These gardens were absolutely gorgeous. Personally, I just saw a green patch on my map application…read moreand decided to check it out, and while they were doing some work on parts of it, by the most part it was lovely. It has some gorgeous flower beds, and in normal times it would be a lovely place to spend some time, especially during one of the nice summer days. Like a lot of these gardens there is also a rotunda. Oh, and it isn't too far from some nice coffee shops either.

The Merri Creek is quite simply the greatest natural thing that exists in Melbourne. The creek runs…read morefor approximately 70kms, beginning near Heathcote Junction, on Melbourne's northern outskirts, and joining the Yarra River at Dight's falls in Collingwood. Through its journey, the creek meanders through suburbs, under highways and foot bridges and in recent times a concerted effort to clean the thing up has been taking place. Spearheaded by not-for-profit Friends Of Merri Creek, the clean up and re-vegetation of the banks of the creek is redeveloping this amazing environment around the creek. Birds and other native animals (notably, snakes) are moving back into the growing bush lands and there have even been reports of Platypus sightings in Thornbury. If you haven't been to the creek, take a rug and go down there to relax in the sunshine under a tree. It is so very peaceful and gives me warm fuzzies just thinking about it.

Having been for a Sunday afternoon cycle along the Merri Creek, I have to wholeheartedly agree with…read moreSam that is is one of the most naturally beautiful areas of Melbourne. The Merri Creek trail runs for 21km and is perfect for grazing, walking, running or as we did cycling. We joined it at St Georges Road and followed it North for 10 or so clicks. Along the way are numerous play areas and areas prime for picnicking, sports clubs and the Brunswick cycling outdoor velodrome (this was a lot of fun). You can also stop for a coffee at the CERES cafe. A truly great place in Melbourne that is perfect for a leisurely afternoon in the summertime. My friend who trains for triathlons only runs here. Now I know why!

Our first port of call was the lovely and historic Australian city of Melbourne. We compared our…read morepre-cruise visit in bustling, contemporary, modern architecture, and high-finance areas of Sydney's CBD, like the USA's Los Angeles, to the more politically-centric, traditional British architecture and environment, and historic Melbourne city, like the USA's New York City, as we drove through Australia's second most populous city. We noticed Melbourne's CBD (Central Business District) was designed as a grid with wide thoroughfares alternating with narrow, smaller "Little" streets running parallel to them and plentiful laneways. Many street names honor British colonial leaders, British Royals, local politicians, and influential 19th-century residents. Our guide mentioned themed street clusters in newer suburban residential developments named after sports figures (cricket, football, & golf), Beatles' Strawberry Fields, medieval Camelot, literary figures, aviation companies, photography, and more. We were then treated to the historic, Victorian-era park where we strolled and relaxed along its tree-lined avenues, fountains, sculptures, conservatory, and looked forward to visiting the historic Cook's Cottage (original English home of Captain James Cook's parents), Fairies' Tree, and model Tudor Village on a chilly and slightly wet morning. I could imagine picnicking or just lazing back under the shade of trees during their warmer, clear-sky Spring or Summer seasons. Anyway, knowing we were going to stroll through the gardens, I made sure to take an allergy tablet, since the gardens have various plant and tree species our home state doesn't have. During our two-hour meandering through the Fitzroy Gardens, I felt my stress leave my body as my eyes, ears, and breathing embraced this beautiful English garden.

While Fitzroy Gardens is known as a historical garden built in 1800's, I found the park lacking in…read moreinteresting attractions. It's a good park to take a stroll but that's about it. Personally, I think you can skip and not miss much. The Captain Cook's Cottage wasn't even occupied by Captain Cook and requires an entrance fee to enter. The Conservatory with floral displays is so small you'll finish exploring in about 5 minutes.

I believe that at one stage this used to be a factory. Well, not anymore because they have turned…read moreit into a park. Honestly, this is a pretty good use of old factory space, turning it into a park, and it is a pretty massive park as well, with quite a few facilities as well. The other great thing about it is that it is off the main roads, so it is also very quite. Lovely place for a wander.

Grass? Check! BBQ…read morefacilities? Check! Playing fields with nets and hoops? Check! Gravel running tracks? Check! Dog friendly? Check! Next to a skate park for hipsters in training? Check!

The name speaks for itself- just darling! I spent a couple of days in the Clifton Hill area just…read morenext to this park which was just lovely. It's a smaller park but would be greatly convenient for the locals and is just a lush space to walk the dog, have a picnic or run a few laps of. Very peaceful and really well maintained.

A beautiful park that's about a 15 minute walk away from me, and it took me 2.5 years to notice…read more.. I love this park for a number of reasons: it's beautiful, it's flanked by beautiful houses that you can ogle at, it has less hippies than Edinburgh Gardens, and it has a great community atmosphere. Catch free beats on a hot summer's day while you have a picnic or throw the frisbee. Or put your mat down and do some yoga (not my scene, but I've seen it done). If you're picnicking, bring a blankey, as the grass can be a little harsh on the legs. Those in North Fitzroy should consider coming over the road to Darling Gardens as a nice alternative to Edinburgh Gardens. Like I said, less hippies at Darling too.