Darebin Creek Trail: Darebin to Kew East

The Darebin Creek Trail between Darebin and Kew East is a 5.3 km shared path following the creek through Melbourne's inner north east. The rule that shapes a dog walk here is a measured one: on lead within 5 metres of the shared trail, which along this route means on lead for practically all of it, with signed off-leash ground available in the parklands either side.

The walk. AllTrails records 5.3 km and grades it easy, a little over an hour. It runs on sealed and gravel shared path through the creek corridor, mostly flat with short rises where the trail climbs out of the valley at road crossings. It links into the rest of the Darebin Creek Trail network, so you can extend in either direction without repeating ground.

The rules. Darebin City Council, working with the Darebin Creek Management Committee, requires dogs to be on lead within 5 metres of the shared trail and through the wildlife-sensitive sections of the corridor. Off-leash exercise is allowed only in the separately signed areas within the parklands, not on the trail itself. Since the trail is the walk, treat this as a leashed route and use the marked off-leash reserves for the running.

Water. Darebin Creek runs beside the trail the whole way, with bank access at several points. It is an urban waterway carrying stormwater, so quality drops sharply after rain and a wade is a better idea than a swim. Carry drinking water.

Hazards. Cyclists, chiefly. This is a commuter route as much as a recreational one and bikes come through quickly, which is the practical reason behind the 5 metre rule. Snakes are present along the creek corridor in summer.

Getting there. Access points sit at road crossings along the corridor, with parking near the Darebin Parklands entrances in Alphington. Alphington station on the Hurstbridge line is a short walk from the northern end of this section.

Nearby with the dogs. Darebin Parklands off-leash area and Hays Paddock at Kew East bookend the walk, the wider Darebin Parklands tracks add distance, and the Heidelberg West to Kew East section continues north. Area52 and Hay and Hide handle coffee at either end.

When to go. Outside commuter hours, so mid morning or mid afternoon on a weekday. Good for steady walkers and for dogs that need a predictable, flat route.

Sources

• Council meeting agenda 24 November 2025 - Darebin City Council · www.darebin.vic.gov.au
• Darebin Creek Trail: Darebin to Kew East, Victoria, Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.