Heathmont Rail Trail

Heathmont Rail Trail is a 3.5 kilometre paved path from Bedford Park in Ringwood to HE Parker Reserve in Heathmont. Dogs are on lead along the trail, with off-lead ovals waiting at the southern end.

Leads and the off-lead area

Maroondah City Council asks that dogs stay leashed on the shared path. At HE Parker Reserve, the designated ovals are off-leash when no organised sport is on, but the playground area is not.

The walk

It is an easy suburban route through leafy streets, with local birdlife and a pass right by the Heathmont Shopping Village. Some stretches have mature trees and bush, others are open to the sun.

Seats and picnic tables are dotted along the way, and bins are easiest to find near the shops and the reserve. Water is available near HE Parker Reserve.

Getting started

Park around HE Parker Reserve off Heathmont Road or near Heathmont Station. For a longer outing, the path links into the Dandenong Creek Trail.

Make a day of it

Finish with a run at the HE Parker Reserve Dog Off Leash Area, then coffee at Great Ryrie Cafe.

Who it suits

A good everyday walk for city dogs that end the day with an off-lead run. Check the ovals are not booked for sport before you unclip.