Panton Hill Figure 8 Loop

A 5.3 km figure-eight through the Panton Hill Bushland Reserves, about 45 minutes 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. Around 5.3 km and graded moderate, which 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.

The rules. On-lead throughout, under Nillumbik Shire Council. The seven reserves in this system are managed for conservation, they 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.

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.

Water. Nothing on the trail. This is a bring-your-own walk for both of you, and there is little in the way of facilities at the trailhead either.

Getting there. Drive, because public transport out here is close to non-existent. Set the GPS for Bishops Road, Panton Hill. There is free parking in the small lot near the community garden and the sports oval, with the tennis club about 200 metres away as backup when the oval is busy.

Nearby with the dogs. Black Vice Coffee Roasters at Hurstbridge is the closest good coffee and St Andrews Hotel is the local with an outdoor area. For a proper off-lead run afterwards, Hurstbridge Dog Park and Diamond Creek Fenced Dog Park are both fenced.

When to go. Mid-week, or early on a weekend before the oval fills up for football. Autumn and spring are the sweet spot, cool enough for the climbs and with the ground not yet baked hard. Good for big runners who need hills.

Sources

• Panton Hill Bushland Reserve System, Nillumbik Shire Council · www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au
• Panton Hill Bushland Reserves System Management Plan, Nillumbik Shire Council · www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au
• Panton Hill Bushland Reserves brochure map, Nillumbik Shire Council · www.nillumbik.vic.gov.au
• Panton Hill Figure 8 Loop, Victoria - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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