Darebin Creek Trail: Heidelberg West to Kew East

The Darebin Creek Trail follows the creek south from Heidelberg West to where it meets the Yarra at Kew East, about 15.6 km of flat sealed shared path through riparian bush. Graded easy and taking roughly three and a half to four hours one way, it is a corridor walk rather than a loop, with enough road crossings that you can join or leave the route almost anywhere. Darebin Creek Forest Park at the northern end and Darebin Parklands at the southern end are the two stretches worth slowing down for.

Leash status

The rule here is more specific than most: Banyule City Council allows dogs off lead in the open reserve, but they must be on lead on the shared trail itself and within five metres of it, and also within five metres of other people, barbecues or playgrounds. Dogs are kept off the sporting ovals during play. In practice this is an on lead walk with off lead pockets in the reserves either side of the path. The southern end crosses into Darebin council territory, which signs its own reserves, so read the signs as you go.

The path is shared with cyclists and carries commuter traffic on weekday mornings, so keep your dog close when bikes pass. Mid morning onwards is noticeably calmer.

Max: five metres from the path is closer than it sounds. If you can hear bike tyres coming, clip the lead back on before they get there.

Water

The creek is the obvious draw and plenty of dogs do get into it, but this is an urban waterway carrying stormwater and the quality swings after rain. Carry drinking water rather than relying on the creek, and think twice about a swim in the days following a downpour. Taps and fountains are more reliable at the parks at either end.

Getting there and parking

Parking sits at the reserve entries rather than along the trail. The easiest two are Malahang Reserve at the Heidelberg West end, off Oriel Road and Southern Road, and the Darebin Parklands car park at Alphington. Both Heidelberg and Alphington stations are within walking distance of the route, so you can do it one way and catch a train back.

When to go

Any time of year works, though the corridor is at its best in late winter and spring when the creek is running and the path is not baking. Summer mornings are cooler under the red gums, and the flat grade makes this a good distance option for big dogs that need a proper run close to town.

Make a day of it

If your dog needs a secure run before or after the walk, Malahang Reserve Fenced Dog Park sits right beside the trail at the Heidelberg West end, and Darebin Parklands is the classic off lead finish at the southern end. The Darebin to Kew East section covers the southern half as its own walk. Birdie Coffee Bar is close to the northern start point for a post walk coffee.

More routes are in the Victoria dog trails guide and the Heidelberg West destination page.