Darebin Creek Trail: Heidelberg West to Kew East

The Darebin Creek Trail follows its creek from Heidelberg West down to Kew East, a flat sealed corridor of riparian bush strung between suburbs. AllTrails gives this section 15.6 km. The leash rule here is unusually specific and worth knowing before you set out: off lead is allowed in the open reserve, but not on or near the shared path itself.

The walk. Graded easy over 15.6 km, three and a half to four hours one way, with enough road crossings that you can cut it short almost anywhere. Concrete shared path, flat and wide, the creek beside you and river red gum overhead through the better sections. Darebin Creek Forest Park at the northern end and Darebin Parklands at the southern end are the two places worth lingering.

The rules. Banyule City Council manages the Heidelberg West end. Dogs may be off lead in the open reserve, but they must be on lead on the shared trail and within 5 metres of it, within 5 metres of other people, barbecues or playgrounds, and kept off the sporting ovals during play. In practice that makes the trail an on-lead walk with off-lead pockets either side of it rather than the other way around. The southern end crosses into Darebin council territory, which signs its own reserves.

Water. The creek is the obvious draw and 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 it, and think twice about a swim in the days following a downpour.

Getting there. Parking is at the reserve entries rather than on the trail, with Malahang Reserve at the Heidelberg West end and the Darebin Parklands car park at Alphington the two easiest. Heidelberg and Alphington stations are each within walking distance of an access point.

Nearby with the dogs. Malahang Reserve is the fenced dog park at the top end and Darebin Parklands is the big off-leash space at the bottom. The Darebin to Kew East section covers the southern half on its own, and Hays Paddock is a short hop from the finish. Birdie Coffee Bar and Hay and Hide sit at either end.

When to go. Any time of year, though the corridor is at its best in late winter and spring when the creek is running and the path is not baking. Weekday mornings carry commuter cyclists; mid morning onward is calmer. Good for big runners who need distance close to town.

Sources

• Rules for dogs in public places - Banyule City Council · www.banyule.vic.gov.au
• Pets in parks - Darebin City Council · www.darebin.vic.gov.au
• Darebin Creek Trail: Heidelberg West to Kew East - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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