PART 2 - MATIAS TRACK DANDENONG RANGES, DOG FRIENDLY WALK

*PLEASE CHECK AMENDED DETAILS FOR THIS TRACK. 

Getting out into nature for an adventure is great for your dog and you. 

This is part 2 of our blog post series on our favourite off leash walking spots in Melbourne.  It's tough to find spots in the city these days were we can let our dogs just be dogs, and explore freely.  Nothing bonds you and your dog better than giving them freedom and building the trust you have with each other off leash. 

FAV SPOT #2  MATHIAS TRACK DOG FRIENDLY WALK.

Starting the Mathias Dog Friendly Walk

The drive will take you round a 45 minutes  from the CBD up to the picturesque Dandenong ranges.  Follow the main road up the hill and take the Falls Road turn off. Continue around until you see a sign for The National Rhododendron Gardens, the track begins there. You'll be able to park just off Falls Road. 

*We have been updated that there was misleading information about off lead dog walking in this area. The Parks Victoria rules for the area are that on lead dog walking is allowed in and on the boundary of the R J Hamer Arboretum, but dogs are not allowed elsewhere in the Park at all.

The Silvan Road end of Mathias Track falls within and on the boundary of the arboretum therefore on lead dog walking is acceptable there. The Falls Road end of Mathias Track is not in the Arboretum, but rather the in National Park itself. Dogs are not allowed here, even on lead.

The status of on lead OK to no dogs at all changes at the interection of Mathia Rd and Black Hole Track.

Be sure to wear layers during the cooler months as the temperature in the ranges is considerably colder. Sensible footwear is also a  must as the track can get quite  muddy and slippery at points.  

The track is an easy walk around 3.5 kilometres in each direction and is shared by mountain bikers and horses.  If your lucky you'll also catch sight of a Lyrebird. We also did a little foraging, if you know a thing or two about mushrooms be sure to bring along a bag to collect. 

Mathias Track passes below the National Rhododendron Gardens and Hamer Arboretum. Numerous trails lead off in all directions.  We found ourselves on an unused golf course which runs alongside the track. 

The course is fairly steep, however there is plenty of wide open space to explore. Willie had a great time running around like a lunatic. The Autumn trees were spectacular with stunning views from the top of the course.  There were also plenty of other dogs to meet along the way. 

 This was the perfect spot for us to test our our new bandana range and get some great photos! 

 Just like his Dad, Willie dog loves a good check flannel. Our new Lumberjackand Woodsman dog bandana's are the perfect tough wearing accessory for dogs out exploring. 

The lumberjackdog bandana  & the woodsman dog bandana

 Shop our limited edition bandana's CLICK HERE

We meet this gentleman along the way and he was pretty sure Willie was his spirit animal.  'Twinning in flannel' 

This little guy was pretty tired by the end.... Success! 

Hope to catch you guys there next time.  We are always trying to sniff out new adventures for Willie so feel free to share your favourite walks with us in the comments below. ;)