The Phar Lap Track (Braeside Park)

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The Phar Lap Track (Braeside Park)

Braeside Park is home to the training grounds of the famous racehorse Phar Lap in the 1930s.

This 2km Grade 1 circuit trail has a smooth granitic sand surface suitable for walkers and runners of all abilities. The trail starts from the Cypress Drive and follows the old horse training track where Phar Lap trained in 1930-31.

This track is popular with runners doing speed or sprint sessions and follows the old horse training track where Phar Lap pounded his hooves. The official starting point for a clockwise lap is from the Cypress Drive, however the trail can be walked in either direction and accessed from several entrances including the Red Gum Circuit Trail.

Visitors will experience open woodland areas and may spot a variety of wildlife species including birds, echidnas, lizards and snakes. There is a vista of old dead trees and other large Red Gums.

How to get there

The Phar Lap Track (Braeside Park)

The Phar Lap Track (Braeside Park)

Need to know

The Phar Lap Track (Braeside Park)

Safety in nature

You can benefit both mind and body when you get outdoors to explore and experience Victoria's natural places. Before you go, take a look at our safety tips and check our changed conditions and closures information for a great visit.

Accessibility

Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however, in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state. Parks Victoria provides a range of a equipment, including all-terrain and beach wheelchairs, facilities, accommodation and accessibility information and programs to help you plan and enjoy your visit to Victoria's parks.

Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.

Warnings & Restrictions

Dogs

Dogs are not allowed

Restrictions

  • No fires permitted
  • No dogs allowed
  • No drones without a permit
  • No vehicles
  • No horses
  • No camping
  • Management vehicle only
  • No fishing
  • No firearms allowed

Warnings

  • Other warnings
    • Limbs may fall take care
    • Trees may fall take care
  • Animals and pests
    • Snakes
  • Terrain hazards
    • Uneven ground

Be Prepared

Stay safe and get the most out of your park visit by preparing for natural hazards and other outdoor risks in Victoria’s parks. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care. Find out more.

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

Red Gum Picnic Area Toilets Closed

The toilet block at Red Gum Picnic Area at Braeside Park is currently closed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience and are working on a solution to restore the toilets. Alternative toilets within the park are located at the Telford Picnic area off Lower Dandenong Rd.

Changed Trail Conditions - Trail Closures

Dingley Recycled Water Scheme construction works will be occurring within Braeside Park from March 2026 until approximately the end of August 2026. 

Park visitors will still have access to the park during this time however there will be significant changes to how some areas of the park are accessed.

From 25th June 2026 until the end of August 2026, it will not be possible to complete the whole park walk as a circuit. A return journey to the wetlands section of the park will be available from the Red Gum Picnic Area or via Phar Lap and Red Gum Trails. Please see the attached map of trail closures to assist in planning your visit. For your safety, please observe all closures.

For more information contact South Easter Water at dingley@sew.com.au or visit https://southeastwater.com.au/braesidepark

Attachments: Changed trail conditions Braeside Park June-August 2026 (230KB)

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