Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk

The Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk is a 4.8 km walk through the wetland and paperbark forest behind Mount Martha village, on the Mornington Peninsula. It is on lead the whole way, and the flat elevated boardwalk that makes it so easy underfoot is also the thing that makes it slippery in the wet.

The walk. AllTrails records 4.8 km and grades it easy, around an hour. The route is a network of timber boardwalk and gravel track following Balcombe Creek from the reserve entrance down toward the estuary, with enough branches that you can shape it into a shorter circuit or walk the full length. There is no climbing of any consequence and the surface is even, which makes it one of the better options on the peninsula for an old dog or one coming back from injury.

The rules. Dogs must be on lead on the boardwalk and through the reserve. Mornington Peninsula Shire manages the Balcombe Estuary Reserves and keeps the bushland area leashed, with separate signed off-leash reserves elsewhere in Mount Martha. Keep to the formed boardwalk and track. The wetland either side is habitat for waterbirds, echidnas and gliders, and that is the reason for the rule.

Water. The creek runs alongside for much of the walk, but the boardwalk sits well above it and access is limited by design. Treat this as a walk rather than a swim, and take the dog down to the coast afterwards if it needs one.

Hazards. The timber gets genuinely slick after rain, and sections can be affected by heavy weather. Snakes use the reedy margins in the warmer months. Otherwise this is one of the gentler walks in the area.

Getting there. The main entry and free parking are at the end of Mirang Avenue, where you will find toilets, picnic tables, barbecues and a playground. There is further parking on Watson Road. By public transport, take the train to Frankston then bus 781 or 782 to Mount Martha village, and walk about ten minutes from there.

Nearby with the dogs. Community Forest Fenced Dog Park and Dunns Road Reserve both give an off-lead run within minutes, and Via Battisti or Green Bowl in the village take dogs outside.

When to go. Mid week mornings, or late afternoon once the weekend traffic has gone. Good for seniors and for nervous walkers who want somewhere flat and sheltered.

Sources

• Balcombe Estuary Reserves - Mornington Peninsula Shire · www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
• Balcombe Creek Estuary Boardwalk, Victoria, Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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