June 28, 2019
Dog Walks Near Me Melbourne
If you’re a fan of bush walks with your pooch, you can’t go wrong with these dog-friendly walks near Melbourne.
Camerons Bight Dog Off-Leash Area
Take your dog for a swim at this off-leash area in Blairgowrie between Stringer Road and Monument to the 1803 first settlers. The drive takes around 1 h 27 min (104.3 km) from Melbourne via M1 and Mornington Peninsula Fwy/M11.
Camerons Bight is leash-free year-round except noon to 7 pm from 26 December to 1 March when dogs are prohibited.
Point Nepean Rd & Hughes Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943
George Bass
Pitched high above the Bass Strait with secluded beaches below, its mesmerising scenery will leave you breathless.
Enjoy some best buddy hiking.
Merri Creek Trail
Located in the suburbs of Melbourne, the trail is popular with dog walkers and bike riders and gets busy at weekends. All of the Merri Creek Trail is a ‘dogs-on-lead’ area, due to the wildlife in the area so dog owners are asked to be mindful of this especially along the Merri Creek. The dedicated off-lead areas are marked by signs.
The trail starts at Dights Falls near where the Merri Creek and Yarra River meet and passes Coburg Lake Reserve, the Brunswick Velodrome and CERES Community Environment Park.
Merri Creek Trail Bridge, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Millionaires’ Walk
Take your pet on this stunning cliff top walk with breathtaking water views across Port Phillip to the Bellarine Peninsula. Located about an hour and a half southeast of Melbourne on the Mornington Penninsula.
3498A Point Nepean Rd, Sorrento VIC 3943
Mt Macedon Regional Park
Bring your pup for an outdoor adventure. Located about an hour’s drive north-west of Melbourne off the Calder Freeway, the Mt Macedon Regional Park makes a fun day out with trails for varying abilities.
@gems_adventuretails is pictured at McGregors Picnic Ground a stop on the Macedon Ranges Walking Trail.
Dogs are not permitted on the Summit Walk.
Make sure you bring water with you. Please ensure your pooch is leashed at all times.
Mount Macedon Memorial Cross, Mount Macedon VIC 3441
Moorooduc Quarry
Located on the Mornington Peninsula, about one hour from Melbourne, you’ll find the old Moorooduc Quarry.
Part of the park has a leash-free dog walking area, picnic, and BBQ facilities. However, dogs are not permitted in the reserve.
Photo credit: @hurleytheswiss
106 Two Bays Rd, Mount Eliza Vic 3930
Tipperary Walking Track
Take in the beautiful scenery with your pet.
Located about 1.5 hours from Melbourne, in the famous mineral spring town, you can enjoy walking from Lake Daylesford to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve; this track allows dogs on a leash.
It is around 16 km, and should take between 5-6 hours to complete if you are feeling energetic.
Hepburn Regional Park, Ballan-Daylesford Road, Daylesford, Victoria, 3460
Toorongo Falls
Be soothed by the sound from the river and falls.
The Toorongo Falls Reserve is located approximately 6 kilometres north-east of the town of Noojee, approximately 100 kilometres east of Melbourne. You will find a lush forest and plenty of bird song here.
The walk is very well shaded, and you should wear sensible shoes because it gets slippery, also remember to take water.
Facilities include ample parking, toilets, and some picnic tables.
Photo courtesy of https://www.instagram.com/daisy_ourgolden/
640 Toorongo Valley Road, Noojee VIC 3833
You Yangs Regional Park
Located 55km southwest of the Melbourne CBD, this park is great for a dog and kid friendly day out and offers hiking, picnicking, mountain biking and horse riding trails. The park is open from 7.00am to 6.00pm during daylight savings.
Access via the Princess Freeway, the park is clearly signposted via Lara.
Branch Road, Little River VIC 3211
Bendigo and Surrounds
Enfield State Park
This state park is 4,400-hectares and is located approximately 25 kilometres south of Ballarat in Victoria.
@gems_adventuretails recently visited the park, and though she enjoyed it said to watch out for the trail bikes!
Unfortunately, not everyone is as dog-friendly as you, so it’s recommended to be considerate of other walkers when you take your best mate out bushwalking to avoid any awkward moments. Some people may be frightened of dogs, and fear being around them unleashed.
Our suggestions for safe bushwalking are as follows:
- Always check the signage for instructions on dog-friendly areas
- Be sure to clean up after your dog
- Take your own doggie poo bags
- Keep your dog fully restraint and away from wildlife
- Keep leashed in on-leash areas or risk a hefty fine