Yarra Valley Tails and Trails: Dog friendly trails

For dogs with energy to burn and noses keen for new territory, the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are calling.

This naturally generous region is full of places to wander, run, sniff and explore, from leafy rail trails and forest paths to open fields and lakeside tracks. Whether your walking buddy is a cavachon, groodle, labrador, poodle or glorious mystery mix, there’s plenty of space here for a proper leg-stretch and a very happy ride home.

Lilydale boasts a magnificent lake encircled by 10km of shared walking and cycling trails with two areas designated for off-leash dogs. There’s even a dogs-only swimming spot. Not far away is the start of the 40km historic Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail, where you can meander along, taking in the scenic views and natural beauty.

And the dog treats don’t end there.

Many winery/cafe operators in the valley welcome dogs with open arms - even placing outdoor seating and tables in easy-to-access places, creating grassy areas and filling dog bowls with water.

So once the pooch has been well exercised, paws for a while at one of the many pet-friendly venues with a well-deserved glass of fine local wine, a freshly brewed coffee or a bite to eat.

We've created a list of some of the top locations for dog walks in the Yarra Valley and cafes/wineries nearby:

1. Lillydale Lake

10km of shared walk and bike trails. Dogs are allowed to swim in the creek in the off-leash area.

Entrance: 435 Swansea Rd, Lilydale;

Nearby Olinda Creek Wetlands, Access via Hull Rd, Lilydale

Nearby places to eat and play with your pooch:

Round Bird Can’t Fly

A cosy, casual setting with fine food and outdoor tables.

Address: 170 Main St, Lilydale

Phone: 9735 9724

2. Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail

This historic rail trail meanders for 40km through beautiful vineyards, farms and forests. It’s easy to walk smaller sections depending on how much time you have. The trail is clearly signposted. The shorter Yarra River Walk Circuit in Warburton is easily accessed from the Swing Bridge, just off Main St.

Nearby places to eat and play with your pooch:

Cog Bike Café

Near the trail has lots of green grass and outdoor seating.

Address: 42 Station Rd, Warburton

Phone: 5966 2213

3. Olinda Creek Walking Track/Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Track

The 4.6km trail, which starts at the Mt Evelyn Recreation Reserve, follows the alignment of the old aqueduct from Silvan to Mt Evelyn and passes through the Dandenong Ranges National Park bushland, fern gullies, and bird habitats. There is a section of the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Track (7km one way) where dogs are allowed off leash.

Address: Reserve 1, Westhill Drive, Mt Evelyn

4. Coronation Park Healesville

This pretty bushland area is behind the Main St in Healesville and offers walking trails along the Watts River, picnic tables, BBQ facilities and a rotunda. Lots of grassy spaces for dogs.

Nearby places to eat and play with your pooch:

Giant Steps Tasting Room

This cellar door and winery are easily accessible from the main street, and dogs are welcome outdoors.

Address: 336 Maroondah Hwy Healesville

Phone: 5962 6111

5. Maroondah Reservoir Park

A lovely parkland where dogs are allowed on-lead. It’s a great spot for a barbecue with the family and includes toilets, a playground and BBQ facilities.

Nearby places to eat and play with your pooch:

Boat O’Craigo

Located on the eastern side of the Yarra Valley, opposite Maroondah Reservoir, this boutique vineyard is a one-hour drive from Melbourne. Large outside deck for visitors with on-lead dogs.

Address: 458 Maroondah Hwy Healesville

Phone: 5962 6899

6. Margaret Lewis Reserve

Meet all the locals at this vast off-leash space on the corner of Ingrams Rd and Maroondah Highway, Coldstream.

Nearby places to eat and play with your pooch:

Rochford Wines

Take the dog for a walk through the vines, kick back in the large outdoor seating area and enjoy views of the Great Dividing Ranges.

Address: 878-880 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream

Phone: 5957 3333

7. Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve

On the northern bank of the Yarra River, you will find the recreation reserve a popular dog walking spot. There are designated areas where dogs are permitted off-leash. Nearby, at the corner of Bell St and Anzac Ave, is the revamped Yarra Glen adventure playground in McKenzie Reserve. It has plenty of shade, lawn areas, toilets, picnic tables and BBQs.

Nearby places to eat and play with your pooch:

De Bortoli Wines

Enjoy a tasting at the cellar door and learn a little more about local wines in a friendly environment.

Address: 58 Pinnacle Lane, Dixons Creek

Phone: 5965 2271

Yering Station

This winery restaurant and cellar door have expansive grassy areas to explore. The Yarra Valley Regional Farmers Market, which sells items from paddock to plate, is held inside the winery’s barn on the third Sunday of each month.

Address: 38 Melba Hwy Yarra Glen

Phone: 9730 0100

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