This relatively flat track is located about 10 minutes out of Officer in Melbourne's South East. You will need to take a fairly steep, dirt road to get to the carpark on Thewlis Road, where the track starts. This track is strictly on lead, and anyone who dares let their dog off will absolutely hear about it from the Horse Riders who also use this track.
General Trail Information
Location: Officer , Victoria
Distance: 10km , Out and Back (Full Track), Thewlis Rd to Officer Rd 2.2km Out and Back
Track Type: Compacted Dirt
Grade: Level 2
Dogs on Lead: Confirmed by Cardinia Council. Well Signed at every entry point.
Required Gear: Comfortable Shoes, Poop Bags (1 Bin present at Thewlis Rd carpark)
Busy Periods: Weekends, Sunny Mornings , School Holidays.
Phone Signal: Telstra & Optus full signal
Getting There: Access via Thewlis Road, Officer or Officer Road, Officer.
Parking: Small Carpark on Thewlis Road
Nearest Vet: Racecourse Road Vet, Pakenham
Source : AllTrails
ABOUT THIS TRAIL
We started off by adventuring off onto a little trail at the end of the carpark- Google Maps seemed to indicate this was a small out and back extra track, but it turned out to loop back around the carpark. There is a steep hill that is very rocky with loose gravel so this additional part of the track is not Pram or Disability friendly. Please be respectful of the private properties back onto the trail in this section- you will see cows and horses! Once on the main trail, the track is very easy to follow, very wide and flat. There is some areas with semi-blind corners and a few small hills. Towards the Officer Rd entry point, there is a steep decline followed by a semi-steep climb. To walk the extra part of the track and then to Office Rd and back was around 6km in total.
At one section, you will come across a chicken farm- LOTS of chickens easily in view and easily heard! You will also come across Horses on this trail and will need to share the carpark with Horse Floats. There is also many paddocks with livestock on the drive in and along the walk.
TRIGGER INFORMATION
Trigger | Notes |
Dogs | There is plenty of signage stating dogs must be on lead at all the entry points. Over multiple attempts, we did not see a single dog off lead but have had reports of dogs off lead on occasion. The paths are wide allowing for you to distance your team and pass safely. Please stay ON the track though to help the wildlife. |
Humans | On quiet days, you may only see a few other humans. Mums with prams tend to like this track but there is not often small, young children as the track is quite long with no break areas or playgrounds. There will be trail runners on occasion. |
Light/Shadow | Due to the bushland and trees, there is shadows and lights on the path. There is no artificial lighting. |
Bugs, Birds & Wildlife | Flies are about, especially in the summer. Mozzies may be near open water along the trail. There is critters hiding in the bushland either side of the trail and you are likely to find Roos and other larger critters if you take any of the side trails. |
Vehicles | The road into the carpark is at the top of a steep dirt hill. There are no vehicles at all on the trail, but you may see farm vehicles at a distance from the trail, including motorbikes. |
Other | This trail is Horse Friendly. Please do not let your dog approach, lunge at or bark at horses. Reel your dog in and keep them close when passing horses. There is also a nearby chicken farm and at many points large flocks of chickens are visible and can easily be heard along the trail. |
NEARBY DOG FRIENDLY FOOD
Ovenkraft Cafe- In Edenbrook Estate, Pakenham. One of the BEST Egg & Bacon rolls you will ever taste. They do breakfast, lunch and dinner. You will need a friend to help you order- no ordering at the table.
Lilin & Co - Delicious coffee and lots of Gluten Free, Vegan and Vegetarian options. Not a lot of parking and you will need a friend to help order as there is no order at the table.
NEARBY DOG FRIENDLY CAMPING & TRAILS
Trails:
Toomuc Creek Trail- Pakenham
Wrights Bushland- Cockatoo
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this blog is given as general advice only. Handlers should consider their own skills and abilities and that of their dog before attempting any walk published on this site. Information is correct at time of publishing. Hedy Nerdy Dog Training is not responsible or liable to any damage, injury or loss as a result of attempting any walk listed on this site.
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