Where are Melbourne’s best parks?

Want to explore the best of nature right on the cities doorstep? Here’s some of Melbourne’s most beautiful parks and gardens, perfect for a stroll, picnic or a history lesson, located within easy walking distance of the CBD.

Fitzroy & Treasury gardens combine wide open green spaces with a little history as well. Treasury Gardens is one of Victoria’s oldest public gardens dating from the mid 19th century and features avenues of beautiful, grand old Moreton Bay Figs trees in the shadow of Parliament House. Adjacent is Fitzroy Gardens, where you can discover the oldest building in Australia , the historic Cooks’ Cottage, an original aboriginal scarred tree, plus Victorian-era garden designs, fountains, manicured lawns and a glasshouse filled with tropical flowers.

Carlton Gardens is dominated by the stunning, World Heritage listed Royal Exhibition Building and the sprawling Melbourne Museum, filled with historic artifacts and treasures. The park’s tree filled green spaces and gardens are a classic meeting place for locals, and were once a traditional meeting place for the Aboriginal people of the Kulin Nation. The gardens are a perfect spot for a morning or afternoon stroll and a great place to visit if you are huting that classic Instagram shot. Charming all year around, I think the gardens are particularly beautiful in Autumn, when the lawns are piled high with fading, burnt orange and golden leaves.

Melbourne’s Alexandra Gardens, Kings Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens are a stunning escape from the hustle and bustle from the city and offer a range of unique spaces to explore. Check out Fern Gully, a stunning rainforest walk through the middle of the gardens where you can even experience Forest Bathing. The children’s garden is a magical experience for children and adults alike. Immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture as you learn about native bush foods and other plant uses on the Australian Forest Walk and wander the otherworldy giant cactus garden. If you want to really do as the locals do, take a walk or run around ‘The Tan’ the nearly 4km track that circles the gardens.