Jones Creek Trail

Swans on Cairnlea Lake and pockets of old volcanic plains grassland give the Jones Creek Trail more character than most suburban paths in Melbourne's west. It is sealed, easy walking, with a fenced off-lead park on the network.

Lead rules

Brimbank City Council requires dogs to be on a lead on the trail and in the surrounding open space. Tighter rules apply close to paths and play areas, so keep the lead short near the playgrounds.

For a run, the trail links to the fully enclosed dog park at Kevin Flint Memorial Reserve, where dogs can come off lead.

The walk

The path is concrete and asphalt, shared with bikes, with a few accessible boardwalk sections. It runs through Cairnlea and on towards St Albans, Deer Park and Ardeer, joining local reserves along the way.

Waterbirds are the main show, so a dog with a strong interest in ducks will need a firm hand around the lake.

Make a day of it

The Waterfield Park Trail is close by for a second loop, and Cairnlea Dog Park is another spot for off-lead time.

When to go

The smooth, flat surface suits older dogs and prams. Weekday mornings are the calmest time to share the path with cyclists.