Geelong Botanic Gardens

Set inside Eastern Park on the Corio Bay waterfront, the Geelong Botanic Gardens pair formal 19th-century plantings with wide open parkland. Dogs are allowed, on lead, so you can take in the rose gardens and big old trees together.

Leads in the gardens

The City of Greater Geelong manages the gardens. Dogs must be on a lead and under your control at all times, and the same on-leash rule covers the wider Eastern Park grounds unless a spot is signed otherwise.

The walk

You can start from the corner of Eastern Park Circuit and Podbury Drive. Paths mix smooth gravel and asphalt, and the connected network is wide enough to give nervous dogs room from passing walkers.

Historic avenues of mature trees shade much of the route, and bins are easy to find. Carry a travel bowl, as tap locations are not spelled out.

Pair it with

WYM is right beside the gardens, and Mercy Cafe is nearby in East Geelong.

Parking is easy off Eastern Park Circuit and Garden Street. Weekday mornings are the quietest time for a slow loop.