Domino Trail

The Domino Trail follows an old railway line from Trentham to Lyonville, about 6 km each way or 11.7 km walked out and back, and it is on lead the whole distance.

The walk. Rail trail grade, which means flat and steady rather than easy, because 11.7 km on gravel is still most of a morning. Allow around two and three quarter hours for the return trip. The route runs through Wombat State Forest country with occasional seats along the way, and a picnic area overlooking Trentham Lake sits near the Trentham end. Most people walk out to Lyonville, take a break, and walk back.

The rules. On lead, and the reason is worth understanding. Parks Victoria's position on state forest is that all of them, except Murrindindi Scenic Reserve and Stevensons Falls, are open to dogs, and that you keep your dog on a lead and under control throughout. The trail corridor itself is managed by Hepburn Shire Council. One thing to watch: Wombat State Forest is being converted into the new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, and national park dog rules are tighter than state forest rules, so read the signage at the trailhead rather than assuming last year's arrangement still holds.

Water. Carry it. There is nothing on the trail between the two ends, and the forest creeks are not a reliable drink. Toilets are at the Trentham railway station complex at one end and at the Radio Springs Hotel in Lyonville at the other.

Getting there. Park at the old Trentham Railway Station on Station Street, where the visitor information centre and the main car park sit together. Hepburn Shire currently has the Stony Creek bridge closed with a detour via Victoria Street, so check the council page before you set out. Trentham is roughly ninety minutes from Melbourne via the Calder.

Nearby with the dogs. Trentham off leash dog park is where the lead finally comes off, The Cosmopolitan Hotel handles lunch, and Akyra Lodge is there if you want to make a weekend of it.

When to go. Spring and autumn. Trentham sits high and cold, so winter walking is genuinely cold and the gravel gets greasy, while summer afternoons are exposed through the cleared sections. Morning is best in any season. Good for big runners with the endurance for a long flat haul.

Sources

• Dog friendly parks in Victoria, Parks Victoria · parks.vic.gov.au
• Domino Rail Trail, Hepburn Shire Council · hepburn.vic.gov.au
• Taking your dog on outdoor trips, DEECA · exploreoutdoors.vic.gov.au
• New parks in Central West Victoria, DEECA · forestsandreserves.vic.gov.au

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