Melton Botanic Garden

Melton Botanic Garden, on Lakewood Boulevard in Melton, is a dry-climate garden set along Ryans Creek with a lake that draws waterbirds. Dogs are welcome, but they stay on lead at all times.

Lead rules

Melton City Council has no off-lead area in the garden, which protects the birdlife and plant collections. Carry bags and pick up after your dog.

The walk

The Botanic Trail loops around the main lake on flat, wide paths of concrete and crushed rock. Along the way you pass Australian, South African and sensory gardens, a eucalypt arboretum and remnant woodland by the creek.

Avenues of trees and picnic shelters give some shade, but parts of the trail are exposed on hot days.

Getting started

Parking is on the west side near the main lake, with bins by the picnic and parking areas. Dog water points are sparse on the inner trails, so bring a bowl and water.

Make a day of it

For an off-lead run afterwards, head to Fraser Street Reserve Fenced Dog Park in Melton South or Navan Park Fenced Dog Park in Melton West.

When to go

In summer, go in the morning before the open sections heat up. The flat, even paths suit older dogs and slower walkers.