How Many Parks Are There in Melbourne? A Comprehensive Guide
Melbourne City View
Melbourne is known for its abundance of green spaces, parks, and gardens. With a network of nearly 480 hectares of internationally acclaimed parks and gardens, there is something to suit everyone.
Melbourne’s parks and gardens offer a wonderful range of opportunities to maximize leisure time.
The parks in Melbourne are managed by Parks Victoria, a government agency responsible for managing over 4 million hectares of Victoria’s parks and reserves.
Renowned as one of the world’s most livable cities, Melbourne has many parks, gardens, and green belts close to the CBD with a variety of common and rare plant species amid landscaped vistas, pedestrian pathways, and tree-lined avenues.
From the Royal Botanic Gardens, home to more than 12,000 different species of plants and a sanctuary for native wildlife, to Yarra Park, which is one of Yarra’s largest parks at a whopping 24 hectares, Melbourne’s parks offer a wide range of activities for people of all ages.
Whether you want to explore the Australian Rainforest Walk, picnic with friends by the Ornamental Lake, or spend the day playing tennis or lawn bowls, Melbourne’s parks have something for everyone.
Overview of Parks in Melbourne
Melbourne is known for its abundance of green spaces, parks, and gardens. With nearly 480 hectares of internationally acclaimed parks and gardens, there is something to suit everyone.
From inner-city tranquility to vast open spaces, Melbourne’s parks offer many opportunities to maximize leisure time.
Melbourne’s parks and gardens are managed by various organizations, including the City of Melbourne and Parks Victoria.
The City of Melbourne manages more than 70 parks and open spaces, while Parks Victoria manages 26 parks in the Melbourne region.
Some of the most popular parks in Melbourne include the Royal Botanic Gardens, Carlton Gardens, and Fitzroy Gardens.
The Royal Botanic Gardens is one of the world’s finest botanical gardens, with over 8,500 plant species worldwide.
Carlton Gardens is home to the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum, while Fitzroy Gardens features historic landmarks, including Cooks’ Cottage and the Fairies Tree.
In addition to these popular parks, Melbourne has many smaller parks and gardens scattered throughout the city.
These parks offer opportunities for picnics, relaxation, and recreation.
Some of the smaller parks in Melbourne include Flagstaff Gardens, Treasury Gardens, and Queensbridge Square.
Overall, Melbourne’s parks and gardens are a vital part of the city’s landscape and provide residents and visitors with a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Number of National Parks
Melbourne has 12 national parks within its vicinity, each offering a unique experience for visitors. These parks are managed by Parks Victoria, responsible for maintaining and preserving the natural environment of Victoria’s parks and reserves.
The following table provides a list of the national parks in Melbourne:
| National Park | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Baw Baw National Park | East Gippsland | 13,530 hectares |
| Churchill National Park | Lysterfield South | 271 hectares |
| Dandenong Ranges National Park | Dandenong Ranges | 3,430 hectares |
| French Island National Park | French Island | 11,100 hectares |
| Kinglake National Park | Kinglake | 22,230 hectares |
| Organ Pipes National Park | Keilor North | 101 hectares |
| Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park | Portsea | 3,580 hectares |
| Serendip Sanctuary | Lara | 227 hectares |
| Werribee Gorge State Park | Ballan | 1,953 hectares |
| Wilsons Promontory National Park | Wilsons Promontory | 50,460 hectares |
| Yarra Ranges National Park | Yarra Ranges | 76,000 hectares |
| Yarra Valley Parklands | Yarra Valley | 11,000 hectares |
Each national park offers a unique experience, with some providing opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing, while others offer scenic drives and picnic areas.
It’s important to note that some of these national parks require a fee for entry, and visitors should check the Parks Victoria website for more information on park fees, camping reservations, and park regulations before planning a visit.
Overall, Melbourne’s national parks provide a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the natural beauty of Victoria’s parks and reserves.
Number of State Parks
Melbourne has many parks and gardens, including internationally acclaimed parks and gardens.
The city’s parks and public open spaces offer many opportunities to maximize leisure time.
Parks Victoria is responsible for managing a diverse estate of more than 4 million hectares, including 3,000 land and marine parks and reserves, making up 18% of Victoria’s landmass, 75% of Victoria’s wetlands, and 70% of Victoria’s coastline.
The agency manages several state parks in and around Melbourne.
One of Melbourne’s most popular state parks is the Dandenong Ranges National Park on the city’s eastern edge.
The park covers an area of 3540 hectares and is home to a wide variety of native plants and animals.
The park is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers, with several walking trails and picnic areas available.
Another popular state park in Melbourne is the Yarra Ranges National Park, located east of the city.
The park covers an area of 76,000 hectares and is home to several waterfalls, including the well-known Steavenson Falls.
The park is also home to various native plants and animals, including the endangered Leadbeater’s Possum.
Other state parks in Melbourne include the Organ Pipes National Park, the Kinglake National Park, the Werribee Gorge State Park, and the Brisbane Ranges National Park.
Each park offers visitors a unique experience and is home to various flora and fauna.
Overall, Melbourne’s state parks offer visitors the chance to experience the natural beauty of Victoria and are a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage.
Number of Local Parks
Melbourne is known for its abundant green spaces, with many parks and gardens throughout the city.
The City of Melbourne manages and maintains over 480 hectares of parkland, including large parks, gardens, reserves, and smaller local parks and green spaces.
According to the City of Melbourne’s website, many small parks and reserves are throughout the city, including suburban reserves, street parks, and squares.
These smaller parks are listed by suburb on the website, along with basic details of each space, location, and facilities.
In addition to the smaller parks, the Victorian Government has announced grants for park upgrades under the Parks Revitalisation Grants Program, with 14 new dog parks and 29 pocket parks receiving funding under the Local Parks Program.
Parks Victoria also manages and maintains a number of parks in the Melbourne region, including 21 popular parks that are receiving upgrades as part of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.
Overall, the number of local parks in Melbourne is difficult to determine, as new parks are constantly being developed and existing parks are being upgraded.
However, there are many parks and green spaces throughout the city, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities to enjoy nature and outdoor activities.
Parks in Central Melbourne
Central Melbourne boasts several parks that offer a serene escape from bustling city life.
Here are some of the most notable ones:
Royal Botanic Gardens
The Royal Botanic Gardens is a 38-hectare park home to over 8,500 plant species. It is located south of the Yarra River and popular for picnics, walks, and outdoor events.
Visitors can explore themed gardens, including the Australian Rainforest Walk, the Herb Garden, and the Southern China Collection.
The park also features a lake, a cafe, and a gift shop.
Fitzroy Gardens
Fitzroy Gardens is a 26-hectare park located in East Melbourne. It features several historic landmarks, including Cooks’ Cottage, a miniature Tudor village, and a conservatory.
Visitors can enjoy walking trails, picnic areas, and a children’s playground. The park is a popular spot for weddings and outdoor events.
Carlton Gardens
Carlton Gardens is a 26-hectare park located north of the CBD.
It is home to several notable landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building and the Melbourne Museum.
The park also features walking paths, a children’s playground, and several picnic areas.
It is a popular spot for outdoor events, including the annual Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.
Overall, these parks offer a peaceful retreat in the heart of Melbourne.
Whether you’re looking to take a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or attend an outdoor event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Parks in Suburban Melbourne
Melbourne is renowned for its parks and gardens, which offer a variety of open spaces, recreation opportunities, and facilities for the community.
The city has nearly 480 hectares of internationally acclaimed parks and gardens, and as part of the Victorian Government’s $154 million Suburban Parks Program, there will be an additional 6,500 hectares of new and upgraded parks and trails.
Dandenong Ranges National Park
Located approximately 35 kilometers east of Melbourne, the Dandenong Ranges National Park covers an area of 3,540 hectares and is known for its lush forests, scenic walking trails, and breathtaking views.
The park is home to various wildlife, including wallabies, wombats, and lyrebirds, and is a popular destination for picnics, camping, and bushwalking.
Yarra Bend Park
Yarra Bend Park is one of Melbourne’s largest and most popular parks, covering an area of 260 hectares along the Yarra River.
The park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including kangaroos, echidnas, and over 200 species of birds.
The park offers a range of activities, including cycling, canoeing, and fishing, and is also home to the Yarra Bend Golf Course.
Brimbank Park
Brimbank Park is a 280-hectare park located in the north-western suburbs of Melbourne.
The park features a range of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands, and is home to various wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and possums.
The park offers a range of activities, including bushwalking, cycling, and birdwatching, and has picnic and barbecue facilities.
Overall, Melbourne’s suburban parks offer diverse experiences and activities for visitors to enjoy.
Whether exploring the natural beauty of the Dandenong Ranges, cycling along the Yarra River, or picnicking in Brimbank Park, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Melbourne’s parks and gardens.
Significance of Parks
Melbourne’s parks and public spaces offer numerous benefits to the city’s residents and visitors.
Here are some of the reasons why parks are significant:
Health and Well-being
Parks provide a space for people to engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, and playing sports.
These activities promote physical fitness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Parks also provide a space for people to relax, de-stress, and connect with nature, which promotes mental health and well-being.
Social Cohesion
Parks are a great place for people to come together and socialize.
They provide a space for community events, festivals, and gatherings.
Parks also offer opportunities for people to meet new friends, build relationships, and strengthen social bonds.
Environmental Benefits
Parks are essential for preserving and enhancing the natural environment.
They provide habitat for wildlife, improve air and water quality, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Parks also help to reduce the urban heat island effect by providing shade and cooling the surrounding area.
Economic Benefits
Parks contribute to the local economy by attracting visitors, creating jobs, and increasing property values.
They also provide opportunities for local businesses to sell goods and services to park visitors.
Overall, parks are an essential part of Melbourne’s urban landscape.
They provide numerous benefits to the city’s residents and visitors and contribute to the community’s overall health, well-being, and quality of life.
Future Plans for Parks in Melbourne
Melbourne is constantly growing and evolving, and so are its parks.
The City of Melbourne has several plans to ensure that its parks continue to meet the needs of its residents in the future.
Parks Master Plans
The City of Melbourne’s Parks Master Plans set out the long-term vision and guide the city’s future management of major parks and gardens.
The plans are designed to ensure the parks are accessible, sustainable, and meet the community’s needs.
Suburban Parks Program
The Victorian Government’s Suburban Parks Program provides 6500 hectares of new and upgraded accessible green spaces across Melbourne’s fast-growing west and southeast.
Plans for three new parks in Wyndham Vale, Deanside, and Clyde have been released for communities to have their say.
New Park in Melbourne’s East
Plans are being developed for an extensive new park in Melbourne’s east.
The park will be created on the site of a former freeway reserve that extends for 3.5 kilometers from Springvale Road in Forest Hill to Nunawading.
Parks Victoria will oversee the park’s establishment, and tenders are currently being sought for its design.
Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program
Communities across Melbourne are set for a range of local park improvements, with tenders sought for the next stage of the Urban Parks Active Wellbeing Program.
The program aims to improve the quality and accessibility of parks and open spaces in Melbourne, promoting healthy and active lifestyles.
Overall, the future of parks in Melbourne looks bright, with plans in place to ensure that they continue to meet the community’s needs.
