Rotary Park Toomuc Creek Walk, Pakenham

Jun 17, 20246 min read

Updated: Jan 5

Located in Pakenham. this trail is an easy, paved trail. It is used daily by locals who live in Edenbrook, Heritage Springs nd Lakeside estates. Featuring wide paths with large grassed areas to each side for most of the trail this should be a reactive dog haven- unfortunately there is almost always off lead dogs along the trail.

GENERAL TRAIL INFORMATION

Location: Pakenham, Victoria

Distance: 6km (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes)

Track Type: Wide concrete footpath, multiple bridges and 1 tunnel.

Grade: Level 1

Dogs on Lead: Yes, however there is an off leash area along one section.

Required Gear: Comfortable Shoes, Warm clothes in winter. Not a lot of shade during summer.

Busy Periods: 8am-9:30am weekdays, 2:30pm-6pm Weekdays, Weekend mornings (especially when theres good weather!) . Also gets very busy with bikes and runners when Parkrun is on.

Phone Signal: Both Telstra and Optus should have full signal for the entire track.

Getting There: To start in Edenbrook, type "Edenbrook Wetlands" into Google Maps or type "Pakenham Parkrun" to start at Rundell Way.

Parking: Parking is available on Edenbrook Circuit, or Hull Crescent at the Henry Road end , or there is parking and public toilets on Rundell Way, near Pakenham Consolidated School at the Princes Hwy end.

Nearest Vet: Racecourse Road Vet, Racecourse Rd Pakenham

ABOUT THIS TRAIL

Starting at the Henry Road end, this track begins in Edenbrook Wetlands at a pond with both ducks and swans who nest on the grass beside the trail. You can choose to add a lap around the pond to get started as the path joins onto Toomuc Creek Trail again at the playground. There is a small oval and Playground on the opposite side of the pond as well a bin, water fountain and dog bowl. Please remember to pull the tap back up to stop the dog bowl overflowing. Behind the playground is also an art installation you can walk through. As you follow the trail through Edenbrook you have clear visibility of anyone incoming and there is wide grassy spaces on either side of the footpath for you to move off and give yourself space in. You will then come to a small picnic table and Flying Fox- from here turn right and go across the bridge. You can choose to continue straight- the path goes until the train tracks where you will need to turn around and return.

As you cross the bridge you will come to a 4 way intersection. Turning Right will loop you back to the start and makes for a nice 20-30 minute loop walk. Going straight and across the road will take you through Heritage Springs Estate. Turn left to continue on Toomuc Creek. At this interaction is also a push-down dog bowl and water fountain , as well as an undercover picnic area. The trail from here winds along beside the creek with somewhat good visibility of those oncoming. This part of the trail hosts Parkrun on weekends and should be avoided! As you continue on, you will go through a narrow tunnel under the train tracks. There is NO visibility of anyone oncoming through this area and no room to move over or give yourself space should a trigger appear- so be prepared to use your emergency behaviours! After this , good visibility returns.

As you walk along this section you will come across a paddock with many small horses- they are rarely close to the fence and I've yet to see them attempt to interact with walkers. One of the houses in the same area is home to 2 Border Collies who do have access to the fence, however they are friendly and you can easily give yourself space by moving onto the grass on the opposite side of the path. Be careful just past this area as there is a walkway between the houses and people often pop out of here! It is not uncommon to see off lead dogs, especially in this area.

From here, there is 2 choices. You can continue straight which takes you through to the public toilets and Princes Hwy. Cross the bridge to your left and continue on. If your dog is DOG REACTIVE it is recommended that you turn around and do not cross this bridge. Once you cross the bridge, a short distance down the trail becomes off lead for a small section with a doggy playground. Please be responsible and keep everyone safe- do not enter this space with a dog reactive dog if others are enjoying off leash time here.

The other choice is to turn left just after the walkway and cross the wooden bridge- be mindful this bridge does move quite a lot. Once across the bridge, turn left and enter Creekwood Swamp. This is a circular trail around a pond that is home to more ducks and swans. Please keep an eye out for snakes in Summer. Continue on the loop around the swamp, then back across the bridge before turning right to go back to way you came. Once you are back at the 4 way intersection, you can go straight and follow the path to Henry Road, and cross the bridge back to Edenbrook or you can cross the first bridge and go back along the way you first came. The bridge on Henry Road is not suitable for dogs who chase vehicles as this is a busy road and the footpath is very close to the road on the bridge.

Despite this being an on lead trail, it is not well signposted (except at the off leash area and Creekwood Swamp. There is a high chance of seeing off lead dogs on this trail.

TRIGGER INFORMATION

Trigger	Notes
Dogs	This is a daily walk for many locals and due to poor signage, there is often off lead dogs. Most locals are good at putting their dogs on lead when asked, especially if you let them know you need space. The trail does have large grassed areas to either side to allow you to move off and give yourself space and good visibility in most places.
Humans	There is multiple play areas along this trail. There is also many places where you will find children and teens playing Cricket and other ball games in the grassy areas- especially in Edenbrook & Heritage Springs. This trail also hosts Parkrun which attracts large crowds.
Light/Shadow	There is some light/shadow dancing in parts of the trail- especially the Creekwood Swamp area. You may also see bikes with lights- especially during Parkrun.
Bugs, Birds & Wildlife	During summer there is the usual flies, which are worse around Creekwood Swamp. There is very friendly ducks at the ponds in Edenbrook Wetlands, Heritage Springs & Creekwood Swamp. There is also Swans at Edenbrook Wetlands and Creekwood Swamp- Please give them space when they have Hatchlings as they may aggressively defend their young. Snakes are also common on this path in Summer- particularly Black snakes.
Vehicles & Bikes	This trail is set back fairly far from the road throughout. There is a small section in Creekwood Swamp that comes close to a quiet residential road. You will also need to cross a bridge at Henry Road where cars are very close to the footpath and moving at around 70km/h . You will also need to cross under the train line in a tunnel- this can be very loud. This is a popular cycling trail and you are likely to see cyclists , especially during commute times, weekends and during Parkrun.
Other	This trail does have WATER. It is unsafe for dogs to swim on this trail.

NEARBY DOG FRIENDLY FOOD

Ovenkraft Cafe - Located in Edenbrook, this little cafe does hands down the BEST Bacon & Egg rolls. They also do delicious coffee, snacks and meals. Open from 8am to late. Highly recommend the Hawaiian Chicken Burger & the Banana Honey Smoothie. Enjoy your meal outside on the undercover deck. There is no table service, so you will need to either leave your dog in the car to order or take a friend who can help.

Captain Cons Fish & Chips- Also located in Edenbrook, get your Fish and Chips to go and eat them at one of the many picnic areas along the trail!