Best parks near me in Melbourne
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Melbourne is the capital of Victoria and the second largest city in Australia. It is a warm and welcoming metropolis and is often described as one of the world’s greatest cities.
There are many reasons why it receives such accolades, and apart from what is recognised as the world’s best coffee, some of the best street art in the world, and a general consensus that they get some of the freshest live music, they also have an array of wonderful parks.
We always used to ask ourselves “where is the best park near me”. On this page, we lave listed some of our favourite parks in Melbourne.
Parks in North Melbourne
Queens Park
Location: Corner of Mt Alexander Road and Kellaway Avenue in Moonee Ponds, 3039
This delightful park, located in Moonee Ponds has swans and ducks in the pond, as well as a sunken garden behind the stage. There are barbecue facilities, located near the playground, and the park is open 24/7. It is free of charge to enter.
Royal Park
Location: Flemington Road in Parkville VIC 3052
One of the biggest parks in Melbourne, Royal Park expansive surrounds make you question whether you truly are still in Melbourne. Have a picnic, play a sort, laze in the sun (don’t forget the sunscreen).
Carlton Gardens
Location: 1-111 Carlton St, Carlton VIC 3053
Built in 1880, the World Heritage listed Carlton Gardens parkland and Royal Exhibition Building come up in most tourist guidebooks about Melbourne. This Melbourne park is loaded with beautiful European trees, wildlife, picturesque fountains and lakes.
Parks in Central/South Melbourne
Queen Victoria Gardens
Location: St Kilda Road Melbourne VIC 3004
The Queen Victoria Gardens are Melbourne’s monument to Queen Victoria. It is located on nearly five hectares of land, is open 24/7 and is free of charge.
Melbourne Park
Location: Batman Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
This park is the home of the Australian Open Grand Slam tennis event, which takes place in January. The park also hosts live music events. Entry is dependent of the event that is taking place. Parking can be a problem, so walking in or taking the tram is advised.
Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne Gardens
Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne VIC 3004
These are botanical gardens that are actually situated across two sites, Melbourne and Cranbourne. It is popular, dog friendly (on a leash), it is free to enter, and there is a secret garden.
Treasury Gardens
Location: 2-18 Spring Street, CBD/East Melbourne VIC 3002
On the eastern cusp of central Melbourne begins The Treasury Gardens park, creating a peaceful solace in such a central corporate location. It provides a provide a nice little introduction to the Fitzroy Gardens in East Melbourne.
Parks in East Melbourne
Fitzroy Gardens
Location: 230-298 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Probably our favourite park in Melbourne. With millions of visitors every year, and nearly 2 centuries of history, this one is not to miss. Main attractions include the ever famous Conservatory, Cooks’ Cottage (yep, that’s right), The Fairies Tree, Tudor village, numerous sculptures and fountains providing ample fun for both children and adults.
Wattle Park
Location: Riversdale Rd, Burwood VIC 3125
Wattle Park is positioned in between the suburbs of Surrey Hills and Burwood. Named after its plantation of over 10,000 wattle trees, it is a delightful park that offers sporting facilities and a wedding venue. It is free to enter and is open 24/7.
Parks in West Melbourne
Docklands Park
Location: 1-91 Harbour Esplanade, Docklands VIC 3008
Situated at Victoria Harbour, the Docklands Park has barbecue services, bicycle lanes, and is much loved by families. There is also a Play Journey interactive playground for the children. It is open 24/7 and entrance is free. It is best accessed by public transport, as parking can be a bit tricky at times.
Westgate Park
Location: 4 Wharf Rd, Port Melbourne VIC 3207
Westgate Park is located in Port Melbourne and is open 24/7. It is most famous for its bright pink salt lake. The lake goes pink when there is a combination of high salt levels, sunlight and no rainfall. Algae grow and form a red pigment, making the water go pink, attracting Instagrammers the world over.
Flagstaff Gardens
Location: 309-311 William St, West Melbourne VIC 3003
Flagstaff Gardens, the oldest park in Melbourne and is steeped in charm and charisma, with historical and social significance to the city. It is the most visited park in Melbourne, and is popular with tourists. Residents who live nearby also frequent the park, and the Australian Heritage Commission has listed it. It is open 24/7, is fairly populous during daylight hours, and has barbeque facilities. There are also tennis courts and netball courts, and the gardens have a population of wild animals, including possums. It has a number of statues and monuments scattered around the seven hectares of space.
