Barwon River Loop

The Barwon River Loop is a 10.6 km flat circuit on sealed shared path through Belmont, on the Geelong side of the river. AllTrails grades it easy, and the length is the only thing that makes it a commitment. Dogs are on lead, because the City of Greater Geelong designates every public open space as on-leash unless a sign says otherwise.

The walk. 10.6 km, around two hours at a walking pace, fully paved and flat. The route follows the river through parkland, reserves and wetland, and connects into the wider Barwon River trail network, so you can extend it or cut it short at any bridge. Being sealed the whole way, it suits paws that struggle on gravel and legs that struggle with hills.

The rules. Council policy sets all public open space, parks and reserves as on-leash controlled areas unless signage says otherwise, and requires leads, including retractable ones, to be kept to about two metres when you pass other people, wildlife, cyclists or dogs. Dogs are prohibited within 10 metres of a children's playground. Off-lead stretches do exist along the river, but they are defined by signage, so read the sign at the spot rather than assuming. The council's designated off-leash stretch on this river is the shared path on the northern side, upstream from the Queens Park Bridge to Fyansford Common.

Water. The Barwon is a river, not a swimming pool, and it runs tidal towards the mouth. The bank is fine to explore on lead. Keep dogs out of stagnant water in the wetland margins.

Hazards. This is a shared cycling route and bikes move quickly on a straight flat path. Sections around Belmont Common turn muddy through winter, when the floodplain does the job it is there to do.

Getting there. Free parking at Barwon Valley Park off Barrabool Road and at Yollinko Park. Geelong station is roughly 4 km away with local bus connections, and the nearest stop to the trail is at Gairloch Grove and West Fyans Street. The path connects through from Queens Park if you are walking or riding in.

Nearby with the dogs. Belmont Dog Park is fully fenced with separate active and passive zones, right off the trail. The Barwon River trail carries on downstream. WoodHouse Cafe and Paddington Cafe are both close, and Tasman Holiday Parks Geelong sits on the same side of the river.

When to go. Weekday mornings or early afternoons. Sunny weekend mornings and weekday afternoons after 3pm bring out every local dog walker. Winter turns the Belmont Common sections muddy. Good for big runners who want distance without hills.

Sources

• Dogs in public places - City of Greater Geelong · geelongcity.vic.gov.au
• Dog Controls in Public Places policy - City of Greater Geelong · geelongcity.vic.gov.au
• Barwon River Loop - AllTrails · alltrails.com

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