Mathias Walking Track

The Mathias Walking Track is one of the most reliable dog-friendly bushwalks in the Dandenong Ranges: a wide, well-maintained gravel track through tall eucalypts and fern gullies, on-leash the whole way. It runs roughly 3.7 kilometres each way and connects up to the Old Olinda off-leash area, so you can keep it short or stretch it into a proper morning out.

The walk

Wide unsealed gravel at an easy, pleasant grade that suits most fitness levels, with shady fern-gully sections through the middle. It is a there-and-back of about 3.7 kilometres each way, with longer options linking through to the old golf course site and beyond. The gravel surface can be tricky for prams, but it is comfortable footing for dogs of any size.

Leash status

Dogs must be on-leash the entire track. It runs alongside sections of Dandenong Ranges National Park where dogs are completely prohibited, and Parks Victoria rangers do patrol, so the marked track is the boundary that matters. Dogs are also not permitted on the adjoining botanic garden paths. You will share the track with walkers, mountain bikers and the occasional horse rider.

Max: Shared track with bikes and horses, so a short lead on the blind fern-gully corners saves everyone a fright.

Water and hazards

Bring your own water for the dog; there are no reliable taps on the track. After rain the gravel and the gully sections turn to mud, so plan footwear and expect a wet-bellied dog. Pack waste bags and carry everything out, as bins are scarce along the route.

Getting there and parking

Small gravel car parks sit at the Falls Road and Silvan Road entrances with free parking. By public transport, take a train to Upper Ferntree Gully or Croydon, then the 688 bus toward Mount Dandenong or Olinda, and walk in from the village.

More walks nearby

The Old Olinda Golf Course Dog Off Leash Area is the natural pairing: let the dog off the lead there before clipping back on for the track. The RJ Hamer Arboretum Loop adds an on-leash option with Yarra Valley views a few minutes away.

Weekdays and early mornings are quietest; sunny Sundays around lunchtime are the busiest. More walks are on the Victoria dog trails guide and the Olinda destination page.