If you’re looking for a list of the best parks in Melbourne, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up a comprehensive selection that includes everything from the Royal Botanic Gardens to Birrarung Marr. You’ll find all the information you need here to plan the perfect outing with friends or family.
Princes Park
Princes Park is an ideal spot for a picnic. It is located just north of Melbourne’s CBD. There are playgrounds, a running track, and several sporting grounds. The park is free to use for families.
Princes Park was built in 1873. Today, the park is part of the Capital City Trail, which encircles the city’s northern suburbs.
The park is a great place for dog walkers, runners, and cyclists. A leash-free area is available in the northern part of the park. However, dogs must be kept on-leash within 20 metres of sports facilities.
The park is home to a number of Australian rules football ovals. In addition to these, there are two art deco sporting pavilions on the Royal Parade.
The park is also home to a large timber playground. This playground features a suspended flying fox, a carousel, and a spiral slide. Also, there are electric barbecues and two undercover picnic areas.
The park is located on a #19 tram route, and it is easy to get to and from Princes Park by public transport. There are also free parking spaces across the road.
Docklands Park
Docklands Park is a great place to enjoy a picnic or a walk. There are numerous bike paths, large grassy areas, and wetlands to choose from. The park also features free barbecue facilities and public artworks.
Docklands is part of the Victoria Harbour area of Melbourne. It is located on the Yarra River and bounded by Lorimer Street to the south and Charles Grimes Bridge to the east.
The park is a part of the new Docklands development. The park is an experiment in landscape architecture. This means that the landscapes will be built in an ecological way, and the water used will be treated.
The park is also home to the Melbourne Star Observation wheel. This observation wheel provides amazing views of the city. You can also find a variety of cycling/walking paths and a playground.
If you are in the mood for some thrills, check out Gumbuya World. The water park has plenty of thrills, including epic water slides and a 300-metre lazy river.
Another park worth checking out is the Melbourne Olympic Park. This is a new generation smart park that is buzzing with activity since it opened.
Footscray Park
A popular place to picnic and enjoy nature in Melbourne is Footscray Park. Located in the inner east of Melbourne, this park has plenty of facilities to offer.
In addition to its scenic views of the Maribyrnong River, Footscray Park features several picnic areas, barbecues, and playgrounds. It also has a fitness circuit and open playing fields. There is also a designated dog off-lead area and public toilets.
For more information on this popular attraction, visit the Friends of Footscray Park on Facebook. They are a group dedicated to maintaining the park’s beautiful surroundings.
The park is located between Ballarat Road and the Maribyrnong River. The river is a major attraction, offering plenty of fishing spots and shallow areas.
Aside from its natural beauty, Footscray Park is also home to a wide variety of gardens, a memorial garden for World War I soldiers, and a botanical collection. As well as this, the park is connected to the footpath on the Maribyrnong River Trail.
The park is located in an ideal location for enjoying the Spring Racing Carnival. Visitors will find plenty of picnic spots, including an outdoor stage. Also, Footscray Park offers a playground for disabled children. This includes swings, sand and water play, and climbing equipment.
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne is an excellent place to see exotic vegetation. It is also a great escape from city life. This iconic garden is located near the Yarra River.
In addition to the diverse plant collections, the gardens offer stunning vistas. For example, visitors can enjoy a scenic walk along the Tan Track.
To enhance the experience, the gardens also have several eating facilities. Visitors can enjoy a snack or a meal at one of the two cafes: The Terrace and the Jardin Tan. A wide variety of food items is available at these eateries, including Indo-Chinese cuisine, coffee, and smoothies.
If you are looking to learn more about plants, you can take a tour of the Plant Craft Cottage. This workshop teaches you about the history and crafts of plants.
You can take a free guided walk through the Melbourne Gardens. This popular route showcases the land from the perspectives of indigenous Australians. There are maps in the area, which can help you identify some of the most rewarding walks.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is one of the most beautiful parks in Melbourne. It is located on the city’s southeast fringe. The 26-hectare park is known for its historical appeal, Victorian era design and spectacular floral displays.
There are a number of fun activities for families to enjoy at the Fitzroy Gardens. One popular attraction is the Fairies Tree. This tree features many Australian birds, bush spirits and other wildlife.
The park also has a small playground. Kids can enjoy a dragon slide and a giraffe swing. In addition, there is a BBQ area and public toilet facilities.
Other features of the park include a conservatory filled with flowers and year-round plants. Five floral displays take place each season. A picnic table is also available.
The park is well-suited for families with young children. Pets are allowed on leash. However, it is recommended that you clean up after your pet.
Fitzroy Gardens also features a Tudor Village. The village is a series of miniature buildings, thatched cottages, a pump and a school. Each building is a replica of a Kentish village during the “Tudor” period of English history.
Princess Park
Princess Park is a very popular park in Melbourne. The park features a water fountain and plenty of open space. It is also home to many sports clubs and tennis courts.
The park is a great place for a picnic or a long walk. There are several sports grounds in the area, including the football club. You can also find a playground for kids.
During the summer months, you can take a ride on the ferry to Herring Island, which is a popular picnic spot. It is home to many indigenous animals and is a sanctuary. Many sculptures can be found on the island, including work by Andy Goldsworthy.
For sports fans, you can try a game of cricket or tennis. In addition, there is a running track in the middle of the park. This is a 3.183 km track that is made from compacted gravel. A great feature of the park is the fact that it drains well in wet weather.
The park has several dining options within walking distance. You can also explore the park on a bicycle.
Birrarung Marr
Birrarung Marr is a new inner-city park in Melbourne, Victoria. It was opened in 2002 and is located on the north bank of the Yarra River. The name Birrarung is derived from the Wurundjeri people, who are Indigenous Australians.
This park has a number of activities for visitors. There are swings, slides, and hammocks. There is also an Aboriginal art installation, as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths.
Birrarung Marr is part of the city’s chain of parks, which starts at Carlton Gardens and ends at Yarra Park. It is a good location for a leisurely stroll, and features the beautiful Yarra River.
In addition to the numerous recreational facilities, Birrarung Marr is a cultural hub that celebrates the richness of indigenous culture in Victoria. There is also a children’s art centre. These facilities are run by a community that supports diverse artistic experiences and encourages participation in local public events.
Birrarung Marr was initially intended as a festival park, but it is also a good venue for other activities. It is located between Batman Avenue and the Yarra River and is a very popular park for visitors.
Presidents Park
Presidents Park in Melbourne is a great place to take the family for a walk along the river. It offers plenty of places to picnic. There is a large lake, barbeque facilities, playgrounds and a skate park.
The park also features a dog obedience club and an off-leash area. This makes it perfect for the entire family.
A bike path runs along the river. If you are looking for a longer ride, check out the Davis Creek Trail. You can also explore the trails around Albert Park.
Princes Park was established in 1873 and includes a sports complex. It is home to several sporting clubs including soccer. Another major feature of the park is the historic rowing boathouses facing the river.
Royal Park is the largest open space in Melbourne. It is home to a variety of native wildlife. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register as protected land.
Carlton Gardens is one of the oldest public gardens in Victoria. It is located within the Domain Parklands.
Werribee Park and Mansion is a formal Italianate mansion. The estate has a number of stunning gardens and a luxurious hotel. It was built in the late 1800s and is a registered National Trust property.
