Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk Circuit (dog-friendly)

Balcombe Estuary Boardwalk Circuit (dog-friendly) created by Keeley

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Summary

Wander through peaceful bushland, past three leash-free areas, along a gorgeous beach before strolling past the beautiful Mount Martha shops!

Description

The eastern end of this walk was closed by Storm damage in Nov 2022. See story.

The eastern end of the boardwalk, which continues into The Briars conservation park, is still fenced off (Aug 2024).
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This is a favourite walk of locals and tourists alike (and is especially dog friendly!) It features a boardwalk along the peaceful Balcombe creek, an array of wildlife, two playgrounds, three leash-free areas, a gorgeous golden sandy beach, plus boutique Mount Martha shops and cafes!

As you begin your walk take note of the information posts explaining historical events that have occurred in this area. For example, in the early 1940s this area was used by US and Australian Soldiers named the Balcombe Army Camp.

Army facilities such a soccer and hockey pitch are now the first leash- free area you will see on the map (this leash free area is not fenced - but not to worry - there is a fully fenced leash free area further along at POI 3).

This walk is so close to houses and shops however, you would never know it due to how peaceful and silent it feels on the boardwalk through trees, insects, wildlife and saltmarsh!

Stroll past people fishing in the creek, walkers, joggers and dogs alike as you make your way along the boardwalk, ensuring several rest stops along the way (make sure to bring your phone for some great social media worthy photos!).

Tune in to the Yellow Robin Audio Trail - available the whole way along the boardwalk.

Once you reach the end of the boardwalk you will be walking alongside some houses owned by some very lucky people in Mount Martha (I, for one, would love to have direct access to this walk everyday!).

Continue on and you will find yourself at the Balcombe Estuary Reserve Playground (POI 9), which has an abundance of barbeques, drinking fountains, information boards, a small jetty, toilet block, the lazy lizard audio trail and even a camp laundry.

This area is generally filled with lots of families playing on the playground, picnicking in the shade and enjoying the tranquil views.

Next stop: the beach! Mount Martha Beach is a beautiful golden sandy beach with numerous colourful beach houses to enjoy. Dogs are permitted on lead on the beach before 9am and after 7pm during Daylight saving periods and on lead at all other times of the year.

Cross the road to the Mount Martha shops and enjoy browsing the boutique shops and quaint cafes this beautiful area has to offer (as well as another playground!) As you make your way back the way you came, there is an option to follow another section of the boardwalk on the opposite side of the creek, making a loop.

Notes:
-Watch for snakes in the hot summer months
-Dogs are not permitted off the boardwalk (please obey the signage)
- NO DOGS allowed in The Briars

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Points of Interest

1. Leash Free Area

This is the first leash free area on this walk (there are 3 in total!). This area is expansive however is not fenced.

2. The Geoff Kaye Bridge

Here's a glimpse at one of the many bridges you will cross on this walk

3. Leash Free Area No. 2

This section has two leash free areas, one fully fenced and the other not. The fenced leash free area has water for your furry friend and if your dog is not social, there are 4 smaller gated areas

4. Estuary Boardwalk

Enjoy the serenity as you wander over water filled with an assortment of fish and under trees that are home to over sixty native woodland birds

5. Resting Spot

This walk has many resting spots where you can gaze out of Balcombe Creek with only the sounds of birds chirping to interrupt you

6. Having a sneaky swim

If your dogs are like mine and love the water, you might find yourself nearly being pulled in! Beware: May cause smelly dogs!

7. Resting spot with a view!

How can you not adore this walk when you get to sit and relax in a spot like this?!

8. Yellow Robin Audio Trail

There are two different audio trails on this walk - this one starts here and continues along the boardwalk

9. Balcombe Estuary Reserve Playground

One out of two of the playground on this walk - this one has an abundance of seating areas, barbeques and information board to explore

10. Where the creek and beach meet!

This jetty allows you to get a gorgeous view of where Balcombe creek and Mount Martha Beach meet (as you can see - my dogs are loving it!)

11. Mount Martha Beach

Enjoy the beautiful blue water and golden sand on offer at Mount Martha Beach (dogs are not allowed on the beach during day light savings, but are allowed all other times of the year)

12. Mount Martha Shops

Stop off for some lunch at Mount Martha Shops - a beautiful stretch of shops with many cafes and boutiques (and lots of outdoor seating for your furry friends!)