Quarry Hills Track

The Quarry Hills Track climbs through grassland and bush on Melbourne's northern edge to a lookout with the city skyline on one side and open country on the other. The park is now known as bunjil nganga Parkland, which is worth knowing before you go looking for signs that say Quarry Hills.

The walk. About 5.5 km and an hour and a half at a steady pace, rated moderate. The work is in the hills rather than the surface: the tracks are wide, formed gravel, but they climb properly and there is little flat ground. The viewing platform at Eagle Lookout is the usual turning point. On the descents the gravel can be loose after a dry spell, which is worth knowing if your dog pulls.

The rules. City of Whittlesea manages the park and dogs must be on lead throughout the bushland reserve. This is a conservation area with resident kangaroos, and the on-lead rule is doing real work rather than sitting there as a formality. Vehicle gates close in the evening, so check the posted closing time at the car park before setting off on a late walk.

Water. Bring all of it. There is very little shade on the climbs and no reliable water on the track, which makes this a poor choice for a hot afternoon with a heavy-coated dog.

Getting there. Car parking is at the Gravlier Way entrance. South Morang Station on the Mernda line is the closest train, though it leaves you a walk or a short ride from the trailheads. Parking fills on sunny weekend mornings.

Nearby with the dogs. Delacombe Reserve is the local fenced dog park for an off-lead run, and Redleap Recreation Reserve in Mill Park is the next option south. St Ivy Cafe has outdoor seating for afterwards.

When to go. Early morning or the hour before sunset, both for the light over the city and to miss the exposed midday heat. The cooler months are better here than summer. Good for big runners who need hills rather than distance.

Sources

• bunjil nganga Parkland (Quarry Hills) - City of Whittlesea · www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au
• bunjil nganga Parkland - Explore Outdoors Victoria · www.exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au
• Quarry Hills Track - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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