If you are looking for somewhere to stretch your legs and give your pup a bit of a run, check out this list of designated dog parks and other areas of Castlemaine, Maldon and Surrounds that are dog-friendly. Please keep in mind that a lot of our areas are delicate nature reserves do have restrictions on pets.
Off Leash Dog Parks:
Wesley Hill off-leash dog park located at the northern corner of Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve, adjacent to the lower/stadium carpark off McGrath Street.The dog park is enclosed with a 1.2m high fence and has plenty of trees for shade, a drinking fountain, seating, a doggie bag dispenser and rubbish bin. Please note that dogs are not permitted on the Elsie Palmer Field and Doug Powell Oval at the Wesley Hill Recreation Reserve and must be on the lead at the netball courts and the carpark.
Hilltop off-leash Dog Park is four acres of fenced off playing space for your pooch! Hilltop Kennels has built a off lead Dog park at the bottom of their property. This area in fully fenced and has a dam for water play. There are seating areas for the humans and use of the park is free with a Gold coin donations box at the entry. To find this park, head to Shicer Gully Road, Guildford.
Other on- lead dog walks:
Castlemaine Botanical Gardens - The gardens are home to an impressive collection of established native and exotic trees, with a beautiful ornamental lake surrounded by open landscaped gardens. There is walking track that takes you around the circumference of the park - approximately 2km. Dogs are not permitted in the childrens playground area of the gardens.
Eureka Reef Heritage Walk, Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
As you wander through relaxing bushland, you’ll be transported back through 140 years of mining history. The walk helps you see the forest through the eyes of the Dja Dja Wurrung people, alluvial gold diggers and quartz reef miners. Approx 1.8km walk.
Looking for more dog-friendly walks? Check out the Parks Victoria A-Z guide to dog-friendly walking trails.
Please note that your dog does need to be on a leash in Maldon and Castlemaine CBD. Some of our markets are on reserves that do not permit dogs, please visit the Mount Alexander Shire Council website for a list of restricted areas.
For information on dog friendly accommodation options, dining and where to shop for pet food and accessories, contacts the Visitor Information Centre.