Merri Creek Trail

Merri Creek Trail follows the creek through Fitzroy North on a mostly paved shared path, tree-lined in stretches and open in others. The full route runs about 15.8 km and takes most of a day, but for dogs the better play is a shorter section, and the on-lead rule along the path itself shapes how you do it.

Leash status

Yarra City Council requires dogs on lead on all shared paths, including the Merri Creek Trail, and for 5 metres either side of the bitumen. Dogs are also kept out of wetlands and environmentally sensitive sections of the creek corridor, which protect platypus, lizards and birdlife.

For off-lead time, head to a designated reserve such as Edinburgh Gardens Off-Leash Area rather than letting go near the water. Carry a lead regardless, and keep dogs clear of the revegetated banks.

The walk

The path is flat and easy, graded for all comers, with gravel side tracks branching off when the main route feels busy. The corridor mixes grassy banks, shady tree stretches and creek crossings, and it links into the wider Capital City Trail network if you want to extend.

Water and hazards

Bring drinking water, as fountains are intermittent along the route. Grassy sections hold snakes, tiger snakes included, in warmer months, so stay on the path and keep dogs out of the long grass at the edges.

Cyclists move fast here, and that is part of why the on-lead order exists, so keep left and hold the lead short through bridges and underpasses. Heavy rain floods low sections of the trail for days afterwards, so check conditions after storms.

Max: keep a lead on hand even when you reach the off-lead reserves, and give any signposted wetland edges a wide berth. It only takes a moment for a dog to disturb nesting birds or a basking lizard.

Getting there and parking

Rushall Station sits near the trail, with dogs on lead on the platform, and tram 11 along St Georges Road stops within a short walk of the creek. Street parking is limited but available on residential streets around North Fitzroy.

When to go

Weekday mornings before the commute and evenings are quietest; Saturday mornings bring heavy bike and foot traffic, worth avoiding with a dog reactive to either. For a break, Cafe Piccante in Fitzroy North is a dog-friendly stop.

More routes are on the Victoria trails guide and the Fitzroy North destination page.