Blackburn Lake Sanctuary

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

The walk. A flat 1.8 km loop of twenty to thirty minutes, rated easy, on a mix of dirt path and timber boardwalk. The tree cover is dense enough to make this one of the better hot-day walks in the area. The unsealed sections get muddy after rain.

The rules. Whitehorse City Council manages the sanctuary and dogs must be on lead at all times, everywhere in the reserve, to protect the native bushland and the wildlife it supports. Keep to the formed paths and boardwalks rather than the bush either side.

Nearby with the dogs. The Whitehorse Heritage Trail runs from the lake if you want to extend the walk, and R.H.L. Sparks Reserve in Box Hill is the closest off-lead option. Aunt Billies Cafe is nearby for afterwards.

When to go. Weekday mornings, when the car park is empty and the birds are loud. Good for seniors and for nervous dogs who do better somewhere short, shaded and quiet.

Sources

• Blackburn Lake Sanctuary - Whitehorse City Council · www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au
• Dogs in public spaces - Whitehorse City Council · www.whitehorse.vic.gov.au
• Blackburn Lake Sanctuary - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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