Dorset Recreation Reserve

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This is a large area consisting of access to numerous activities.



It doubles as a retaining basin for Melbourne Water to cater for heavy rainfall.

There are many walking trails, but the most interesting is the one that circumnavigates the Dorset Golf Course.


From the car park off Dorset Road, the wide, flat compacted gravel path takes you past the retarding basin, where numerous birds flock to feed.


The path around the golf course is protected from errant golf balls by a two metre high cyclone fence. While adding protection to the walker, it offers frequent views of participants in the Royal and Ancient sport of golf.

If you are not as fit as you thought, frequent pauses to watch for birdies on the golf course will give you a rest. I doubt if you will see any eagles or albatrosses. There is a small creek running through the golf course with a small lake and some wetlands. Croaking frogs were heard in this area, which is always nice to hear.


A welcome facility about half way around the walk is a drinking fountain on the fence line, providing refreshment to walkers, their dogs and passing golfers.


The circuit is very popular with dogs. Most of the people I met all had one or two dogs, even a lady on a bicycle had one in tow.




On my walk a group of obvious dog lovers were gathered in the middle of an oval, with their dogs, no doubt having canine conversations.


The circuit is 4-5 kms and the walk is a very pleasant activity. Perhaps a bit long for wheelchairs. There is just one short very mild slope, but this area is concreted so would be easily navigated.




Much of the path is among trees and gives the feeling of walking through a verdant tunnel.


Your walk will be in company with many birds. The predominant species I saw were the corellas, both in trees or on the ground feeding.


The ground feeding corellas were often joined by a few galahs.




Many noisy miners were spied, flitting amongst the numerous trees, but often coming to ground to feed. Of course, numerous magpies were around.


A pair of crested pigeons were sighted and a local resident said at times the reserve was visited by several black cockatoos.


On the opposite side of the path to the golf course is a driving school course and several small open areas where several horses and a number of black ducks were noted.




The reserve can be accessed from many points but if you are driving, I would suggest the Dorset Road entry as there is ample parking available.




If you want an easy walk and the entertainment of birds, canines and golfers, this is the walk for you.

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