We’re lucky to have so many lovely places to go for a stroll around Melbourne and Victoria. Find easy walks close to home, longer one hour loops, forest trails, coastal tracks and more! But, if you’ve got a furry member of the family, you don’t want to leave them behind. And the team at AllTrails have worked out the best dog-friendly walks to try in Victoria so your pooch can come along for the adventure. So, check out this list, then grab the leash, some treats and some waste bags. It’s time to go for a walkie!
Yarra Bend Park Loop
Covering 260 hectares, Yarra Bend Park is the largest natural bushland park in Melbourne, which means there’s lots of great spots to walk your dog! To see a good chunk of the park, AllTrails recommends taking the Yarra Bend Park Loop, a moderate trail that’s 8.7km long. Weave your way along the banks of the Yarra, and look out for natural wildlife, including the grey-headed flying fox.
If this loop is too long, there’s plenty of shorter trails for you to try instead. Dogs can walk on-lead in most areas of the park, except for places like Galatea Point, the playgrounds, the golf courses or the Fairlea netball courts. There are also spots where dogs can walk off-leash, just take note of the signs, and remember to pick up after them. Read more about the dog policy here.
Hemphill Track, Sanatorium Lake, Camels Hump, Mount Macedon Loop
Distance from Melbourne: 1 hour
Drive to Macedon Regional Park, and embark on a dog-friendly adventure. At 18.7km long, the Hemphill Track, Sanatorium Lake, Camel’s Hump, Mount Macedon Loop can be divided into smaller sections, depending on what you’d like to see most.
Starting and ending at Mount Macedon Hotel, you’ll walk along the road until you discover the trailhead. From there, make your way up Mount Macedon, where you’ll eventually see the Memorial Cross at the summit. Follow the trail along the Western Face of the mount, where you’ll eventually reach McGregors Picnic Ground. Take a break for lunch, then keep going on towards Camel’s Hump, and take in the view from the summit. Make the descent through the forest to Sanatorium Lake, continue on to Mount Towrong, then steadily return back down to the hotel.
Dogs are allowed with you on a lead, and there’s parking available at spots like Camel’s Hump or Sanatorium Lake, so you can drive there directly for a shorter walk. . AllTrails also named Mount Towrong Short Loop as a great hiking option with your dog. Please note that at the moment, the Memorial Reserve Cross is closed, and there are signposted detours in place for hikers.
Ovens River Canyon Walk
Distance from Melbourne: 3.5 to 4 hours
Visiting Bright this autumn? Bring your dog along, and amble together along the Ovens River Canyon Walk. This easy loop is 6km long, and should take about 90 minutes to complete. It’s a mostly flat track, but there are some steps and uneven surfaces to be mindful of.
Starting in town at Centenary Park, you’ll stroll along the banks of the Ovens River, breathe in the crisp air and admire the spectacular seasonal foliage. As you go, you’ll cross suspension bridges, and take a look at a small canyon, carved out by the river itself and the water races dug by early miners.
George Bass Coastal Walk: Kilcunda – Punchbowl
Distance from Melbourne: 90 minutes to 2 hours
This clifftop walk was named after the explorer George Bass, and follows his journey of discovery over 200 years ago. The George Bass Coastal Walk starts at the Punchbowl car park, just outside of San Remo, and continues on to Kilcunda. It’s 7km long one way, and takes about two hours to complete. If you’re going out-and-back, it should take about four hours.
Walk along the clifftops, and soak in sweeping views of rugged coastlines, woodland gullies and green hills. Along the way, you can stop and access one of the beaches. Just note that they’re not suitable for swimming, due to rips and large waves. Look out for whales from May to November. This route is dog-friendly, as long as they are on a leash. Take care, and wear sturdy shoes, as you don’t want to slip from the cliff!