Night Paddock Park

Night Paddock Park is 5.5 hectares of restored woodland along Battunga Creek in Macclesfield, with a walking trail under very old gums. Keep the dog on lead, because kangaroos and possums live here too.

Leads and wildlife

The park is in the District Council of Mount Barker, and council dog rules apply to the reserve trails, which means on lead. Western grey kangaroos turn up at times, and the native birds are easily spooked.

The walk

The trail uses natural earth tracks and graded mulch and gravel paths along the creek. The Macclesfield Bushcare Group looks after the river section, and the replanted creek line shows it.

Manna gums, blue gums and river red gums give plenty of shade.

Before you go

Battunga Creek runs beside the trail, but there are no taps, so bring water for the dog. Parking and bins at the entrances are basic, and the township shops are a short walk away.

Pair it with

Make it a double with Lord Robinson Park, another Macclesfield walk.

When to go

The deep shade makes it a good pick for warmer days, and the quiet edge-of-town setting suits dogs that prefer to avoid crowds. Come ready for a slow, sniffy walk rather than a run.