Mathias Walking Track: Dog-Friendly Walk in Dandenong Ranges

Mathias Walking Track in Olinda is an excellent dog-friendly walk for everyone to enjoy. For the most part, the walk is relatively easy, but it’s a beautiful hike nonetheless.

As soon as you leave the car park, it will feel like you’ve stepped foot into a beautiful forested region. There are loads of towering trees and stunning ferns along the walkway.

Additionally, there are a few other bonus spots that you can visit along the way, so you can explore a number of places after you’ve completed the trail. I suppose you could say that it’s a place that keeps on giving!

Let’s dive into everything you need to know so that you can get sorted for your trip to the hills. I’ve packed this blog post with loads of information so that you can be sure to hit all the best spots and have an awesome day of exploring.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that I may earn a small commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. Moreover, you can read my full affiliate disclosure here.

Where Is Mathia’s Walking Track?

Mathias Walking Track is based in Olinda and runs alongside the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden. Moreover, if you’ve ever been to the botanic garden and seen the back fence, this is actually where the track sits.

For the most part, the track follows the fence line of the garden and then heads further into the forest before reaching the Old Olinda Golf Course.

Just like the other locations of Olinda, this spot sits at a reasonably high altitude, and you can get some pretty epic views when wandering along the track.

Finally, parking at the gravel car park location is very limited and may fit only around eight cars. So, it’s best to get here early to save yourself a spot.

Address: Mathias Walking Track, Mathias Rd, Olinda VIC 3788

Details of the Track

There are a few things that you may wish to keep in mind prior to visiting Mathia’s track. So, I’ve included some extra details below so that you can take note!

Length: 2km return
Opening Hours: Open 24 Hours
Price: Free
Type of trail: Out and back dirt track
Dog Friendly: Yes. On-lead only
Toilets: No. Nearest available at the Old Olinda Golf Course

The beginning of Mathias walking track near the car park

Is the Track Worth Doing?

I strongly believe that the Mathias track is worth completing. Besides, there are a number of other walking trails and awesome locations that it can lead to, making it an awesome day adventure!

There are loads of towering giant mountain ash trees, gorgeous old ferns and numerous other native plants to enjoy. And, there are some pretty spectacular views to enjoy along the way.

Moreover, the views look out towards Silvan Reservoir. And, you may even be able to see a little bit of Wandin.

Finally, be sure to wear some hiking boots or shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. Parts of the track have some pretty thick mud especially if there’s been a bit of rain hanging around.

I would advise you to consider packing a second pair of shoes to change into when you arrive back at your vehicle.

Read more: The Top 5 Dandenong Ranges Walks

Best Time of Year to Visit

In all honesty, you could pretty much complete this walk at any time of the year and have an enjoyable journey. At least try to pick a clear day or a few days after there’s been rain around.

Nonetheless, the best time of year to visit is during spring and autumn. Moreover, this is when the weather is at the most comfortable temperature and the days are most consistent.

However, I would strongly advise checking the forecast as it can become extremely cool, windy and rainy very quickly within this region. You’ll definitely want to come prepared!

Not to mention, autumn is an awesome time to visit as a number of the trees will change colour. Parts of the track will light up with stunning gold and orange leaves. It’s a truly beautiful sight to see!

Trudging along Mathias Walking Track

An Awesome Dog-Friendly Location

This walking trail in Olinda is an excellent activity for those with four-legged friends. Dogs will love exploring the different parts of the track and the beautiful forested bushland.

However, be sure to keep your dog on a lead at all times as there can be a bit of wildlife around. If you would like to exercise your dog off-lead, it may be worth heading towards the Old Olinda Golf Course.

Moreover, this is another fantastic spot in Olinda for dogs to roam free. I recently took my dog to this park and he loved exploring the different areas of the bushland.

Mathias Road Loop Track

If you would like to complete a longer route, you can do the loop track. Moreover, this track is about 7.7km in length and will take you on an entirely dog-friendly route through the Dandenongs.

You will get to wander through Mathias track, the R.J. Hamer Arboretum, Woolrich Lookout and the Old Olinda Golf Course. This is an excellent way to see some of the best parts of the Dandenongs and Olinda.

Finally, this route is reasonably easy, and you will only have an elevation gain of 260 metres. I highly recommend this loop track to those of you wanting to do a little more exercise.

Spectacular views at the R.J. Hamer Arboretum

Additional Activities in the Dandenong Ranges

If you’d like to add more to your itinerary for the day, I can absolutely recommend a few other activities that you may like to check out.

The Dandenong Ranges is packed with loads of awesome outdoor activities to complete and it’s easily one of the best spots near Melbourne to do some exploring.

Some other spots you may want to check out include:

Guided Tours

If you enjoy taking guided tours, it might be worth looking into completing a tour like the one below. Moreover, this private tour takes you through some beautiful forests, you will also learn about Aboriginal culture and history, visit the Alfred Nicholas Gardens and enjoy a lovely lunch at one of the local cafes.

It’s received some pretty great reviews and has been said to be a nice tour. So, it might be worth considering!

Wrapping Up

In conclusion, the Mathias walking track is one of the best trails in Olinda. There are lots of things to see along the way and you can link it up with some other awesome dog-friendly locations.

Moreover, it’s a great way to do some exploring and enjoy the outdoors. It’s truly a beautiful spot to walk and you will enjoy wandering through the stunning bushland.

Furthermore, Mathias track has become one of the most popular hiking trails in the Dandenong Ranges and you’re bound to bump into many other walkers taking their dogs out.

Finally, if you’d like to discover more about Victoria or the Dandenong Ranges, I recommend checking out this section of my blog. I upload loads of travel content including places to visit, travel guides, walking trails and so much more. Happy reading!