Panton Hill Figure 8 Loop

The Panton Hill Figure 8 Loop runs about 5.3 kilometres through the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves, 45 minutes or so north east of Melbourne. Dogs are welcome on lead, but Nillumbik Shire Council keeps them to the defined shared trails, so staying on the track here is the rule rather than just good manners.

The walk

Graded moderate with around 150 metres of climbing, it usually works out at an hour and a half to two hours with a dog. The figure-eight links bushland tracks with short stretches of local road, so the surface swings from soft dusty single track to rocky patches to sealed suburban street. There is real climbing in it and views out through the trees at the top. Signage is patchy at a few junctions, so carry the council brochure map or save the route on your phone before you lose reception.

Leash status

On-lead throughout, under Nillumbik Shire Council. The seven reserves in this system are managed for conservation and hold threatened species, and the council's management plan restricts dogs to the defined shared trails rather than the wider bushland. Those same trails carry horse riders and mountain bikers, so give horses room and shorten the lead when bikes come through. Kangaroos are common, which is another reason to stay out of the scrub.

Max: snakes are active on these tracks through the warmer months, and the long grass beside the single track is exactly where they sit. Keep the dog on the trail itself, not in the verge.

Water and facilities

Nothing on the trail. This is a bring-your-own walk for both of you, with little in the way of facilities at the trailhead, so pack water and a bowl in the car.

Hazards

Snakes from spring into autumn. Fire danger runs high across Nillumbik in summer, so check VicEmergency before you set out and do not start a bush loop on a bad day. The road sections are the other one: some stretches have no real verge, and a dog on the traffic side of you is a dog in the road.

When to go

Autumn through spring suits this walk best, with cooler air, greener ground and lower fire risk. In summer, go early and treat the total fire danger rating as a day off. After rain the dusty sections firm up nicely, though the rocky patches stay slippery.

While you're out there

Parking is generally stress-free near the community garden and sports oval. Afterwards, Wild Wombat Cafe in Hurstbridge does coffee and breakfast on a dog-friendly deck with water bowls, or stop at Panton Hill Vineyard & Winery on the way home. For an off-lead counterpoint another day, Diamond Creek Fenced Dog Park is close by.

More options are on the Victoria dog walks guide and the Panton Hill destination page.