Melbourne’s best parks to visit before summer ends
Summer is nearly over — so it’s time to make the best of Melbourne’s best parks and picnic areas. There’s plenty of places to beat the heat or watch the world go by.
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THE END of Melbourne’s summer is nearing, so why not make the best of the last warm days by enjoying a picnic, stroll or barbecue in one of the city’s best parks.
From water activities, walking trails, open wide spaces, sculptures and barbecue areas, there’s so much to do.
Find a place under a big tree to read your book and laze away an afternoon or cool down from the summer heat by dipping your toes (or whole body) in some of the many waterways.
Whatever tickles your fancy there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a look at some of the best parks in town.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Melbourne
IT’S AN inner-city oasis with more than 8,500 plant species from around the world that are presented in a kaleidoscope of colour and texture.
The majestic trees, sweeping lawns and tranquil lakes are something one must see to believe.
St Kilda Botanical Gardens
THIS HISTORICAL site was established in the 1800s and includes many significant trees, a rose garden, subtropical rainforest conservatory, giant chessboard, gazebo, and ornamental pond.
Edinburgh Gardens, Fitzroy North
LOCATED in the heart of Fitzroy North, the park includes barbecues, tennis courts, a basketball court, playground and sports field. There’s plenty of open lawn areas, shady and sheltered spots.
Carlton Gardens, Carlton
DESIGNED for the Melbourne International Exhibition in 1880, the gardens (as well as the Royal Exhibition Building) are World Heritage Listed.
The garden features flowerbeds, ornamental lakes, elaborate fountains and large trees providing plenty of shade.
Albert Park Lake
ONLY three kilometres from the CBD this area is popular with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. Enjoy a barbecue with the family or hire a boat and explore the lake — with views of the city, it’s a great place to relax.
Yarra Bend Park
BOASTING the largest area of natural bushland near the heart of the city, the park features steep river escarpments, open woodlands, playing fields and golf courses.
Logan Reserve, Altona
SET UP a picnic rug, or beach towel along the beach and take in the beautiful views of the bay or even take a seat under the shade of the Moreton Bay figs — this place is hard to beat.
Werribee Park, Werribee
A PARK with loads of beautiful formal gardens, open parkland and Werribee Mansion as a backdrop these beautiful gardens are the perfect place to unwind.
Jells Park, Wheelers Hill
NESTLED away from the hustle and bustle, this park is in the heart of suburbia and includes more than nine kilometres of paths and trails, 127 hectares of open spaces and enough picnic areas for everyone to enjoy.
Coburg Lake Park
THREE different playgrounds, barbecues, ducks to feed, lots of big old shady trees and green grass to lay on. Often jam-packed on nice weekends though so arrive early to nab a barbecue.
Fairfield Park Boathouse
PICTURESQUE sweeping views of the Yarra River surrounded by bushland and it’s only 10 minutes from the CBD.
There’s a restaurant, cafe, kiosk, BBQ areas, picnic tables, walking trails and rowboat hire — what else could you ask for?
AND FOR something a little further out — you can’t go past the Yarra Valley or Dandenong Ranges for beautiful landscapes or head out southeast for wide open spaces.
Royal Botanical Gardens, Cranbourne
THESE gardens are surrounded by natural bushland, it’s Australian Garden the centrepiece. Discover how Australian plants have evolved and adapted over millions of years and how human interaction with plants has changed over time.
Lysterfield Park, Lysterfield
POPULAR for canoeing, sailing, paddle boating and surf skiing and a range of recreational activities including mountain biking. That’s no surprise given there’s 20 kilometres of mountain bike trails, two protected swimming bays and a picnic ground under the shade of spotted gums.
Riverside, Warrandyte
THE BANKS of the Yarra River make this spot just beautiful for a light stroll with the dog or sitting and watching the world go by. In summer the river is full of people of all ages cooling down in the water — but the area is busy at all times of the year.
Hendersons Picnic Area at Maroondah Reservoir, Healesville
ENJOY the fresh mountain air surrounded by a mature forest and take in the sweeping mountain views.This relatively unknown area is frequented by locals, so you know it’s good.
Grants Picnic Ground, Sherbrooke
IT’S ONE of the top attractions of the Dandenong Ranges and best known for its bird feeding.
Cockatoos swarm the area and it’s the only place in the hills that you’re allowed to feed native birds — and let’s not forget the beautiful scenery.
Emerald Lake Park
NOT only is it a destination point for tourist favourite Puffing Billy, but Emerald Park had heaps to do and keep the family entertained. It stretches over a whopping 52 hectares and features a lake, gardens and natural bushland. It’s got walking trails, paddle boats, fishing, picnic areas and a wading pool open during summer. It’s great all through the year but if you love the crunch of autumn leaves under your feet — autumn is the way to go.
Where is your favourite picnic spot in Melbourne? Tell us in the comments below.
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