Flinders Street to Chapel Street via Yarra River

This 7.7 km paved riverside walk follows the Main Yarra Trail along Alexandra Avenue from Flinders Street Station to Chapel Street, and the flat, fully sealed path makes it one of the easiest long walks with a dog in inner Melbourne. Budget 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace, with prams and wheelchairs coping just as well as paws.

The walk starts at Flinders Street Station. Cross Princes Bridge and pick up the trail on the South Yarra side of the river, heading east. The route passes Como Park, opens up to views across to the Royal Botanic Gardens, and skirts Herring Island before reaching Chapel Street. It's flat the whole way, with no real elevation to worry about.

The rules require dogs on-lead along the main trail and throughout City of Melbourne land, which covers the CBD and Southbank sections. City of Stonnington manages the South Yarra stretch and holds the same on-lead standard. The path carries heavy cyclist traffic, so keep dogs on a short leash and stick to the left side.

Water is available from stations placed periodically along the path. Restrooms turn up near Como Park and Boathouse Drive, and waste bins are positioned at major intersections such as Punt Road. The grassy areas near Alexandra Avenue and Como Park suit a picnic stop partway through.

If your dog needs a proper run, Como Park Dog Off-Leash Area sits near the Chapel Street end and offers a designated off-leash zone once the paved walk is done.

Hazards worth knowing: the Yarra can rise sharply after heavy rain, turning some of the lower paths muddy or partly submerged. Stay on the higher paved path if the river's been running high.

Getting there is straightforward from either end. Start at Flinders Street Station and cross Princes Bridge, or begin at the Chapel Street end, a short walk from South Yarra Station. Trams service both ends. Parking is limited at Como Park, with on-street options along Alexandra Avenue.

Nearby with the dogs, the Capital City Trail extends the riverside walking further if you want more distance. For a stay near the route, The Langham, Melbourne sits close to the Flinders Street end, while SoYa on Davis Apartment Hotel is handy to the Chapel Street finish.

When to go. Go early morning or late afternoon to dodge both cyclist peak times and midday heat on the exposed paved sections. Good for dogs that walk well on lead and owners after an easy, scenic city stroll rather than a bush workout.

Sources

• Walking your dog - City of Melbourne · www.melbourne.vic.gov.au
• Flinders Street to Chapel Street via Yarra River - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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