Stumbled upon this garden as our family made our way to the Queen Victoria Market from the City…read moreCircle Tram. Flagstaff Gardens is the oldest park in Melbourne. It was established in 1862. So many beautiful flower beds as well as towering fig trees. Crossing from the City Circle Tram to the park was a challenge, but once at the park, it is a very easy walk to the Queen Victoria Market on the Northeast Corner over William Street. A nice stop while exploring Melbourne.

These gardens aren't anywhere near as impressive as some of Melbourne's other parks and gardens. In…read morefact, a part of me feels that this park is, well, somewhat boring. Apparently it is the highest natural point in the city, though that is impossible to judge based on all the buildings surrounding it. Yeah, honestly, there isn't much here, though to does provide a nice spot for lunch for those who work in the area.

My equal fave nature place in the Northern burbs is Queen's Park. It's frequented by families,…read morechildren, the elderly and fitness fans who take advantage of the many perks about this tranquil park. There are two playgrounds either side of the lake, walking and bike tracks, a gorgeous pergola/gazebo complete with white turret roof. Situated right on the lake, this magnificent area is perfect for wedding photos and is quite often used as a place to get married or to have wedding pics taken. When the giant water feature display comes on in the background the beauty of the scene it creates, particularly from the pergola with ferns and lush greenery in the background, truly takes your breath away. The Queen's Lake Cafe is situated on the opposite side of the gazebo next to one of the two playgrounds. They serve up delicious, homely and oh-so-worth-not-packing-a-picnic sort of food. Fresh rolls, focaccia and hot food, as well as perfecto tea and coffee, this is one playground you won't mind taking the kids to! Even though it gets busy here and not as big as Coburg Lake it's always seemed to be more serene and peaceful each time I've been. Seating a plenty, picnic tables, swimming complex, cafe, playgrounds, free BBQ facilities, walking and biking tracks, peace, wildlife, romantic.... The list goes on and on. The best thing to do is come and experience it for yourself, particularly if you live on this side of Melbs.

Ive been going to Queens Park for over 30 years! I used to go there as a little kid with my parents…read moreand now Im still going there as a parent with my little kids now! Queens Park is a beautiful park and is more of a "botanical gardens" than a regular or wooded park. It contains a beautiful lake with 3 man-made islands and a large water fountain in the lake. Many different species of bird live on the islands including ducks, coots, black swans and others. Turtles can also be spotted. The walk around the lake can be done in 10 minutes but its nicer to amble slowly! There are 2 playgrounds in the park - on either side of the lake and have different equipment to each other - meaning that the kids get 2 playground experiences rather than one generic one. Parking is also remarkably easy around the perimeter of the park and it is quite normal to see joggers running through the park or newly weds having their wedding photos taken in the lush setting. The park borders a swimming pool (open in summer) and the Moonee Ponds bowling club and contains a small cafe near the western side playground. The park is perfect for a romantic walk around the lake at twilight with your lover (it is well lit with lamp posts and is not dangerous at night) yet is also a perfect place for taking the kids to burn off some of their excess energy in the daytime and is also a great place for a jog or exercise session!

Fawkner park is my urban sanctuary. It's where I go to escape the city buzz, take my poochie for a…read morelong walk and get some fresh air, see some grass and greenery. Lots of business people walking through on their lunch breaks and folks travelling to and from their workplace by foot through the park during peak times. Watch out for bikes speeding through though. Large off-lead area to allow your furry pals to let of some of their steam. Kids playground and toilet facilities within the park... and a majority of the ovals are booked out over the summer months for team sports. Great park to go with friends in summertime for a picnic. Well maintained lawns, etc. Keep an eye out for the cute little possoms at night. x

Anyone for a bit of #dogspotting?…read more I have long confessed that I am a dog stalker. I have been known to take unnecessary detours through Fawkner Park just in case someone's dog wants to come say hi to me. It's such a good park for it. While not fully enclosed like some dog parks, there is substantial tree coverage and the middle sections are not too close to any major intersections - so unless you have a pup known for bolting, safer than most off lead areas. A former employer of mine even holds their Canine Christmas parties here! But dogs aside, this is a nice park and deceptive in size. Hidden away between busy St. Kilda Road and Commercial Road, there are massive divided sections of park here with great walking/cycling tracks through the middle. On a daily basis you'll find people working out, playing soccer, lunching, or teaching their kids how to ride a bike. Plenty of bench seating and shady spots, I've also spent a few hours just hanging around here with friends for a lazy chat in the sun. A nice inner city sanctuary.

This is another one of those huge parks - Australian cities do seem to have quite a few of them,…read morethough unlike Adelaide, Melbourne isn't actually surrounded by them, but they are there. This one happens to have the Zoo, and there is also a railway line and a tram route that runs through the middle of it. Like a lot of these huge parks there happens to be some sporting ovals, and a golf course, here as well. One of the great things about this park mind you are the sounds of the animals as you make your way through here. Yeah, it is delightful.

Royal Park is huuuugggge. You can wander (or ride) through the park for ages and wind up in a…read moretotally different suburb than where you started out, or even find yourself at the zoo. Unlike a lot of the large parks in the area, Royal Park has mainly native vegetation, so is a lot dryer and scrubbier than nearby Princes Park, making for a more exotic picnic experience. There's a small lake (or a large pond) and plenty of open space to play frisby or mix your jog up with other exercises. Being located so close to Melbourne's main medical precinct, Royal Park also serves as a relaxing space for people visiting friends or family in the nearby hospitals. The amenities include tennis courts, toilets and plenty of water bubblers. Royal Park can easily be accessed by any of the 50's tram routes.

Ruffey Lake park has something for everyone. Plenty of…read moreBBQ's and covered tables and benches, fun playgrounds, and a huge off leash dog area. Clean toilets and actual working taps ( yes lots of public toilets have no working taps, no locking doors and just plain gross). I find Ruffey lake very enjoyable to visit and amenities are well maintained. Lots of hills and paths for variety. Definitely a lovely day out!

This is a big park. Like huge…read more It feels like you could be far away from the world, but then you can get a glimpse of nearby houses and a small view of the Doncaster mall sitting up on a hill. It really is nice for a daytime, the sun is out so you should be outside type of day. It's good for a walk around their many paths, or for a picnic on one of their many open hilly spaces. If I was a dog, this would be optimum day out stuff. Because at Ruffey Lake Park, there are dogs galore, on leashes, on the footpath, running around, soaking up some sun rays, taking a dip into the lake, this park is their oyster. The lake itself, is average size, it's nothing to exclaim over, or take in. For seating, if you didn't take a blanket with you and are one of those don't-like-grass people, then find yourself one of the many benches that are laid out throughout the park. For the kiddies, there are two playgrounds with swings and activities, I feel like whenever I've been here, that area is hands down the most populated part of the park. For all of your park needs, Ruffey Lake is a stand out.

Treasury Gardens is the park that lines Spring Street at the end of Collins St/Flinders Lane,…read morebefore Fitzroy Gardens. Fitzroy Gardens is much bigger and full of interesting things to see and do, but if you just want a nice patch of grass and some shade to chill under with easy access to the CBD, Treasury Gardens has got you covered. The people watching here is second to none. With the Treasury building (and Victoria's registry office) next door, you're bound to see an eclectic array of bridal parties walking through the gardens for a photo on weekends. On weekdays, with Collins Place just a few doors down, I like to grab a salad or rice paper roll and head over with a blanket and a book to enjoy some quiet time amongst the hustle and bustle. You won't find kids and dogs here, this is the office worker oasis.

A beautiful oasis in the city as you are about to leave the city. The abundance of trees and…read moreperfectly cut lawn makes a great lunch trip and walk around the park all so worth it. Another wedding hot spot in Melbourne City, and for the all the right reasons too. A great trek for riding bikes is also included; and also the ducks pond towards Parliament House is aesthetically beautiful and pleasing. Love the flowers and lily pads there. A great spot to read a book; take it all in; do nothing; meditate and hug your partner if you have one - all in addition to grabbing something to eat in nearby Collins Street; eat it here or come prepared for a picnic with a group of friends and work colleagues. Those of us living in Melbourne are grateful to have an abundance of parks to enjoy in the city and the city fringe; and Treasury Gardens is one of those parks. Although its quite small; no need to worry because as you walk away from the city; cross a busy road and you have landed yourself into another oasis called Fitzroy Gardens. Just be careful as the traffic gets quite heavy in this area.

Lovely garden! It's huge, so definitely plan a few hours if you want to see every corner of it…read more Couple lates with birds, ducks, and other wildlife hanging around. Saw some wedding photos being taken. Very easy to get here via public transit. The stop you want to get off at depends on where you want to enter the park.

As you continue along St Kilda Road (perhaps you have just visited nearby Alexandra Gardens; and…read morewant more of a nature fix) you will find more natural beauty and floristry to appreciate. The flower decorations on St Kilda Road; across the road from NGV International (National Gallery of Victoria) are great magnets to wanting some more natural therapy. And for free, you will not be disappointed with that abundance. Such nature so close to the city tends to remind those fully present to their surroundings a greater appreciation of more abundance in life. The number of parks and gardens within close proximity to each other is amazing. Do not stop your search for nature at this destination. A great oasis if you are passing through, and would like to immerse yourself in more of Melbourne's special playgrounds before heading to your ultimate destination at South Yarra: the Royal Botanic Gardens. Allow a bit of time to make this happen: your ideal day in nature. This isn't the type of garden you would want a picnic lunch in in a hurry; this park is designed to walk through and appreciate. All reading materials should wait until your at the next two parks: the Kings Domain and the Royal Botanic Gardens.

The name speaks for itself- just darling! I spent a couple of days in the Clifton Hill area just…read morenext to this park which was just lovely. It's a smaller park but would be greatly convenient for the locals and is just a lush space to walk the dog, have a picnic or run a few laps of. Very peaceful and really well maintained.

A beautiful park that's about a 15 minute walk away from me, and it took me 2.5 years to notice…read more.. I love this park for a number of reasons: it's beautiful, it's flanked by beautiful houses that you can ogle at, it has less hippies than Edinburgh Gardens, and it has a great community atmosphere. Catch free beats on a hot summer's day while you have a picnic or throw the frisbee. Or put your mat down and do some yoga (not my scene, but I've seen it done). If you're picnicking, bring a blankey, as the grass can be a little harsh on the legs. Those in North Fitzroy should consider coming over the road to Darling Gardens as a nice alternative to Edinburgh Gardens. Like I said, less hippies at Darling too.