Plenty Gorge Parklands

Plenty Gorge Parklands follows the Plenty River gorge across Bundoora, South Morang, Plenty and Yarrambat, with big views and a lot of kangaroos. Dogs can come, but only into certain parts of it.

Lead rules

Parks Victoria allows dogs on lead only, and only in the zones shown on its official dog map. There are no off-lead areas inside the park.

Dogs are banned from sensitive conservation areas, including the Morang Wetlands and the Tanunda Wetlands, so plan your route before you go.

The walk

Most tracks are granitic sand, with some crushed rock, asphalt and concrete, and a few rough dirt and rock sections. Expect views over the winding gorge, the bright aqua water of Blue Lake and mobs of eastern grey kangaroos on the grassland.

Red gum and box-stringybark bush give good shade on the main tracks.

Getting started

Free car parks at Blue Lake and the Hawkstowe Picnic Area make easy starting points, and bins sit at the main entries and picnic areas. Bring water for the dog, since taps are scarce.

Max: Kangaroos graze right beside the tracks here. Keep the lead short and your dog close.

Pair it with

For an off-lead session afterwards, Eltham North Dog Park is a sensible stop.

It suits calm, fit dogs that walk well on a lead. Cool mornings are best, before the open grassland heats up.