Plenty Gorge Parklands - Yarrambat Section

The Yarrambat Picnic Ground section of Plenty Gorge Parklands is one of the parts of the park where dogs are allowed. It sits in Yarrambat rather than Doreen, and the payoff is a wide view to Kinglake National Park and Mount Disappointment.

Lead rules

Parks Victoria allows dogs in this section on the condition that they stay on a leash at all times. That protects the wildlife, and kangaroos are sometimes about.

The walk

Tracks are unsealed, a mix of gravel, earth and bush path, with open grass around the picnic ground. Native eucalypts give moderate shade, though some stretches are fully exposed.

There is little or no drinking water on the bush tracks, and bins can be scarce. Bring water for the dog and carry your rubbish and waste out.

Max: Kangaroos turn up here. Keep the lead short so a sudden sighting does not turn into a chase.

Getting started

Parking is on site or beside the reserve near the picnic and entry points.

Make a day of it

Back in Doreen, Appret Cafe is a good stop, and Hamlin Street Fenced Dog Park gives your dog the off-lead run the parklands cannot.

Pick a cool morning, as the open grass gets hot. It suits calm dogs happy to walk on lead.