Updated on November 2, 2025
Mathias Walking Track – Dog-friendly walk in the Dandenongs
This walk has become really popular with dog-walkers as it’s one of the nicest on-leash walks you can do with your dog in the Dandenongs. It can become hectic on the track, during the week and out of peak holiday periods, it is quieter, of course.
Mathias is on-leash only. No matter how well you feel your dog behaves, please do not let it run free and bother other walkers and dogs.
Mathias Track is well used by bushwalkers, mountain bike riders, and horse riders too. Many other bushwalking tracks lead off from Mathias (not dog-friendly), so a short hike can easily be extended into a full-day ramble in the hills.
For People Walking Dogs – This is another good option:
Instead of starting at either end of Mathias Track, it’s better to park at the old Olinda Golf Course and let your dog off-leash in the designated areas there, as they can have a really good run. The views are excellent here. Grab a coffee and enjoy the parkland.
After that, walk down to the lowest left-hand corner of the former golf course, and you will find access to Mathias Track, where you can walk your pooch on-leash. There is also a playground at the old golf course… let the kids have a run and play too.
Another trail to take is to walk down and across the old golf course towards the lower right-hand fence line, where there is an access point to walk on Rock Track and around the Hamer Arboretum. These trails are on-lead only, but after a romp on the golf course, your furry friend should be happy. Get Directions to the old Olinda Golf Course.
The Walk
Whilst Mathias Track is extremely popular with bushwalkers, horse riders, mountain bike riders, and people seeking a great dog-friendly hike, it is not quite as busy or manic as the famous 1000 Steps.
It is a fairly easy walking track that runs below the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden (formerly the National Rhododendron Gardens, which is not dog-friendly), the old Olinda Golf Course, and the beautiful Hamer Arboretum.
The entire walking track is just under 4 km each way, extending from Falls Road to Silvan Road. Several other tracks lead off along the way, providing opportunities to expand the walk and explore the forest below.
Dense forest on either side of the track opens up with occasional views across to Silvan and the Yarra Valley. Autumn colour towards the Silvan Road end of Mathias Track is often really pretty and a popular spot for photographers.
Walk Notes
- Mathias Track is quite a wide track, and there are no directions needed to follow this route.
- Toilets: No toilets on the track, nearest public amenities are near the playground on the old Olinda Golf Course or at the Hamer Arboretum.
- Dog-friendly – On leash only. Parks Victoria Rangers regularly drive on Mathias Track every day of the week. Please keep dogs on a lead for the safety and comfort of all other users, and to avoid the risk of a fine. Please read the information below to find out where you can have your dog off-leash near Mathias Track. Find dog-friendly cafes and more walking trails here.
- Get Directions to the Silvan Road end of Mathias Track or directions to the Falls Road end.
- Get Directions to the old Olinda Golf Course.
- Public Transport:
Train to Upper Ferntree Gully or Croydon, and bus route no. 688. Get off in Olinda and walk along Olinda-Monbulk Road to the old golf course and walk down from there, or get off the bus in Mt Dandenong Village or by the Pig and Whistle Tavern and walk down Dickens Street to Fordyce Road, then left onto Falls Road to Mathias Track.
Dog Walkers – Where to run your pooch off-lead.
The old Olinda golf course is a fabulous walking area where dogs can be off-leash, and they will generally always have lots of company. Many locals walk their dogs here, and it has some of the best views in the hills.
From the former golf course in Olinda, walk down to the lowest left-hand corner, and you will find access to Mathias Track, where you can walk your pooch on-leash. It is a good walk with amazing views.
Dogs can be let off the lead just inside the golf course. Markers indicate the boundaries. The old golf course is a fabulous area, take a picnic or walk to the very top of the course and buy a coffee and snacks from the little coffee shop.
Nearby Accommodation
Stay in the Hills and wake up to the sound of the wildlife. One of the closest accommodation options near Mathias Track is a Vintage Caravan, set on 5 acres. It is an ideal base for exploring the area. Visitors can park their cars and hang up the keys as the walks and shops are all within easy reach.
More Walks Nearby
- Olinda Falls
- Bartlett Track/ Blackhole Loop
- Eagle Nest/Valley Picnic Ground loop
- Olinda Golf Course Playground (and off-lead dog area)
- Hamer Arboretum – Views, BBQ’s & Toilets