Bucks Walking Trail

Bucks Walking Trail runs through Manna Gum forest along Mullum Mullum Creek in Donvale, a roughly 3.2 km loop of narrow dirt track and sealed shared path. It is an on-lead bush walk, quiet bushland tucked into the suburbs, best reached from the Reynolds Road car park.

The walk

Expect a mix of unsealed bush track and sealed sections, with creek views and native forest overhead. It suits a steady dog walk or light jog rather than a fitness push, and connects onward to the wider Mullum Mullum Trail if you want to extend the distance. After rain the unsealed stretches turn muddy, so boots beat runners and expect a wet dog.

Leash status

Dogs must be on-lead at all times on these shared trails within Mullum Mullum Creek Linear Park, under Manningham Council rules. Keep your dog under control around native wildlife, and shorten the lead when passing cyclists at the narrow pinch points. For an off-lead run, Aranga Reserve is the nearby option.

Water

Mullum Mullum Creek runs alongside much of the track, but the banks drop away steeply in spots, so it is not a casual wading or swimming stop. Carry your own water for the dog, and note that bins are usually at the trailheads rather than along the track itself.

Max: the bush tracks narrow right down in places. Keep the lead short and step aside early when bikes come through, rather than sorting it out on the pinch.

Getting there

The main loop access is from the trail car park at 282 Reynolds Road, off Springvale Road. Sheltered picnic areas and toilets sit nearby in the Linear Park. There is no station at the door; Mitcham or Ringwood are the nearest train lines, then a bus and a walk, so most people drive.

Close by with the dogs

For off-lead time either side of the walk, Aranga Reserve Fenced Dog Park and Woolerton Reserve Dog Off Leash Area are both in Donvale, and Ruffey Lake Park at Doncaster East is the big on-lead park option with lakeside paths.

When to go

Weekend mornings from around 9am to noon are the busiest window. For a quiet walk, come on a weekday morning or early afternoon. Snakes are active along creek-side bushland in the warmer months, so keep to the main paths in summer and stick to the middle of the day in winter, when the canopy keeps things cool and dim.