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Melbourne takes its parks pretty seriously. This is a good thing because it means that when you’re in greater Melbourne there will be somewhere to relax, go for a walk or just get some time in nature. Whatever your calling, here’s a run-down of our favourite parks to visit this summer.
To relax, take a picnic and lie on lush grass, The Royal Botanical Gardens just next to the Melbourne city centre should make your must-see list. It’s free to enter from 7.30am until sunset. There are lakes, lawns, a café, rare, exotic and native plant species and plenty of private, shady places to take time out. Kids will love the Ian Potter Children’s Garden complete with water play activities
Exercise-wise, there are a few dedicated places around Melbourne that fitness pros head to when they want to break a sweat. The Tan Track is a 3.8 km track around the outside of Melbourne’s Royal Botanical Gardens. It’s scenic, it’s central and it really does attract people of all levels of fitness: athletes through to families out for a stroll.
North side, there’s Princes Park in Carlton whose perimeter track is 3.2kms. It’s flat and we like the outdoor gym equipment located mid-way. If hills are more your thing, head to the base of the Dandenong Ranges and complete the 1000 Steps hill climb. You’re looking at 288m elevation across a 1.6km track. Be prepared for crowds on Saturday and Sunday mornings when the weather is fine. Parks such as All Nations Park in Northcote, Docklands next to the Melbourne CBD and Coburg Lake Reserve offer the most comprehensive outdoor gym equipment so you can complete resistance-based exercise for free while boosting your vitamin D levels.
If you’re looking for amusement parks in Melbourne, there is Luna Park in St Kilda, with an old-school carnival atmosphere. This theme park is best visited on theme nights or special events, which lifts the vibe to a more party atmosphere. The famous Scenic Railroad is the oldest, continually running rollercoaster, running on 1km of wooden tracks. Other vintage attractions include carnival games like Laughing Clowns and a heritage-listed carousel alongside a couple of newer rides like the family-friendly Speedy Beetle, or the 13 metre high Coney Drop. Good for an evening session before heading out in the inner city or surrounds.
Our favourite place to spend a whole day is 50 minutes from the city centre is Gumbuya World. Gumbuya is the newly renovated and the only water, wildlife and theme park in Victoria. Whether you hire a cabana to snooze in between rides on the water slides or take a walk through the wildlife trail, we love Gumbuya because there is space to move, greenery and 4 different worlds to explore. This summer they’re hosting a series of music events and pool parties – complete with DJs, licensed bar and food trucks. Head online to see the line ups.
Whatever park you choose, remember your water and sunscreen and maybe a jacket… Melbourne is known for 4-seasons in one day.
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