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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blind Bight Nature Reserve
Anchorage Drive 2-46I VIC 3980
On-leash dog friendly walk
Be mindful of snakes during summer time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Click here for Tips and What You Need to Take When Hiking with Your Dog
Source: Travel Dogs Australia
