Banyule Flats Reserve Loop

The Banyule Flats Reserve Loop is a 4.3 km circuit across the river flats between Heidelberg and Viewbank, in Melbourne's north east. It is one of the uncommon Melbourne walks where a dog can legally come off lead for part of the way, and the catch is worth knowing before you arrive: the wetland at the heart of the reserve is closed to dogs completely.

The walk. AllTrails puts the loop at 4.3 km and grades it easy, about an hour. It runs flat across open grassland and along the Yarra, on a mix of mown track and shared gravel path, with the Banyule Swamp on one side and the river on the other. Kangaroos graze the flats at dawn and dusk and are the main reason to keep a dog close even where off lead is permitted.

The rules. Banyule City Council allows dogs off lead in parts of Banyule Flats Reserve under effective control, but sets two limits that matter on this loop. Dogs are only allowed within 5 metres of a shared pathway when on lead, which covers the Main Yarra Trail section and the connecting paths. And the wetland and Banyule Billabong are excluded locations where dogs are not permitted at all, protecting the waterbirds that breed there. Car parks and connecting roads are on lead as well.

Water. The Yarra is reachable from several points on the eastern side of the loop. Flow is slow and the banks are muddy after rain, so a rinse afterwards is usually part of the deal. Carry drinking water, since there is little of it on the flats.

Hazards. Snakes through the warmer months, particularly in long grass near the swamp margins. The Main Yarra Trail carries fast commuter cyclists, which is the practical reason for the 5 metre rule as much as the legal one.

Getting there. Park free along Somerset Drive in Viewbank, which is the main entry. By public transport, take the Hurstbridge line to Heidelberg or Rosanna and pick up the 517 bus, which runs close to the reserve. Toilets are limited on the flats themselves.

Nearby with the dogs. The signed Banyule Flats off-leash area is the same ground set out in council terms, Price Park is the closest fenced option, and the Darebin Creek Trail picks up from Heidelberg West. Brewtique in Heidelberg seats dogs outside.

When to go. Weekday mornings, before the after work crowd arrives from five o'clock. Good for big runners, provided you can call them off a kangaroo.

Sources

• Dogs in public places - Banyule Council · www.banyule.vic.gov.au
• Warringal Parklands - Banyule Council · www.banyule.vic.gov.au
• Banyule Flats Reserve Loop, Victoria, Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.