Waterfalls, mountains and beaches you can explore with your dog
Why take the dog on a walk around the block when you and your four-legged friend could be exploring waterfalls, climbing mountains — and helping regional Victoria bounce back. These dog-friendly spots across the state will get any pooch’s tail wagging.
Victoria has no shortage of unique places for your furry friends to stretch their legs, with an abundance of state and regional parks, reserves and gardens to explore.
But remember to keep your dog on-leash for its own safety and that of others, and always pick up after your pet.
Here are the state’s best dog-friendly walks, with fresh air and stunning views to boot.
Always check local conditions before departing.
THE GORGE
Step back in time at the Kelly Gang’s former hide-out, which is located at Beechworth Historic Park — next to the charming gold rush town.
A series of trails spanning more than 12km winds past gushing waterfalls and granite tors, through lush woodlands and scenic lookouts, with The Cascades and Woolshed Falls among the highlights.
Make sure dogs are kept on a leash, as local wildlife including kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas call the park home.
SAILORS FALLS
Bypass the recently rebuilt steps at Sailors Falls and instead take the lower falls loop for a 4km hike that will have Rex’s tail wagging.
The beginning of the trail off Telegraph Rd is an easy meander through Hepburn Regional Park, before it brings you to the gently trickling waterfall.
Stop for a break at the picnic ground, try the fizzy water from the mineral and don’t forget to take your rubbish before leaving.
And if you apply for a Miner’s Right, try your luck at fossicking for gold in Sailors Creek while your pooch dips its feet.
MT MACEDON
Hikes long and short can be enjoyed by dogs and walkers alike at Macedon Regional Park, which covers thousands of hectares west of Melbourne.
Fido is spoiled for choice, with multiple sections to be explored along the 30km loop walk, including Camel’s Hump, Sanatorium Lake, the landmark Memorial Cross and Mt Towrong summit.
Picnic grounds dot the track, with plenty of spots to rest and relax.
Visit in winter after a fresh sprinkling of snow to give your pooch a winter experience it will never forget — check conditions at Top of the Range tearoom’s snow cam.
GEORGE BASS COASTAL WALK
If it’s panoramic coastal views and fresh sea air you’re after, head east to this stunning trail on the Bass Coast.
The undulating track between San Remo and Kilcunda takes walkers along the clifftops and down to rugged Gippsland beaches.
Keep a keen eye out for birdlife, including pacific gulls and other birds of prey.
During winter, the cliffs provide the perfect vantage point to spot migrating whales.
Reward yourself after the 14km return hike by stopping at the Kilcunda Ocean View Hotel for top-notch pub grub.
VICTORIA’S 15 BIGGEST AND BEST NATURAL WONDERS
KEPPEL LOOKOUT TRAIL
Best tackled on a clear day, this walk lives up to its name, taking you and your canine friend up to some of the most spectacular lookouts in Victoria.
Marvel at the majestic Steavensons Falls before climbing up the trail, where you will be rewarded with panoramas over Marysville State Forest and the Cathedral Range.
Make sure you and your dog are even-footed — this trail can be uneven and steep in some places.
The 11km loop should take three to four hours to complete and will leave even the most energetic dog tuckered out come day’s end.
THE OTWAYS
Most national parks forbid domestic pets like cats and dogs, but sections of theGreat Otway National Park make an exception for canines.
Campsites where dogs are welcome include Forrest’s Lake Elizabeth, Dando’s on the banks of the Gellibrand River, and Allenvale Mill in the Lorne hinterland, along with Stevensons Falls and Beauchamp Falls.
You can also pitch a tent at the dog-friendly Johanna Beach campground, before falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves.
Off the Great Ocean Road, unleash your dog for a run at Sunnymeade Beach, Guvvo’s Beach and The Gap, between Anglesea and Point Roadknight.
RJ HAMER ARBORETUM
It’s a pick-your-own-adventure affair at Olinda’s RJ Hamer Arboretum, with multiple trails crisscrossing each other.
More than 150 species of trees form a verdant patchwork over this tranquil Dandenongs forest, which is beautiful no matter the season.
Lush lawns at Woolrich Lookout, near the carpark, provide a charming spot for a barbecue or picnic.
Dogs must be on-leash and remain inside the arboretum, which is surrounded by national park off-limits to pets.
YOU YANGS
There are walks for pooches great and small in the You Yangs, whether you’re combining multiple trails to make a mega-loop, or planning a quick stretch of the legs.
Even the littlest pooch can have its own Simba moment on the Big Rock walk, which measures a manageable 100m.
Top views can be enjoyed from the Flinders Peak summit, while more adventurous dogs can combine it with the challenging East-West walk, which includes rock scrambles and views across the surrounding landscape.
LERDERDERG GORGE
A paddle at Grahams Dam is the reward for dogs and their walkers at Lerderderg Gorge, with a gentle track leading to the calm swimming hole.
Depending on the season, you may have to make multiple river crossings to get there — but that’s all part of the fun.
For the adventurous, give the legs a workout by taking to the Scenic Rim trail (rated difficult) and recharge at the top by taking in the vistas over the Pyrete Range.
Other pooch-friendly trails in the area include the Wombat State Forest’s Lerderderg Heritage River Walk and Whipstick Loop.
TOORONGO AND AMPHITHEATRE FALLS
One of Gippsland’s best-kept secrets is a joy for canines and humans alike, with two gushing waterfalls on this stunning trail near Noojee.
The easy walk takes you over a rickety wooden bridge which crosses the rushing river, then under towering mountain ash and across pretty fern gullies.
In just a short distance of 1.5km, walkers get to take in the powerful cascades of Toorongo Falls, which are a sight to be marvelled
Add on the 700m loop to Amphitheatre Falls — a smaller waterfall which is no less impressive as it pours over a massive rock shelf.
THE BEST WATERFALLS TO CHASE IN VICTORIA THIS WINTER
LA GERCHE FOREST
Enjoy the last of autumn’s changing colours in Creswick Regional Park, where the now-century-old trees were hand-planted by logging pioneer John La Gerche.
Wander through the peaceful forest, where majestic pines and oaks have taken root among the native flora.
Remnants of the gold rush era can still be found along the walk, with signs explaining the region’s recent history.
Tack on the adjoining Landcare Walk via wetlands, plantations and grasslands, or end the day with a gentle walk around St Georges Lake.
READ MORE IN THIS SERIES:
23 GREAT COUNTRY PUBS TO VISIT
GREAT SUMMER ESCAPES IN REGIONAL VICTORIA
AWESOME FREE CAMPSITES ACROSS VICTORIA
Originally published as Waterfalls, mountains and beaches you can explore with your dog
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