Fairyland Reserve Walk

Fairyland is the reed-fringed stretch of the Lake Wendouree foreshore, where crested grebes nest and small islands shelter waterbirds. The City of Ballarat manages it, and dogs must be on lead at all times.

Lead rules

The on-lead rule covers all the Lake Wendouree walking tracks and foreshore reserves, so there is no off-lead section here. The birdlife is the reason.

The walk

Fairyland runs from the bluestone pillars near St Aidan's Drive toward the Swan Pool by the Lake Pavilion. The path is smooth and wide, sealed or compacted gravel.

Mature trees shade much of this precinct, drinking fountains are spaced around the foreshore, and bins line Wendouree Parade. Parking is along Wendouree Parade and near the Botanical Gardens.

Max: Nesting grebes sit in those reeds. Keep the lead short and your dog's nose out of the water's edge.

Pair it with

For a run, Victoria Park - dog park is a big open off-lead area, and CE Brown Reserve Fenced Dog Park is fully fenced.

When to go

The wide, smooth path suits older dogs and prams. If Fairyland leaves you wanting more, the full lake circuit is about 6 km.