Maribyrnong River Trail and Burndap Park

The Maribyrnong River Trail is a sealed riverside path in Melbourne's inner west, running through Footscray and Maribyrnong and linking Footscray Park to Burndap Park and Burndap Lake. Dogs must stay on lead for the whole route, though a designated off-lead area sits nearby in Footscray Park if your dog needs to run free.

The walk

This is a 6.1 km loop graded easy at 1 of 5, taking about 1 to 1.5 hours. The path is sealed, flat and wide, suiting walkers, runners, cyclists, prams and wheelchairs, with smaller bushy side trails branching off for anyone who wants a change of surface. Along the way you get river views, manicured gardens, wetlands and patches of natural bushland, all well inside the suburbs.

Leash status

Under Maribyrnong City Council, dogs must be on lead on the main trail, in Burndap Park, and within 5 metres of the path, and the lead itself must be no longer than three metres. Burndap Park and the ground around Burndap Lake are explicitly not off-lead zones, a rule the council enforces for the swans and other birdlife that nest there. Off-lead dogs are not permitted within 30 metres of any playground, and dogs may never enter sporting grounds during booked training or matches. Footscray Park is one of the council's designated off-lead areas, with the off-lead ground on the western side of the Thomson Water Garden, the Victoria University side; check the council map before you unclip. Pick up after your dog, since on-the-spot fines apply, and the council provides free litter bags in selected parks.

Max: a three metre lead is the rule here, and on this path it is also just good sense. The cyclists do not always have room to dodge a long line.

Water

The trail follows the river for its full length, but the lower grass areas near the water turn very boggy and muddy after rain, so pack a towel if your dog likes to get in among it. The river itself is not a swimming option on this stretch.

Hazards

This is a major commuter cycling route, so a short lead is both the rule and the safe choice, with fast riders who do not always have room to move around a long line. Snakes sun themselves near the riverbanks in the warmer months. Keep an eye out for the waterbirds too; the Burndap swans are locals and a leashed dog is what keeps it that way.

Getting there and parking

Footscray Park sits at the southern end of the loop, a short walk from Footscray station and the Victoria University campus. Street parking turns up around the park edges, though weekend mornings fill it quickly. The trail also connects toward Maribyrnong and Highpoint along the river if you want a longer point-to-point instead of the loop.

When to go

The trail is busiest on weekends and on weekdays around 5pm to 6pm, and usually quiet before 8am. Weekday mornings suit a quiet stroll, while sunny weekend afternoons bring more atmosphere and company. Good for senior dogs, with the flat sealed surface and the off-lead option close at hand.

Close by with the dogs

For off-lead time, try the Footscray Park Dog Off Leash Area or the Thompson Reserve Dog Off Leash Area. If you want a fully fenced option, head to the Martin Reserve Fenced Dog Park in West Footscray. Afterwards, dogs are welcome at Moon Dog Wild West for a drink.

Our Victoria trails page lists more dog-friendly walks, and the Footscray destination guide covers the suburb.