Cardinia Resevoir is located near Narre Warren East, about a half hour drive from Pakenham. The Resevoir has multiple on lead trails available where you can spot wildlife, see the amazing views across the dam or stop for a picnic. The whole park is strictly on leash with many reminde signs spread throughout the park. Make sure to avoid the Kangaroo Viewing Trail as dogs are not allowed in this area. Also be prepared to bring your rubbish (including any doggy bags!) home with you as there are no bins except at the toilet block.
General Trail Informati
Location: Near Naree Warren East, Victoria
Distance: Multiple tracks.
Messmate Track: 5.1km Loop
Tea Tree Trail : 4.2 km Loop + Duffys Lookout
Dam Wall Walk: 3.2km out and back
Messmate + Tea Tree : 3.5km Loop (Distance may be incorrect)
Track Type: Gravel, Compacted Dirt.
Grade: Level 2 . Steep Hills on some tracks.
Dogs on Lead: Confirmed by Parks Victoria
Required Gear: Comfortable Shoes, Water Bottle(s), Poop Bags and way to store them for the drive home
Busy Periods: Weekends, Long Weekends. Occasional School Groups at Crystal Brook Playground.
Phone Signal: Both Telstra and Optus full signal.
Getting There: Acess via Cardinia Reservoir Access Road. Carpark 1 is the Dam Wall, Crystal Brook Playground for Tea Tree Trail & Messmate Track
Parking: Multiple Parking Areas. All with maps.
Nearest Vet: Narre Warren Vet Clinic- https://narrevet.com.au/
Source: Parks Victoria
About This Trail
After a lovely scenic drive through some lovely country towns you will feel like you are in the middle of nowhere before you even arrive. Careful as you enter through the automatic gates- its a bit of a blind narrow corner. The roads inside the park are also in a state of disrepair and there are many many potholes. Go slow and they are easy to dodge! The first carpark to the right is that start of the Dam Wall Track. This is the quietest of the tracks here and has very good visibility the whole way. Unfortunately the track is not very wide and does have a fence in the middle which make make it hard to gain space from triggers. The views along the track though are amazing- you can see right across the dam and all across the park all at once.
If you follow the road down you will see a left turn for Crystal Brook Playground. Here you will find the start for both Messate and Tea Tree Trails. There is also an unnamed boundary fence trail that is not signposted and not easy to follow. It has steep hills and is home to many many wombats! The Playground area has a Playground, large opened grass area and toilets. This is also the only place you will find a bin!
Be prepared to take your rubbish home with you - including dog poop bags! You will also need to bring your own water and water bowl for your dog. There is no water fountains or taps.
It is important to note that is an offence for you or your dog to enter or swim in the dam at any time.
Trigger Information
Trigger | Notes |
Dogs | The entire reserve is well signposted as on lead. We did not see an off lead dog at any of our visits. However, it is likely (as always) that there will be rule breakers about. There is good visibility in most places so you should have decent time to react and get your dog safe. The safest trail for dog reactive dogs is the Dam Wall Trail. Do not take dogs onto the Kangaroo Viewing Trail- This is the only area that is not dog friendly in the reserve. |
Humans | This reserve does get busy near Crystal Brook Playground, especially with young children. The open area is also often a great place for ball games for the bigger kids. There is several picnic areas in the space too. Out on the trail though you should easily be able to get space from humans- there will be groups of tourists about. |
Light/Shadow | Depending on the time of day, you will get lights and shadows through the trees on all the trails ,except the Dam Wall. The Dam Wall is located high up nad has no trees or reflective surfaces, however you will see shiny lights on the water if you walk on the water side of the trail. |
Bugs, Birds & Wildlife | All sorts of bugs and flies along all the trails. The reserve is home to both Wombats and Kangaroos. Dogs are not allowed on the Kangaroo Viewing Trail. The boundary fence trail has many wombat holes both in the ground and in the fence- Please do not let you dog disturb their homes! You can often see Kangaroos at a distance as well as Wallabies. Please respect our wildlife and do not let your dog chase them. |
Vehicles | All of the trails are set back from the road. There is various points where Rangers and Park Officials can cross or access paths. There may be cyclists on the main roads, but less likely to be on the trails. You may come across children on bikes or scooters, especially near the Playground. |
Other | This trail does have WATER. It is unsafe for dogs to swim on this trail. |
Nearby Dog Friendly Food
Pine Grove Hotel is nearby and has an out door patio. You will need a take a friend to help order your food as you need to order at the bar. Food will be delivered to the table.
Cardinia Park Hotel is nearby in Beaconsfield with an outdoor eating area. We are yet to test this location- have you? Let us know! woof@herdynerdy.com.au
Nearby Dog Friendly Trails & Camping
Trails:
Toomuc Creek Walk- Pakenham
Cardinia Aquaduct 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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