Dog-Friendly Walks in The Dandenong Ranges: 8 Walking Trails

We all love taking our four-legged friends on adventures, and what better way to explore the Dandenong Ranges than with these dog-friendly walks?

I have gone ahead and done some exploring with my favourite travel buddy to bring you the eight best Dandenong Ranges walks that are dog-friendly. Moreover, they are equally enjoyable for humans and pooches alike, so everyone can enjoy a lovely day in nature!

Let’s dive into some of the best places you can enjoy a wander with your four-legged friend!

Where Are the Dandenong Ranges?

The Dandenong Ranges is a stunning mountainous region east of Melbourne. Moreover, it’ll take you around 1 hour of driving to reach this region from the CBD. However, it’s still very accessible from all parts of the surrounding suburbs of Melbourne.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Dandenong Ranges

The best time of year to visit the Dandenong Ranges is anytime from October to November and February to April. Moreover, this is when the weather is the most consistently warm and at the most comfortable temperature to do some exploring.

I would strongly advise bringing a raincoat or a light jacket as the temperature can drop a few degrees when you head into the thick bushland. Also, this spot is at a higher altitude compared to Melbourne so it tends to be a little bit cooler up here.

Rogue and I love going on adventures, especially in the Dandenong Ranges!

8 Dog-Friendly Walks in the Dandenong Ranges

Ferny Creek Reserve

Starting off the dog-friendly walks in the Dandenong Ranges is the beautiful Ferny Creek Reserve. Moreover, this is one of my most recent visits with my dog, Rogue, and we thoroughly enjoyed this trail.

There is a loop track that you can take to enjoy the beautifully scenic region of the Dandenongs. Firstly, you’ll want to park your vehicle at the oval, and then head down towards the tennis courts to begin the loop track.

Secondly, you can make the decision to take the longer route, or you can complete the short loop up the back of the oval and then spend some time on the grassy oval.

This track is relatively easy to complete and is an excellent first choice on the list of dog-friendly walks.

Address: Ferny Creek Recreational Reserve, Cnr Clarkmont & Hilton Rds, Sassafras VIC 3787

Completing the short loop around Ferny Creek Reserve

Alfred Nicholas Garden

Likely one of the most beautiful walks you can complete within the Dandenong Ranges has to be the stunning Alfred Nicholas Gardens. Moreover, there are multiple trails that you can wander along, and plenty of lovely spots to explore in this stunning garden.

I’m glad to announce that this location is dog-friendly, and has to be one of the most scenic locations where you can walk with your pooch.

Additionally, there are some pergolas to enjoy and lovely bridges to wander along. Feel free to do plenty of exploring throughout the garden and don’t miss out on viewing the boathouse!

Address: Alfred Nicholas Gardens, 1A Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789
Read more: Alfred Nicholas Gardens, Dandenong Ranges

Old Olinda Golf Course

The Old Olinda Golf Course has become a popular spot for dog owners to hang out with their dogs. Considering, there is loads of space to wander around and let your dog run off-lead.

In order to reach the off-lead area, you will need to walk past the playground and then head down towards the left where there is a large open space for dogs to run around.

From here, you can wander amongst the trees while the dogs play and enjoy some time in nature. Moreover, I think this is a great place to get some exercise, especially if you like to allow your dog to run around.

If you would like to learn more about the old golf course, check out the blog post below for more information.

Address: Old Olinda Golf Course, 5-77 Olinda-Monbulk Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
Read more: Old Olinda Golf Course: Awesome Off-Lead Dog Park

Mathias Walking Track

Mathias walking track has become a popular dog-friendly walk in the Dandenong Ranges. Moreover, you can enjoy walking through towering mountain ash trees and enjoying the sights through the trees.

The trail is about 2km return, and you can visit some of the other spots along the trail including the R.J Hamer Arboretum and the Old Olinda Golf Course.

Dogs must stay on a lead throughout the entire duration of the trail, but this is still a lovely spot for a wander nonetheless.

Address: Mathias Walking Track, Mathias Rd, Olinda VIC 3788
Read more: Mathias Walking Track: Dog-Friendly Walk in Dandenong Ranges

Emerald to Cockatoo Trail

Yet another fantastic dog-friendly walk in the Dandenong Ranges is the Emerald to Cockatoo trail. Moreover, you will need to hike through the Wright Forest Bushland out and back to complete the 12km trail.

Your best bet is to start near Hogan Park, and then follow the trail in an easterly direction to reach Cockatoo. There are some inclines along the way and most of the track is a dirt trail. Be sure to pack plenty of water as this is quite a long trail to complete!

Address: 19 Kilvington Dr, Emerald VIC 3782

R.J. Hamer Arboretum

The R.J. Hamer Arboretum is a beautiful spot for a wander and an excellent location to enjoy stunning views. Head over to Woolrich Lookout for incredible views over the Dandenong Ranges and then head down into the trees to do some exploring.

You will also notice that there are some trails you can take on the outskirts of the arboretum. Feel free to wander along those trails as long as they state that they are dog friendly.

Nonetheless, simply wandering through the arboretum is a lovely way to pass some time with your dog, they will love to do some exploring throughout the trees and the surrounding areas.

Address: R.J. Hamer Arboretum, 10 Chalet Rd, Olinda VIC 3788

Dam Track

If you are visiting the arboretum mentioned above, I highly recommend considering a wander along Dam Track. Moreover, you will head down towards the left of the trees and then follow the trail along.

You will get to enjoy a lovely lake and wander alongside a creek before arriving at a large rock where there are some views over the small forested area.

From there, you can follow along any of the dog-friendly trails and add in some of the other paths to lengthen the journey.

Moreover, Mathias Track and the Old Olinda Golf Course also link up to this area, so it might be worth adding them in for some extra exploring.

Address: Dam Track, Olinda VIC 3788

Birdsland Reserve

Birdsland Reserve is a lovely spot to wander with many unique trails and loads of sights to see. Moreover, this large reserve offers picnic spots, barbeques and loads of lush grass to spread out on and enjoy.

There are 75 hectares of land in this reserve and you will be able to spot plenty of native birds, and maybe even some platypuses!

Please note that dogs must stay on a lead throughout the entire visit to the bushland unless they are swimming in the designated lake.

Finally, be sure to explore the many walking trails and enjoy the gorgeous native trees and plants spread throughout the reserve.

Address: Birdsland Reserve, 271 Mt Morton Rd, Belgrave Heights VIC 3160

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, these are some of the best dog-friendly walks in the Dandenong Ranges. And, I have completed all of these so I can definitely vouch for all of them and tell you that they are worth the adventure.

These are some lovely trails and you will get to enjoy some beautiful areas of the Dandenong Ranges. Moreover, it’s a great way to get outside and do some exploring in a fun and safe way with your dog.

Be sure to save this post for later and check out this section of my blog for more fun things to do in and around Melbourne. I have loads of different travel guides, places to visit, viewpoints and so much more. Happy reading!