Looking for great dog walks around Melbourne? Here are the top picks

Longer days, fresh air and a very excited dog waiting by the door. Spring and summer bring plenty of reasons to swap your usual lap around the block for somewhere new.

From riverside paths to sandy shores and leafy forest trails, Melbourne has plenty of places to explore with your four-legged companion. Pack a lead, water bowl and poo bags, and add these walks to your warmer-weather wishlist.

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• Maribyrnong River Loop, Aberfeldie
• Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
• Altona Dog Beach, Seaholme
• Princes Park, Carlton North
• Mathias Track and the Old Olinda Golf Course
• A little preparation makes for happier walkies
• More adventures together this season

1. Maribyrnong River Loop, Aberfeldie

For dogs who love a riverside outing

If your dog’s idea of a good morning involves plenty of sniffing, a riverside walk could be just the ticket. The Maribyrnong River Loop in Aberfeldie offers a change of scenery for your next outing together, with two designated off-leash areas included along the mapped route.

Keep your dog on lead outside permitted areas, and only let them off where you can maintain effective control. There’s no need to rush: let their nose set the pace for a while.

View the walk and map

2. Jells Park, Wheelers Hill

For a relaxed park adventure

Open parkland, lake views and plenty to look at make Jells Park a lovely setting for an outing with your dog. Plan a gentle wander through the permitted paths, with time for water breaks and a rest along the way.

Dogs must remain on lead and are not allowed in the conservation area. The linked Walking Maps circuit enters that area, so you’ll need to adapt your route rather than follow the complete loop with your dog.

Explore the park and route information

3. Altona Dog Beach, Seaholme

For sandy paws and seaside sniffing

Some dogs need nothing more than a beach to make their day. Altona Dog Beach offers a coastal change of pace, with broad tidal flats to explore when the water recedes. Check the tide before heading out, and keep your dog close around wildlife and neighbouring conservation areas.

Make sure you’re visiting the designated Altona Dog Beach, rather than assuming the same rules apply along the entire foreshore. Council lists the dog beach as welcoming dogs throughout the year, while nearby sections of Altona Beach have seasonal restrictions. Follow the signs at your entry point.

View the beach walk

4. Princes Park, Carlton North

For an easy addition to your weekend routine

You don’t always need a day trip to make walkies feel special. Princes Park is another option for a Melbourne outing, with a mapped loop and designated leash-free areas.

Try it as a fresh alternative to your regular neighbourhood route. Keep your dog on lead between permitted off-leash zones, give other park users space, and build in a few stops to enjoy being outside together.

View the walk and map

5. Mathias Track and the Old Olinda Golf Course

For a forest adventure further from home

For a different backdrop to your usual suburban stroll, head towards Olinda. Mathias Track passes through towering forest beside the Dandenong Ranges National Park, offering an opportunity to explore the hills together.

The mapped return route is approximately 4.7 kilometres and rated intermediate, so consider your dog’s fitness before setting off. A shorter out-and-back wander may suit some dogs better.

Dogs must stay on lead along Mathias Track and the connecting tracks. At the old golf course, off-leash exercise is permitted only within the designated dog area.

View the walk and map

A little preparation makes for happier walkies

Warmer weather calls for a few adjustments to your walking routine.

• Choose cooler conditions. Aim for early mornings or cooler evenings, check the ground temperature, and shorten or skip the walk when it’s too hot.
• Bring drinking water and a bowl. Make regular stops and choose places where your dog can rest in the shade.
• Stay alert around bushland. Keep your dog on lead and avoid long grass, particularly near water where snakes may be present.
• Check local information before leaving. Access, closures and dog restrictions can change. Follow current signs when you arrive.

More adventures together this season

A great dog walk doesn’t need to be long or elaborate. Sometimes, a different path, a few interesting smells and your undivided attention are all it takes.

Pick an outing that suits your dog, take your time and enjoy exploring Melbourne together. And as you plan the season’s adventures, consider reviewing your pet insurance so you understand your cover before an unexpected vet visit.

Learn more about Petcover Dog Insurance