04 Jan Walk With Baxta: Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk Circuit in Melbourne
Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk Circuit is the first dog-friendly walk in Melbourne that we’re focusing on. One of the stunning Mornington Peninsula walks, it has everything you could want – from board walks to bridges and sandy beaches, your dog will have a blast exploring with you. And the best part? There’s three off-leash areas on this walk so your dog will love having a splash in the water and roaming along the beach with other furry friends.
Distance
Time
Difficulty
Leash
Transport
Facilities
6.1km
1.5 hours
Easy – Boardwalk
On-leash walk with three off-leash areas
Car park + public transport nearby
BBQ, drinking fountains, public toilets and cafes
To get started, follow the wooden boardwalk around Balcombe creek, which is full of history. In the 1940s, the US and Australian Soldiers used this area and called it Balcombe Army Camp. If you want to find out more, you can actually listen to the Yellow Robin Audio Trail, which is available the whole way along the boardwalk. There are two guides: the first speaks of the location’s natural, historical and cultural significance for grownups, and the second is a character-guided educational walk designed to keep kids (ages 5-15) entertained.
The two bridges connecting the south and north bank create a beautiful dog-friendly walk. The circuit is only 3.5km and takes around 1.5 hours to complete. If you choose to continue your walk into the Briars Park tracks and stop by Mount Martha, there are several boutique shops and cafes to explore. Despite being located close to houses and shops, it’s a peaceful walk with lots of wildlife and nature.
Want to hear a great fact? The traditional owners, the Boonerwrung, call the Balcombe Creek area Tji’tjin’garook or the ‘voice of frogs’! If you listen carefully, you’ll know why – you’ll be able to hear the voices of the diverse and noisy frog population.
Wave and talk to the friendly locals, whether they’re fishing, jogging or taking their dog on a walk. They’re always willing to say hello. As you make your way around, you’ll see there are several lookouts along the way with beautiful views giving you the perfect excuse to have a rest. If you’ve got kids with you, then head to the Balcombe Estuary Reserve Playground, where there are BBQs, slides and more to keep everyone entertained.
Here’s an overview of this beautiful dog-friendly walk:
Last stop before heading back home is maybe the best one. Head along to the dog-friendly Mount Martha Beach. Dogs are only allowed off leash before 9am and after 7pm, so it’s best for morning and evening walks.
Have you tried this dog-friendly walk in Melbourne? Let us know what you thought! If you’re looking for dog-friendly walks in Sydney, head over here.