Dog friendly

Trail running in Lysterfield

Cycling along the Yarra

Arthurs Seat State Park

Spring into action and get active

With the colder months behind us, get a new lease on life with renewed motivation to focus on your health and wellbeing. Get active by walking the dog, trail running or cycling.

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Before you go, remember to check the COVID-19 update page for information about restrictions and closures. 

 

Dog walking

There's no better excuse to get active than walking with your best buddy by your side. Explore nature together in Victoria's metropolitan, regional and reservoir parks. Many of these parks allow dogs on-lead, so they're the perfect spot for walking, sightseeing or picnicking. Remember to plan ahead, as some parks allow dogs in some part of the park but not the whole park.

Dogs aren't allowed in all parks so make sure to check out our dog friendly parks page to plan your visit.


Popular dog walking parks:

Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Dog walking in Albert Park

With its picturesque lake and network of trails, Albert Park offers your dog a smorgasbord of exciting sights and smells as well as off-lead areas to run and play.
Four friends walk alongside the Yarra River through Yarra Bend Park.

Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf.
Two women in active wear walk up the granite steps on the way to Flinders Peak.

You Yangs Regional Park

Magnificent views, birdlife and a mecca for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers - welcome to the You Yangs! The distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat plains below. Flinders Peak and Big Rock have panoramic views out to Melbourne, which is just an hour away.
Three women stand-up paddle boarders paddle up the Yeerung River.

Cape Conran Coastal Park

Cape Conran Coastal Park has heathlands, wild ocean beaches and banksia woodlands brimming with nectar-feeding birds
The lake and linking bridge at Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden

Delightful all year round, choose your own adventure along the many linking paths beneath the canopy of Mountain Ash trees as you stroll through the garden.

Cycling

Make the most of the Spring sunshine by jumping on a bike. Cycling is a great way to explore our parks. Cycle the many trails of Jells Park and Yarra Bend Park or ride alongside the Yarra River on the Capital City Trail. Outside the city, hire an ebike at Point Nepean National Park, get amazing views over Lake Eildon on the Great Victorian Rail Trail or jump on the ferry and explore Raymond Island Gippsland Lakes Reserve.

Visit our cycling page for more great trails.


Popular places to cycle:

A family share a picnic while a father and son play with a model aircraft in the background.

Jells Park

Jells Park is nestled in the Dandenong Creek Valley, Wheelers Hill, away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. The park attracts over 900,000 visitors a year, with over nine kilometres of paths and trails, 127 hectares of wide open spaces and enough picnic areas for everyone to enjoy.
A couple row a boat on the yarra with four inquisitive geese near Studley Park Boat House.

Yarra River

The Yarra River offers a multitude of picturesque settings. The banks of the river have a number of barbecue and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jettys. In addition, there are trails and paths which cater for cyclists, walkers and joggers.
Four friends walk alongside the Yarra River through Yarra Bend Park.

Yarra Bend Park

Yarra Bend Park is Melbourne’s largest natural bushland park. Enjoy the leafy grounds and abundant wildlife while strolling or biking its many trails. Stop for a picnic, walk your dog or play a round of golf.
South Channel Fort in Port Philip part of the Point Nepean National Park.

Point Nepean National Park

Point Nepean has played an important role in shaping the early settlement and defense of Australia. Walk or cycle through this rugged coastal landscape.
A young couple paddle kayaks on a sunny afternoon across Lake Eildon.

Lake Eildon National Park

Lake Eildon National Park is in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest.

Trail Running

Trail running is a great way to improve your fitness and try something different to running on city streets. The main difference with trail running is the surface you're running on. Instead of concrete, it could be dirt, gravel, steps or compacted trails. The surface isn't always even so you need to think about where you place your feet. Melbourne's extensive network of urban parks offer a variety of trail running opportunities for all ages, fitness levels and abilities.

Find great options on our trail running page.


Popular parks for trail running:

Two women in activewear walk their dogs while two runners approach them.

Albert Park

Jog, cycle or walk with your dog around Albert Park Lake - just 3km from the centre of Melbourne. And when you stop to catch your breath, take a moment to enjoy the magnificent views of the city skyline.
A couple look out over the water from the beach at Lysterfield Lake.

Lysterfield Park

Rising from the southern foothills of the Dandenong Ranges, Lysterfield Park is the perfect place to explore nature with friends with a huge variety of recreational activities.
Donellys Weir in the Yarra Ranges National Park.

Yarra Ranges National Park

Situated between Melbourne and the Victorian Alps, the Yarra Ranges National Park is a place of epic views, majestic rainforest scenery and fun-packed snowplay. Enjoy the panorama from Mount Donna Buang, or go deeper into the park on the Black Spur Drive, and wind through towering Mountain Ash forests to Lake Mountain.
Two women in active wear walk up the granite steps on the way to Flinders Peak.

You Yangs Regional Park

Magnificent views, birdlife and a mecca for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers - welcome to the You Yangs! The distinctive granite peaks of this park rise abruptly from the flat plains below. Flinders Peak and Big Rock have panoramic views out to Melbourne, which is just an hour away.
The view of Safety Beach and Port Phillip from the top of Arthurs Seat State Park.

Arthurs Seat State Park

Rising above the Mornington Peninsula, Arthurs Seat State Park is a prominent feature in the landscape of Port Philip Bay.
Two hikers reach the summit of Mount Nelse at Bogong High Plains
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