It’s no wonder that the slogan on our car number plates in Victoria used to be “Garden State” given we have so many public parks and gardens available to us.  

 

Our affinity with nature and the great outdoors means that having a green space nearby is often a top priority for property buyers.  

 

Parks have something to offer for people of all ages whether it be a place to exercise and relax,  a playground for parents to take their kids or for apartment dwellers who need open space. 

 

Living near green urban spaces also provides many health benefits, encouraging residents to lead healthy and active lifestyles. 

5 suburbs (and their awesome parks and gardens) 

Melbourne has plenty of suburbs with great local parks and gardens nearby. It’s one of the many reasons that make Melbourne an attractive location for residential properties. We’ve highlighted the top five suburbs home to some of the best parks.

1. Inner city (and the Royal Botanic Gardens) 

You can’t have this list without the iconic Royal Botanic Gardens. Endearingly dubbed the ‘Tan’ by locals, people flock to it every day for its relaxed nature, beautiful flora and green grassy knolls. A perfect place for picnics when the weather holds out. And if you fancy a taste of Italy you can even take a gondola ride in its large lake.  

 

It extends over 38 hectares and houses a collection of more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, including amazing plant collections such as camellias, rainforest flora, cacti and succulents, roses, perennials and a Rare and Threatened Species Collection.

 

Located in the heart of the city, it’s a haven for city dwellers and a place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.  It’s also only a short walk from Melbourne’s main train station, so it’s an easy commute for people who live outside the inner city suburbs.

 

It’s the perfect setting for many of Melbourne’s activities and attractions such as hosting concerts, outdoor cinema, festivals, exercise and meditation classes, guided tours and did we mention the gondola ride. There’s always something going on at the Royal Botanic Gardens and we’re sure there’s something for everyone.

 

1. Werribee (and Werribee Park)

For a long time, Werribee was considered a suburb too far to live being on the outskirts of the city. But at 30km away, this is now considered a commutable distance as people search for properties that include house and land. Werribee is alive with young families and is one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburbs.

 

And with growth comes infrastructure. Roads, train lines, hospitals and shopping centres have undergone major upgrades. Pacific Werribee is now one of the largest shopping centres in the west and with over 300 stores it’s a one-stop destination for food, fashion and fun. The development of more schools, supermarkets, shops, cafes and other necessary amenities have been built to cater for Werribee’s growing population. 

 

It’s become a city within itself and there is no reason to leave because everything is a stone’s throw away which includes parks and gardens. Werribee park has everything you need (and want) in an outdoor space. The gardens feature the Victoria State Rose Garden, which is a kaleidoscope of colour where 5,000 roses bloom from November to April. The park also features an ornamental lake and, adding opulence to the gardens is the Werribee mansion. You can experience the grandeur of the Mansion for a fee or you can marvel at it from the expansive formal gardens for free. 

1.  Warrandyte (and Warrandyte State Park)

Kayaking and kangaroos are how you’d sum up Warrandyte State Park with plenty of other outdoor offerings. You could spend a weekend away here, and still have more to discover on your next visit. From bushwalking, canoeing, birdwatching and enjoying the peace and serenity Warrandyte State Park has it all. 

 

This park has a real ‘Australian bushland’ feel to it and would be an ideal place to take overseas guests for that outback experience without needing to travel 100km to get there. The park is also home to many native Australian wildlife where you could spot Kookaburras, Wombats, Possums or the elusive Platypus.

 

The hilly terrain adds to this picturesque park and there are several walking trails you can take that are for beginners or more seasoned hikers. If you’re up for a challenge, then the Mount Lofty 4.7km Circuit Walk is for you. The walk takes you upstream along the river before ascending steeply to the highest point of the park (Mount Lofty). 

1. Yarraville (and Yarraville Gardens) 

Yarraville Gardens is smaller than others on this list, but it’s the perfect location for locals to get out of the house and let the kids run wild (in the playground). 

 

For locals, it’s great because these gardens are on their front doorstep and will likely be an easy walk away. For properties with limited backyard space, these gardens are a great selling point. 

 

You’ll find pristine flowering garden beds, public barbecue facilities including picnic tables, public toilets and an outdoor stage for various local events. It’s an ideal place to sit and read a book or just take in the beautiful natural surroundings.

 

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1.  Footscray (and Footscray Park) 

Footscray Park is another great place within our area. 

 

Footscray is known for being a multicultural area and as a result offers culinary delights from all over the world such as Vietnam, Ethiopia, Greece and more! And after having a smorgasbord of food you can head down to Footscray Park to walk or (laze) it all off.  

 

The 15 hectares of parkland winds along the mighty Maribyrnong River with walking trails along it. The park is noted for its botanical collection, ornamental ponds and garden structures. Facilities include a playground, large open spaces, shelters and BBQs. For the exercise minded, there are two exercise stations along the river path. 

 

The park is only a short stroll away for students who attend the Victoria University campus and a great place to study or clear your head. Footscray offers so much and if you’re searching for a place to live, look no further. 

 

Melbourne has wonderful parks and gardens to enjoy and living near one of these would be a lifestyle perk. 

 

We can help you find a place in an area that best suits your lifestyle.