Glenfern Valley Bushland Loop

The Glenfern Valley Bushland Loop is a 3.2 km circuit through restored bush in Upwey, in Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges foothills, part of the wider Glenfern Valley Bushlands reserve. It's an easy walk on paper, taking 45 to 60 minutes, but a few sections along the ridge get hilly, steep and rutted underfoot, so it's not quite the flat stroll the grading suggests.

The walk. The loop winds through grassy woodland and along Ferny Creek, passing a small frog pond and skirting old quarry ground. Surfaces shift between smooth track and rougher, root-strewn climbs, so it suits dogs comfortable with a bit of scrambling rather than pram-friendly flat ground.

The rules. Yarra Ranges Council requires dogs on-lead at all times here, mainly to protect birdlife and roosting areas in the restored bushland. There are no bins in the reserve, so carry out every bit of waste. Stick to the marked tracks and stay out of the rehabilitation zones.

Hazards. Snakes are possible in the warmer months, particularly in the longer grass off-track, so a lead is doing double duty here.

Amenities. There are no toilets on site, the nearest are behind the shops in Upwey or at Ferny Creek. Picnic tables cluster near the old quarry and along the Glenfern Ridge Track, with more than a dozen benches scattered through the reserve if you want to stop and let a dog cool off in the shade.

Getting there. Access is via Glenfern Road, Upwey, where free unsealed parking sits at both main entrances. By train, Upwey Station on the Belgrave line gets you close, though it's an uphill walk in from there. Bus routes 691 and 693 pass nearby on the main roads if you'd rather skip the climb.

Nearby with the dogs. Refuel afterwards at Nevedya - Masala Spice Kitchen & Tapas, which has a dog-friendly courtyard, or stay the night at Paddys Creek Retreat. For proper off-lead running, Belgrave Lake Park Dog Off-Leash Area is a short drive away.

When to go. Cooler months take the snake risk off the table and keep the climbs comfortable. This one's good for fit dogs and owners who don't mind a lead-clipped scramble through proper bush rather than a flat park circuit.

Sources

• Glenfern Valley Bushlands - Yarra Ranges Council · www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au
• Features & Benefits - Friends of Glenfern Valley Bushlands · www.glenfernvalleybushlands.org.au
• Glenfern Valley Bushland Loop, Victoria, Australia - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

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