Bellarine Rail Trail

The Bellarine Rail Trail crosses the peninsula from South Geelong through Drysdale to Queenscliff, finishing beside the Swan Bay wetlands. Dogs are allowed, on a lead and under control.

Lead rules

The City of Greater Geelong manages the trail, and its rule holds for the full length. There are no off-lead sections, so plan any free running for somewhere else.

The walk

The surface is part sealed asphalt, part compacted fine gravel. Both are comfortable for paws and easy with a lead in hand.

Heading east, Geelong's outskirts give way to rolling farmland. The last stretch runs toward Swan Bay, a coastal wetland of international importance.

Max: Near Swan Bay, keep the lead short and your dog on the path. The wetland is protected for a reason.

Pair it with

The trail is long enough that most people walk a section. On the Portarlington side of the peninsula, the Portarlington Grand Hotel is a good place to finish.

When to go

Pick a cooler day for the longer farmland sections. Bring water for the dog, since you may be walking a while between towns.