Three Places To Take Your Dog Walking in the Outdoors

dog walking in the outdoors

Now, we’re huge fans of the various parks and reserves that are available to us here in Melbourne.

In fact, so much so that we use many of these parks and reserves to take our client’s dogs walking in Melbourne.

However, we also recognise that there are many of you who don’t necessarily want to visit these places because of the crowds.

And we absolutely 100% get it!

Perhaps you don’t like busy crowds. But, more importantly, perhaps your dog doesn’t like busy crowds.

Hence why you might prefer the quiet of a nearby forest area. And that’s what we’re going to discuss in this blog – some of the other places you can take your dog walking in the outdoors.

dog walking in the outdoors
Image credit: Great Runs

RJ Hamer Arboretum – Dandenong Ranges

If you’ve lived in Melbourne for quite some time, you’ll no doubt be aware of the Dandenong Ranges.

Only a 45-minute drive from the city, the Dandenong Ranges is home to some spectacular scenery, some amazing cafes and restaurants but it’s also home to some really good walking trails for you and your furry friend.

One place in particular is the RJ Hamer Arboretum which is located on the border of Silvan and Olinda and is a great place to take your dog walking in the outdoors.

There are a number of trails in here that you could use but we would recommend the Mathias Track as one to take your dog walking on.

It’s an old management vehicle track that passes through a number of foreign flora including a small patch of Redwood trees.

You can access it from the makeshift car park on Silvan Road at the east end of the forest, but we’d recommend starting at Woolrich Lookout simply because the views across the valley are simply stunning.

dog walking in the outdoors
Image credit: Weekend Notes

Mount Macedon Walking Trail – Mount Macedon

An hour out of Melbourne heading north west lies the town of Macedon and indeed the Mount Macedon Walking Trail.

Home to some spectacular scenery from its various lookout points including the Memorial Cross and Camels Hump, this is an ideal place to take your dog walking in the outdoors if you are really looking for that sense of isolation.

Furthermore, and depending on how far you and your pooch wanted to walk, there are a number of car parks we’d recommend starting and finishing at.

To begin with, and probably our best recommendation, would be to start your walk at the Memorial Cross car park.

There are ample spaces there and a cafe that serves amazing food and coffee which we’d highly recommend visiting once you’re finished.

The second car park is at the base of the ascent to Camel’s Hump where many people typically visit when they come to the area.

It’s also a good little trail to give your dog a good workout as you climb to the top where you’ll be rewarded of stunning views across the valley towards Hanging Rock.

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Image credit: Eatonfamily.net.au

Reid’s Tramline Walk – Powelltown

Last, but certainly not least, on our list of dog friendly walks in the outdoors is Reid’s Tramline Walk in Warburton.

A relatively easy 6km wander through some of the best forest terrain you will find in Victoria, the Reid’s Tramline Walk is about as quiet as it gets with many visitors to the area preferring to go walking in the nearby town of Warburton.

But best of all, this walk follows an old timber tramline which includes some left over relics of bygone era so you’ll find yourself immersed in history as you wander in and out of tall Mountain Ash trees.

Once you emerge from the forest you will have to make your way back to your car via a path that is quite close to the Yarra Junction-Noojee Road, so be sure to take care when walking back.

Things to Remember When Taking Your Dog Walking in the Outdoors

Unfortunately, dog walking in Melbourne allowed in national parks but they are allowed in regional parks and state forests.

And whilst there are more national parks than regional parks and state forests, there are plenty of fantastic options available to you as you can see from what we have listed above.

Finally, and almost more importantly, please always remember to practice good habits with your dog when visiting these areas and similar.

You can wander these paths without your dog being on a leash but you still must keep a watchful eye on them and put them on a leash immediately once you enter a campsite or are around others.

It’s all about creating a safe environment for others as well as you and your dog.

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