Coburg Lake Reserve is a city oasis not ten minutes drive of the CBD. I didn't even know such a…read morehaven existed until the start of this year. With two kids and a need to free my mind with fresh air whilst they play, there simply is no better place than here. Three playgrounds with every thing a kid could want to play with, and good walking distance between all three so mummy gets the refreshment she needs! Wildlife is a plenty off the shore of the lake and it's delightful to see the hoards of families with their bright, colourful blankets out picnicking on sunny weekends, kids squealing with a mix of joy and fear as they throw bread to the energetic and sometimes intimidating ducks and swans. I love it for all the walking tracks, each one ultimately leading to some monument or imposing statue, playground or viewing platform. The tranquility of watching the streams of the lake, listening to the water amidst the parklands brings such serenity. History abounds with bluestone hedging along some of the trails. Complete with amphitheatre and lake side gazebo, huge free BBQ facilities, plenty of seating including wooden, patio like seats with direct frontage overlooking the lake, and shaded areas; to me it's magical, heaven within a tram ride away to the city.

Finally there is a break in the weather and I can go for a bicycle ride around the Coburg Lake…read moreReserve. This former quarry for the bluestone granite that built the old Pentridge Prison was made into a lake with extensive parkland around it about a hundred years ago. There is so much in this large park with lots of lawns and trees. On my ride I pass a few sculptures in the park, a couple of playgrounds (one with the largest twister game board in the world), BBQs, picnic tables, a band stand, bicycle trails, seats, picnic tables and of course, a couple of toilet blocks. I stop and rest at a new beautifully designed lookout point with a view over the valley. I rode around the lake. There are ducks and a swan and cygnets on the lake and on the lawns a couple of galahs are foraging for food. And there are many people, like myself, picnicking the park and the good weather but the park is so large that it doesn't feel crowded, except right down by the lake. I leave the park and follow the bicycle trail south along the Merri Creek but that's another story.

Lakewood Lake is situated in the middle of the Lakewood Estate in Knoxfield. It is a medium size…read morebody of water that is complete with its own island in the middle. It is the home to a diverse range of wildlife - from the Pobblebonk frogs in the smaller pond adjacent to the lake, to the territorial magpies that are prone to swoop cyclists. (If you are going to cycle around the lake make sure to put pipe cleaners - or something similar- on your helmet to scare the magpies away). I have been swooped a handful of times riding my bike there and crashing into a tree as a result isn't really the elegant cyclist look I was going for. Ducks and Geese live in the lake and love getting a free feed from visitors who venture out onto the pier to feed them. The only annoying thing about the pier is the amount of bird poo on the railings, which prevents you from leaning out over the water - in hindsight that is probably a good thing. There is a wide walking track surrounding the lake with the option of talking the short 800metre route or extending your walk by taking detours through the forested surrounds to a maximum of 1.2kms. The busiest times are around six am and six pm. There are a handful of benches to sit and enjoy the view and a drinking tap. Despite being set in the middle of the suburb you don't really notice the houses or hear traffic. It is a really peaceful place to relax and unwind.

Lilydale Lake is a massive playground for Adults, Kids and Pets…read more In the centre is a huge lake which you can use for non motorised boating of fishing. The lake is surrounded by wet lands for birds and wildlife. There are kilometres of beautiful walking tracks and a big circuit walk around the lake itself with workout stations For children the is a massive play area with lots of equipment There is also lots of tables and benches on the lawn area or under cover with BBQ facilities provided. Lots of free parking on site so parking is easy. There is two off lead dog areas, one little one to the front side of the lake, and a big one down the back. The larger area is bordered by the lake wall on one side and rivers/creeks on the other 3. creating a barrier of sorts to keep the dogs in. The creek is ideal for dog to swim in. there is lots of open grassed area to play fetch or just let the dogs run. I take my dog here and 99%of the other owners are good with there dogs. My dog is very small so i normally worry about her playing with bigger dogs but she has had nearly all good experiences here If you are in the area do visit the lake, you will have a great day :)