Discover Melbourne’s Best Parks

Whether you’re looking for a grassy patch to picnic or a public playground for kids, somewhere to fire up a BBQ or a shady spot to people-watch, Melbourne is blessed with green spaces of all shapes and sizes.

From blissful botanic gardens to river islands accessible only by kayak, here’s our pick of the city’s best parks to explore.

Birrarung Marr

Multi-terraced Birrarung Marr is one of Melbourne’s most unique parks, featuring grassy knolls, river promenades, thoughtful planting of indigenous flora, and great viewpoints of the city and the river. There’s also a scenic route to the Melbourne Cricket Ground via the ‘talking’ William Barak Bridge. Listen out for sounds that celebrate Melbourne’s cultural diversity as you walk. This name means ‘river of mists’ in the language of the Wurundjeri people, the traditional owners of the area, and you’ll find Indigenous Australian art dotted along the park’s main pathway.

Edinburgh Gardens

Established European elms line the tranquil walking paths of this 140-year-old parkland. A short walk from North Fitzroy’s main strip, these gardens are ideal for relaxation. Nearby, local favorite supermarket Piedmonte’s offers picnic provisions. If you’re in the mood, there’s a lawn bowls green next door, while lovely outdoor Fitzroy Swimming Pool is just a five-minute walk to the south.

Flagstaff Gardens

Originally known as Burial Hill, these gardens were the site of Melbourne’s first cemetery. Grab a picnic from the Queen Victoria Market and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere amid workers on their lunch break. Facilities include BBQ areas, tennis courts, a rose garden, and age-old trees. While there may be plenty of possums about, remember not to feed them.

Collingwood Children’s Farm

This beloved riverside retreat in Abbotsford offers plenty of green space. Visitors can help feed frolicking animals, go cow milking, and enjoy cuddling with guinea pigs. The fantastic open-air cafe can be accessed without entering the farm, while the monthly farmers market is a local highlight.

Fitzroy Gardens

Fitzroy Gardens features beautiful avenues lined with English elms, flowerbeds, expansive lawns, fountains, and a creek. The park also boasts attractions like the miniature model Tudor Village, a gift from a London pensioner during WWII, and a kooky carved Fairies’ Tree. Moreover, you’ll find a scarred tree, a significant reminder of the area’s Indigenous heritage.

Royal Park

Located in the Parkville neighborhood, Royal Park’s vast open spaces are perfect for running or walking. It includes sports fields, netball and hockey stadiums, a golf course, and tennis courts. Additionally, Trin Warren Tam-boore, a wetlands area, features boardwalks and interpretive signs for discovering native plants and animals. A playground near the Royal Children’s Hospital adds to the park’s family-friendly appeal.

Werribee Park Mansion

Werribee Park Mansion is surrounded by beautiful gardens complete with picnic areas. Experience the sounds of the 1870s through audio headphones while exploring the Italianate mansion. Notably, the Victoria State Rose Garden boasts over 5,500 rose bushes arranged in a stunning design.

Gasworks Arts Park

This former gas plant is now an arts hub featuring two red-brick galleries, a theatre, and dog-friendly parkland. Engage with local artists through pre-booked guided tours or enjoy the farmers market that occurs on the third Saturday of each month. The Priscilla Jones Cafe offers a lovely outdoor seating option.

Royal Botanic Gardens

These stunning, 38-hectare gardens, drawing over two million annual visitors, are among the finest examples of Victorian-era landscaping worldwide. With diverse global plantings, mini ecosystems, and an indigenous rainforest, it offers vast picnic-friendly lawns and serene spots with black swan-spotted ponds.

In summer, the gardens host cinema events and theatre performances. Notable features include the 19th-century Melbourne Observatory and the enchanting Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden.

Herring Island

This untouched river island is a pristine sanctuary for indigenous flora and fauna. The area features an impressive collection of environmental sculptures, including works by renowned artists. Designated picnic and BBQ areas enhance the natural experience. Accessible via a Parks Victoria punt in summer or with a kayak at other times, it provides a serene outing option.

Albert Park Lake

Enjoy jogging, cycling, or walking around this beautiful 5km perimeter. Historically, Lakeside Drive served as an international motor-racing circuit and now hosts the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix every March. The lakeside offers several recreational facilities, including the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre, featuring an Olympic-size pool.

St Kilda Botanical Gardens

Situated within a bustling area, the Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat. Enjoy wide gravel paths ideal for leisurely strolls and ample shady spots on inviting lawns. Features include indigenous plants, a subtropical-rainforest conservatory, a rose garden, and an ornamental pond that is home to a family of ducks.