Main Yarra Trail North Side

This is the northern bank of the Yarra between Fairfield and Dights Falls, 5.3 km of mostly paved trail through Yarra Bend Park. It is one of the busiest shared paths in Melbourne, and the rule that catches people out is not the leash law. It is that several patches inside the park are closed to dogs entirely.

The walk. AllTrails puts the section at 5.3 km and about an hour, rated moderate. The surface is concrete and gravel and mostly flat, with a few short steep pitches up towards Yarra Boulevard. Fairfield Boathouse anchors the eastern end and Dights Falls the western, and the river is beside you nearly the whole way.

The rules. Parks Victoria manages Yarra Bend Park, with Melbourne Water and the neighbouring councils responsible for stretches of the trail. Dogs stay on lead on the main path. Dogs are not allowed at Galatea Point, on the golf courses, or on active sports grounds at any time. Parts of Yarra Bend Park do permit off lead, so read the signs at each entry rather than assuming either way. The park also caps you at four dogs per person.

Getting there. Free parking on Fairfield Park Drive with a four hour limit, and more near the amphitheatre. Fairfield station on the Hurstbridge line is a short walk from the boathouse end. Trenerry Crescent is the easiest access for Dights Falls. Toilets are at the Loop Picnic Area, with drinking fountains and picnic tables through the park.

Nearby with the dogs. Yarra Bend Park covers the wider reserve and its off lead areas. Abbotsford to Royal Botanic Gardens via Main Yarra Trail continues downstream and Wurundjeri Spur Lookout climbs above it. Fairfield Park Boathouse and Tea Gardens and The Farm Cafe both seat dogs outside, and Quarries Park Dog Off Leash Area is the fenced run nearby.

When to go. Before 8:30am, or mid morning on a weekday. This path carries serious cycling traffic at commuter hours and fills with walkers and runners all weekend. Good for nervous dogs only inside those quiet windows.

Sources

• Yarra Bend Park Dog Walking Fact Sheet - Parks Victoria · www.parks.vic.gov.au
• Yarra Bend Park Visitor Guide - Parks Victoria · www.parks.vic.gov.au
• Main Yarra Trail North Side - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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