Special Post: DogParks-VIC Australia

I've just published a free Android App on Google Play called "DogParks-VIC Australia".  Feel free to download it to your Android Mobile Device if you have one.

The whole idea is to locate dog offleash (mainly) parks near you (based on GPS location).  The app can also show the entire dog offleash network,  Hope that will help you plan your adventure with your loved ones.

I'm still building up the list, consolidating the different info from local councils, visitor centres and Victoria Park.

I'm focusing on Melbourne Inner Suburbs and Other Cities in Victoria at the moment.  I guess people in rural and remote victoria areas aren't strict as long as your dog behaves.  However, I was told off (not by a civil servant, but by a tearoom lady) when we were holidaying at Silverton NSW (near broken hill).  Jessica was offleash exploring around in her graceful manner.  :-(


Anyway, hope you find the app handy.

Enfield State Park (my rating D)

Enfield State Park is near Ballarat, about 2.5 hrs drive from Melbourne City.  I chose this park because I was longing to be away from the city and man-made noises and to see some vast greenness, and I hadn't been to this park yet.

2 and half hours drive, GPS guided us to somewhere near the park but not in the park (by judging the google map), luckily we had the print-out map, finally we saw the sign of "Enfield State Park" and were back on track (Misery Creek Road).

But worrying about the condition of the unsealed road and potential flood after possible heavy rain, plus the lack of the road signs, we failed to go to the desired destination "Surface Point".  We went back to the Entry where "Enfield State Park" sign stands, and set up our camp chairs.

There, I had my "relaxation".

The park itself should be nice, the only thing that made me nervous is: there's no road signs except the road names.  "Misery Creek Road" goes to 3 different directions, but there's no sign to "Surface Point".  I followed my sixth sense completely whenever I had to choose which way to turn: left or right.  And because of this, I was nervous that I might've got lost and couldn't find the way out.

 

 

(Misery Creek Road - unsealed): this section is actually very good, but it goes steeper and bumpier deeper into the woods.

 

(This is where we set up our camp chairs)

 

(map from Park Victoria website)

Kooyoora State Park (my rating A)

Kooyoora State Park is located 220KM NW of Melbourne,  it took us about 3 hrs to get there.

We went to Melville Caves, parked at Melville Caves Picnic Area.   Picnic tables, benches and toilet facilities are available there.

We did the Melville Caves Walking Track.  It took us 75mins to finish the track (loop), including 20mins admiring / resting on the summit.

Part of the track is very steep,  Mum's bushwalking stick helped her a lot!  But the view is super rewarding.

(Mum and her bushwalking stick)

There're big rocks to climb.  My kids loved it!  They both said they wanted to come back again!

Before you go, please check bushfire risk rating, have a print-out of park map (you may download it from parkvic website: http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/kooyoora-state-park), a pair of proper walking boots is always a good choice.

 

(Seal Rock, you would easily spot it out)

(Lookout@Summit)

 

(Lookout@Summit)

 

 

 

Lerderderg State Park (my rating A)

Lerderderg State Park is just 70km from Melbourne.  It is a large forest with magnificent view.

Because dogs are not allowed at Mackenzies Flat Picnic Area, we went to O’Briens Crossing.  Looks that O'Briens Crossing is popular too.  There were over 7 cars parked while we arrived.

The walk we had was "The Tunnel": O’Briens Crossing – Byers Back Track – The Tunnel and return (3km one way), it took us approx 3 hrs return.  Some paths are quite hilly steep, but when you see the scene, you'll find it's really worth it.

(This is not the steepest yet...... )

Most of the paths are just wide enough for walk in single file.  I don't think it's suitable for very young kids, as some sections are on the edge of the cliff, and there's no protection fence.

 

(walking single file)

The track to O'Briens Crossing is unsealed, but OK for 2-wheel drive.  We were not very sure at the beginning, and luckily we met a Park Victoria Vehicle, and the man confirmed that the track was suitable for 2-wheel drive, and we followed him to the O'Briens Crossing. :-D











See the map below, the one we did was Number 3.  We'll come back to this park and complete Track Number 2.

Would strongly suggest that you wear proper hiking boots and bring water and map with you when you set off for the walk.  If you plan to go to this park in a warm day, please check bush fire risk rating beforehand.

Map is available on Victoria Park website.

Note, Dogs are allowed at O'Briens Crossing Picnic Area, says the Official Visitor Guide.

Markham Park in Ashburton (my rating A)

My rating is A, especially in a sunny day.
Right beside Gardiner Creek Trail, a well paved bike track, it's an offleash park, with a large oval & a big & nice fenced 'adventurous' playground, toilet facilities.
Da & kee enjoyed the playground. Even though it was raining, they had fun. 
why not bring skates / skateboards there......

 

 

(Climbing Frame)

There is a small skate park next to the playground, and also a basketball hoop.

The skate park is very small and simple.  My kids only spent 3 mins there.

 (Skate Park and Basketball Hoop)