Truganina Park Trail and Laverton Creek Spit

Bay views, the city skyline and a tidal sand spit full of waterbirds make the Truganina Park Trail and Laverton Creek Spit walk one of the more interesting on-lead outings in the west. It sits on the coast at Altona Meadows, not in Laverton North, and dogs stay on lead the whole way.

Lead rules

Hobsons Bay City Council requires dogs on lead in Truganina Park and on the coastal trail, to protect shorebird feeding grounds. The spit at Laverton Creek is a key feeding spot for waterbirds, so keep dogs well back from it.

If your dog needs a run, the neighbouring Doug Grant Reserve has off-lead zones.

The walk

The route starts on the sealed Bay Trail and turns to unsealed earth and gravel once inside Truganina Park. Expect salt marsh, wetlands and the old saltworks, with Port Phillip Bay and the city across the water.

The 100 Steps of Federation climb the open slope of the park.

Getting started

Free parking is near Queen Street and Doug Grant Reserve, with bins at the car parks and entry points. Taps are near Doug Grant Reserve, but carry water on the trail itself.

Max: There is almost no shade out on the coastal stretch. Skip hot afternoons and keep the lead short near the birds.

Pair it with

For off-lead time, try Lawrie Emmins Reserve Dog Off Leash Area or Bladin Street Park Dog Off Leash Area.

When to go

Cool mornings are best. It suits steady dogs that walk calmly past birds.