walk.
Facilities: At Kilcunda there is a General Store and public toilets. There are no facilities at the San Remo end of the walk.

State Forests

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) manages Victoria's state forests. There are 3.1 million hectares of state forests in Victoria with walking tracks and picnic facilities. Dogs are permitted on-lead in all state forests except for Murrindindi Scenic Reserve and Steavenson Falls Reserve where dogs are not permitted.

Download the More To Explore app to get comprehensive information to enjoy Victoria's State forest and its network of approximately 430 visitor sites and 290 recreational trails.

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Web Links

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The Best Dog Friendly Walks in Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000