Firmins Lane Wetlands

Firmins Lane Wetlands is a small freshwater filtration wetland reserve at 25 Firmins Lane, Hazelwood North, circled by a short sealed loop track. Note that despite how it is listed, this is a council reserve rather than a food stop: the reason to come with your dog is a quick, quiet, low-fuss stroll on a proper path, with duck and swamp hen activity to hold their interest. It is open around the clock and there is no entry fee.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome on-lead, and the rules exist to protect the wetland's wildlife: keep your dog on the sealed pathways so nesting birds are not pushed off-track, and pick up all waste, because runoff flows straight into the wetland's water. Resist letting your dog edge into the reeds, even on a lead.

Worth knowing

There is a dedicated on-site car park with wheelchair-accessible entry and parking, plus bench seats spaced along the loop for a breather. There are no toilets, so plan around that before you arrive. After rain the ground around the wetland can be wet and muddy, so wear shoes you are happy to get dirty.

Getting there

The wetlands sit just off the main road network and are best reached by car from Morwell or Traralgon; public transport to the site is limited, so treat this as a driving destination. Midweek mornings and evenings are typically the quietest windows, while Sunday mornings draw the biggest crowds.

Close by with the dogs

For an off-lead run afterwards, Traralgon Dog Park and Toners Lane Dog Park in Morwell are both within reach. If you need a coffee to finish, MugLife Espresso & Juice Bar is a solid Morwell option. The wider list sits in the VIC cafes index.