Articles

Let’s Go on an Adventure!

Dog-Friendly Hike and Nature Walk in Victoria Australia

If you love going on a nature walk or hiking, we’ve put together a few beautiful destinations in Victoria where you and your furry best friends can go on an outdoor adventure together. We’ve selected a few on every region to make it easy for you to find a trail near you!


Inner Melbourne City

Westgate Park, Pink Lake

Todd Road 93–125 VIC 3207
On-leash dog friendly walk

Westgate Park offers a range of attractions and activities within close proximity to the city. Located along the eastern banks of the Yarra River under the Westgate Bridge, the park offers spectacular views to the mouth of the Yarra and the city skyline. Enjoy a picnic lunch with friends or family or cycle along the Yarra River or the Port Melbourne foreshore.

Image: @coco_tales

Dights Falls, Melbourne

Dights Falls Loop Trail VIC 3067
On-leash dog friendly waterfalls

The closest falls to Melbourne’s CBD, Yarra Bend Park’s Dights Falls is a surprising escape from the hubbub of the city. The viewing platform takes you right to the edge of the falls so you and your pup can feel the mist in your face. And why stop at the falls! With walking trails in every direction, you can explore the park’s many sights and turn your trip into a full day out.

Image: Matt Connolley/Wikimedia

North of Melbourne

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

Recreation Road VIC 3755
On-leash dog friendly walk and picnic areas

Yan Yean Reservoir Park offers visitors peaceful picnic areas, a variety of walking tracks and breathtaking views of Melbourne’s oldest water storage. Visit the extensive wetlands and watch the abundant birdlife that lives and feeds in this area. The park is open daily from 7am – 5pm, and 7am – 7pm during daylight saving.

Image: Travel Dogs Australia

Mt Disappointment

VWhittlesea VIC 3757
On-leash dog friendly hike and camping areas

Mt Disappointment State Forest provides a beautiful haven for wildlife, visitors and associated recreation activities. With its many accessible camping areas, it provides opportunities to to enjoy bushwalking, horse riding, four-wheel driving and trail bike riding. Be sure to take a walk to view the stunning Strath Creek Falls, this popular walk leads to spectacular views of the falls cascading over the rock face and into the gully.

Image: @themelbournedogs

North-East and East of Melbourne

Park Orchards The 100 Acres

Park Orchards VIC 3114
On-leash dog friendly walk

The 100 Acres Reserve is 41 hectares and classified as a Conservation Reserve of Regional significance. The Reserve also provides a range of recreation opportunities in a natural bush setting including walking, jogging, dog walking, horse riding and nature appreciation.

Cardinia Reservoir Park

Duffys Road Emerald VIC 3782
On-leash dog friendly walk and picnic areas

Dog Friendly Cardinia Reservoir Park is a great place for a family day out. The open parklands, picnic and barbecue areas and native bushland of Cardinia Reservoir Park are abounding with native wildlife and flora. Have a picnic among the trees. Watch the Eastern Grey Kangaroos feeding at dusk, or basking in the sun along the kangaroo viewing trail. Enjoy panoramic views of the park from the many lookouts and vantage points or take a walk across the dam wall. Visit website.

Image: Travel Dogs Australia

Maroondah Reservoir Park

Maroondah Highway Healesville VIC 3777
On-leash dog friendly walk

Maroondah features gardens with stands of native and exotic trees, native animals and birds and walking tracks. Its playground, lawns and cool summer shade make it a popular picnic destination in warmer months. Photograph the historic Rose Stairway which is at its best in Autumn. Enjoy azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom in spring. During the wetter months experience the awesome force of the water tumbling over the spillway. Visit website.

Image: David Mosca

La La Falls

La La Falls Walk VIC 3799
On-leash dog friendly waterfalls

La La Falls have long been a popular tourist attraction in the Warburton area. Hundreds of locals and visitors alike make the trek to the falls each year to witness the amazing beauty of the old water race. This very enjoyable walk allows a close up look at the falls, one of the more beautiful sights in the Yarra State Forest. For a particularly impressive view, visit after heavy rainfall when the falls are at their most powerful. Visit website.

Image: Visit Warburton

Seven Acre Rock

Gembrook VIC 3783
On-leash dog friendly hike

Seven Acre Rock is a large rocky outcrop that provides some of the most spectacular views of the Yarra State Forest, Bunyip State Park and adjoining farm land. On a clear day, it is possible to see Western Port Bay and Port Phillip Bay. The tranquil lookout provides an excellent location to listen to native birds while enjoying the beauty of the surrounding forest. Visit website.

Image: Travel Dogs Australia

Steavenson Falls

Marysville VIC 3779
On-leash dog friendly waterfalls

An easy 700 metre walk takes you to an awe-inspiring view of one of Victoria’s highest waterfalls. Plummeting 84 metres the falls have been a favourite since the 1860’s. Visit website.

Image: Visit Yarra Valley

Click here for Tips and What You Need to Take When Hiking with Your Dog


South-East and South of Melbourne

Yammerbook Nature Reserve

Wells Road 2-20 Aspendale VIC 3195
On-leash dog friendly walk

Nice place for a peaceful walk with your dog.

Image: @winstonpluspoppy

Blind Bight Nature Reserve

Anchorage Drive 2-46I VIC 3980
On-leash dog friendly walk

Be mindful of snakes during summer time.

Image: Travel Dogs Australia

Hastings Foreshore Reserve

Hastings VIC 3915
On-leash dog friendly walk

Take in wide views of the Western Port Bay on this picturesque walk along the Hastings Foreshore Reserve and into the mangroves.

Image: Weekend Notes

Tassells Cove

Marine Drive Safety Beach VIC
Off-leash dog friendly beach

No matter what time of year it is, you will always find friendly locals and their playful pooches along this stretch of beach. Enjoy watching your dogs swim in the clear water, dig holes in the sand and run around like crazy. It’s hard not to smile when your dogs are having this much fun! As you make your way alongside the bottom of the cliff, make sure to watch your step or you might find yourself stepping in one of the many rock pools. This walk is an adventure, so get ready to have some fun climbing in between and over rocks, exploring small caves and admiring the beautiful rock pools filled with all kinds of brightly coloured seaweed and fish.

Image: @missmaisiemoo_cockerspaniel

Millionaries Walk Sorrento

Point Nepean Road 3498A VIC 3943
On-leash dog friendly walk

This stunning cliff top walk has breathtaking water views across Port Phillip to the Bellarine Peninsula, Melbourne and Mount Dandenong. Also you will get an insight into how Melbourne’s elite spend time at their summer mansions.

Image: Travel Dogs Australia

North-West and West of Melbourne

Lerderderg State Park

Lerderderg VIC 3458
On-leash dog friendly hike

Lerderderg State Park offers a true bush experience. Walking is the best way to get to know the park – there are several tracks for a range of walks from short, easy strolls to strenuous overnight hikes for experienced bushwalkers. The park has a wide variety of vegetation and wildlife and some interesting relics of goldmining.

Image: Adventure Me

Trentham Falls

Trentham Scenic Reserve Road VIC 3458
On-leash dog friendly waterfalls

Stunning Trentham Falls is one of the longest single drop waterfalls in Victoria, plunging some 32 metres over ancient basalt columns. It’s particularly impressive in winter, when rain creates the strongest flow. Surrounded by lush bushland, the moss-covered falls are located in the Coliban River Scenic Reserve, which protects original vegetation including manna gum, messmate, narrow-leaved peppermint and spring wildflowers. For the best views of the falls, take the easy walk from the carpark to the viewing area. Pack a basket and enjoy the picnic area in bush surroundings, a short walk from the carpark and viewing area.

Image: @thetravellingtrio_

Wombat Hill Botanical Gardens

Frazer Street Daylesford VIC 3460
On-leash dog friendly walk

You’ll find these beautiful gardens perched high on the summit of an extinct volcano. Climb the Pioneers Lookout Tower for amazing views of Daylesford town, or spread a picnic blanket and share some cheese and crackers with a furry friend.

Image: ANBG
Image: Visit Melbourne

Click here for Tips and What You Need to Take When Hiking with Your Dog


Source: Travel Dogs Australia