Ferndale Park Trail

Ferndale Park in Glen Iris carries a leafy walking path, known locally as the Ferndale Trail, under a tall canopy of mature gums. The deciding fact is the shade, which makes this one of the cooler on-lead walks around on a hot day.

Lead rules

Dogs stay on a lead the whole way. The City of Boroondara manages the park, and dogs are kept out of the playground areas.

The walk

The path follows a gentle creek line through Ferndale Park and Back Creek Reserve, mixing paved stretches with well-kept gravel. It is an easy, low-impact stroll with plenty of birdlife overhead.

Bins sit at the main entry points and near the playground. Carry a bottle and bowl for the inner creek stretches.

Street parking and a few small informal bays sit near the access points along Glen Iris Road and the side streets around it.

Make a day of it

For an off-lead run afterwards, Nettleton Park Dog Off Leash Area and Hill n Dale Park Dog Off Leash Area are both close by.

When to go

Summer afternoons are when this walk earns its keep, with the canopy holding the heat off the path. The easy surface suits older dogs and anyone after a gentle, sniff-heavy outing.