Yarra Flats Park

Ivanhoe East's riverside walking is really the track network through Yarra Flats Park and Wilson Reserve, along the Yarra River. Dogs are welcome on a lead at all times, and they are kept out of the Annulus Wildlife Sanctuary and some sensitive billabong areas.

Leads and no-go zones

Parks Victoria manages Yarra Flats and Banyule City Council looks after Wilson Reserve. Both keep dogs leashed here to protect wildlife, so watch for signs where a track enters a no-dogs zone.

The walk

Expect dirt and fine gravel tracks, a few boardwalks, and sealed sections linking to the Main Yarra Trail. Old river red gums line the water, and kangaroos graze the open paddocks.

Heavy tree cover keeps most of the flats shaded. Yarra Flats alone has about 3.5 kilometres of gravel trail, so there is room to pass other walkers.

Getting started

There is parking at Yarra Flats Park off The Boulevard and at Chelsworth Park. Bins sit near the entrances and picnic areas, and dog taps are scarce, so bring water and a bowl.

Max: The billabongs look inviting, but this is wildlife habitat. Keep the lead on and your dog back from the banks.

Make a day of it

Add the Chelsworth Park Loop next door, then grab a coffee at Be Good Café.

The shade makes this a good summer walk, and the mix of surfaces suits dogs who like a long sniff more than a sprint.