Russell Family Park

Two ornamental lakes, fern gullies and a view over green hinterland hills sit right behind Montville's main street at Russell Family Park. It is an easy, gentle stroll, and dogs are welcome on a lead.

Lead rules

Sunshine Coast Council requires dogs to stay on a lead throughout the park. Keep them at least 5 metres back from the playground and the picnic and barbecue areas.

Worth knowing before you plan a bigger day: Kondalilla National Park and Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve nearby do not allow dogs at all, so this park is one of the better on-lead options close to the village.

The walk

Signed heritage paths loop past the lakes, paved or partly paved and smooth enough for prams and wheelchairs. Mature trees, the fern gullies and the picnic shelters give plenty of shade, and there are bins around the picnic areas.

There is no dedicated dog water on the path, so pack a bottle and a bowl.

Getting started

The park sits at 25 Western Avenue, reached from 198 Main Street. Park off Western Avenue or in the public car parks that serve the village.

Pair it with

Finish with lunch at Montville Cafe Bar & Grill on the main street.

The flat, shady paths suit older dogs and anyone after a relaxed stroll rather than a hike, and the shade makes it a fair choice on warmer days.