Buckley Falls and Barwon River Walk

Buckley Falls sits at the end of a short gravel road in Fyansford on Geelong's western edge, and it is the only waterfall in greater Geelong. The full loop runs about 4.7km on mostly sealed and gravel paths at an easy grade, roughly an hour to ninety minutes, though you can trim it to a thirty minute stroll or stretch it toward 5 to 8km by following the Barwon further. Dogs are welcome on lead, a policy the City of Greater Geelong confirms for the reserve it manages alongside the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority.

The track follows the Barwon River past two viewing platforms: one perched high above Bunyip Pool, and a lower one right at the cascades. A small rustic picnic area near the lower section makes a good lunch stop with the falls in view.

Leash status

Dogs must stay on lead on all walking tracks here. Rangers do patrol on busy days. Give nesting waterbirds and the rakali (water rats) that live along the riverbank a wide berth, both for their sake and to stop an excited dog bolting down the bank. Paths near the water get rougher and narrower than the main trail, so keep the lead short on the descent to the lower platform.

Water and hazards

There is no potable water on site and the river is not safe to drink, so pack enough for a thirsty dog, especially in summer. After heavy rain the river can rise fast and the lower track can flood or turn to mud within the hour, so check recent weather before heading down to the cascades. The lower lookout has slippery rock and loose gravel right at the edge, which is another reason a short lead beats a long line near the platforms.

Getting there and parking

From Melbourne, take the Princes Highway (M1) to the Fyansford exit and follow signs toward Highton and Buckley Falls Road. From Geelong, follow the river out along Barrabool Road and turn onto Buckley Falls Road. The car park at the end is small and gravel, and it fills quickly on sunny weekends, so an early start helps.

When to go

Weekday mornings are best: the car park is quiet and the morning light on the falls is the best it gets. This is a walk for calm, leash-happy dogs who are content to admire the water rather than swim in it, and it rewards them with a cascade, a gorge pool and plenty of birdlife in exchange for good manners.

Close by with the dogs

Refuel afterwards at The Door Gallery Cafe or the Fyansford Hotel, both a short drive away. If the loop leaves you wanting more river time, the Barwon River trail continues along the same waterway.

Max: The lower platform is the payoff and the pinch point. Short lead, patient feet, then a long sit at the rail while the water does the entertainment.

More routes are listed on the Victoria trails guide, and other dog-friendly stops around the suburb are on the Fyansford destination page.