Epping Waterway Loop

The Epping Waterway Loop strings Darebin Creek, the Maserati Wetlands and Findon Creek into a circuit of roughly five kilometres. The path is sealed and mostly flat, dogs walk it on lead, and there are ducks, swamp hens and the odd kangaroo to keep noses busy.

Lead rules

The City of Whittlesea requires dogs to be leashed on public reserves and trails, so the whole loop is on lead. Off-lead play is only allowed in designated dog parks.

The walk

Old river red gums and native plantings line the creeks, with ribbon plants swaying in the water. Footbridges let you cut the route into shorter figure-eight loops.

Shade comes and goes. The open, grassy drainage reserves are fully exposed, so heat is the main thing to plan around.

Before you set out

There are no toilets on the loop and only a few bins at the street access points, so carry bags. Bring water and a bowl too, because dog water stations are scarce.

Street parking near the McDonalds Road bridge, by Epping Secondary College, is a good place to start.

Max: Kangaroos sometimes graze beside the creek. Keep the lead short and your dog's attention on you through the open grassland.

Pair it with

Finish with an off-lead run at Lyndarum Wetlands Fenced Dog Park, or save the Quarry Hills Track for a hillier day.

The flat, sealed surface suits dogs of any age. In summer, walk it in the morning, before the exposed stretches heat up.