Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is a remnant bushland reserve around a lake in Melbourne's east, with a 1.8 km loop circuit that takes about half an hour. It is a surviving patch of the bush that once covered this part of the city, which explains both the appeal and the strictness of the rules.

The walk

The circuit is flat and rated easy, on a mix of dirt path and timber boardwalk around the water. Tree cover is dense enough to make this one of the better hot-day walks in the east, and the unsealed sections turn muddy after rain. The network of side paths means you can add distance in small pieces without leaving the sanctuary.

Leash status

On lead at all times, everywhere in the reserve. Whitehorse City Council manages the sanctuary, and the lead rule exists to protect the native bushland and the wildlife it supports, which is the same reason dogs are excluded from the water and the revegetation areas. Keep to the formed paths and boardwalks rather than the bush on either side.

Max: this is a wildlife sanctuary before it is a dog walk. Short lead, stay on the path, and the birdlife is worth the discipline.

Water

Carry drinking water for both of you. The lake is a habitat rather than a swimming spot for dogs here, so treat it as scenery. Shade does most of the work in summer, but the bushland still dries a dog out on longer loops.

Watch-outs

Snakes use the reserve in the warmer months, and the boardwalk and unsealed paths get slippery after rain. Cyclists and prams share some of the wider paths near the entrances, so keep to the left and stay predictable at blind corners.

Getting there

The main entrance and car park are off Central Road at Blackburn, with Blackburn Station on the Belgrave and Lilydale lines a short walk away. Street parking fills up on weekend mornings when the sanctuary is at its busiest.

More walks nearby

The Blackburn Lake Whitehorse Heritage Trail extends the walk well past the lake, and the Gardiners Creek Trail covers the longer haul south. For an off-lead run, the R.H.L. Sparks Reserve Dog Off Leash Area at Box Hill is the closest option. Afterwards, Aunt Billies Cafe in the village is the easy finish.

When to go

Weekday mornings, when the car park is empty and the birds are loudest. The short, shaded circuit makes it a good fit for seniors and for nervous dogs who do better somewhere compact and quiet.

More options are on the Victoria trails guide and the Blackburn destination page.