Main Yarra Trail: Finns Reserve to Warrandyte

The Main Yarra Trail from Finns Reserve to Warrandyte runs about 9km one way along the Yarra River, or Birrarung, between Templestowe Lower and the Warrandyte township, making roughly 18km return. AllTrails grades it easy and budgets around four hours for the full out-and-back, but most dog walkers do better picking a section. Long, flat and mostly sealed, it threads through riparian bushland with open river views and rewards distance without demanding hills.

Leash status

Treat the whole trail as on-lead ground. Manningham City Council requires dogs on lead along the shared path, partly to protect local fauna, and the trail carries steady bike traffic. There are exceptions worth knowing: Finns Reserve has its own off-leash area away from the playground and barbecues, and at the Warrandyte end a 260 metre stretch between 183 Yarra Street and the Warrandyte Bridge is strictly on-lead. Dogs are never allowed inside the fenced Wombat Bend Playspace.

Max: Save the free running for the designated area at Finns Reserve. A short lead on the shared path keeps you clear of both the cyclists and the wildlife rules.

Water and hazards

Drinking fountains sit at Finns Reserve, which also has toilets, barbecues and shaded picnic tables, but carry water for the longer stretches between facilities. The trail floods after heavy rain, particularly near the banks, and can be slippery along the water. Watch for cyclists: a dog that walks predictably on one side will have a better time than one that weaves across the path.

Getting there and parking

The main car park is off Duncan Road in Templestowe Lower, with more parking off Templestowe Road. By bus, the 905 SmartBus plus routes 279, 281 and 309 stop near Finns Reserve. You can also join at Westerfolds Park off Fitzsimons Lane or start from the Warrandyte end at the River Reserve.

When to go

Early mornings and weekdays are the calm windows; weekend mornings bring heavy cyclist and pedestrian traffic. This is a walk for dogs who want distance on the lead rather than off-lead time, and in summer the river bends and shaded bush sections keep it workable.

While you're out there

Break the route up by starting at the Candlebark Park to Tikalara Park section, where kangaroos are regulars, or continue the river theme at the Warrandyte Yarra River Water Frontage. At the far end the Warrandyte River Reserve has an off-leash area and George's Milkbar is the township coffee stop.

More routes are in the Victorian dog friendly trails guide, and the suburb is on the Templestowe Lower destination page.