I'm not really all that sure whether I can consider this place to be a Melbourne institution…read moreconsidering that it is a park, and I'm not sure whether you can consider parks institutions in the same way that you can consider pubs to be institutions. Still, this part certainly does have a reputation, not only because it is big, and that it has a rather large lake in the middle of it, but for four days every year they block it off just so that a bunch of cars can go for a pleasant drive around the said lake why making so much noise that you can hear it from the other side of the city, and a bunch of people come from all over the world to sit in stands and to basically wave flags while watching the said cars drive aorund the lake. Still, it is a delightful place to spend some time, and there are lots of things to do here, and lots of picnic grounds as well, and a number of sporting places, including a golf course, driving range and numerous ovals. Actually, they have a huge sporting complex here in fact. Yeah, I do rather like this place, and if you are keen for a challenge, try running around the lake.

What a peaceful place to visit and do your jogging and / or walking!…read more I really enjoyed the calmness of the location despite sporting events happening all around us. The ducks and other fowl were all over - just loved the place!

While this park is nowhere near as large as Albert Park, it certainly does have some charm. I have…read morewandered through here a couple of times and I must admit that I do rather like it. I like it even more now that I have spent some time exploring the place. On one side there is the bowling green, and on the other some tennis courts, and some play equipment for the children. There as also some lovely decorations that have been set up here. Oh, and the terrace houses along one side are pretty awesome as well.

The Australian Grand Prix was my third F1 race and my absolutely favorite race that I've attended…read more Albert Park is a great venue and I can't believe that they made a racetrack at this park every year! Everything is very well-kept and the lake in the middle was such a peaceful juxtaposition to the fast cars on track. There were multiple spots to enter the park and different tram spots that only really got crazy on race day but throughout the rest of the race weekend it didn't get too overwhelming. I loved all the hills and grassy areas. Be sure to bring something to sit on, there's tons of grassy areas but not too many benches etc.

American BBQ at its best in Albert Park. Small venue but loads of flavor. A bit pricey but always…read moresuper tasty. Indoor and outdoor seating plus a block from the beach. Cheers

These beautiful gardens are the perfect summertime picnic spot. You'll find people lazing away the…read morehours immersed in a book or more often than not amorous couples immersed in each other. Lush, green and with plenty of space, there is also a children's playground and bbq setups. You'll regularly spot wedding parties stopping by for photos alongside locals playing frisbee and walking their pedigree breed dogs. Being situated in ritzy Albert Park, the gardens naturally house both a bowls green and a tennis court as well. Just in case you're so inclined.

A very genteel, Great Gatsby style garden…read more You will be transported to the early days of Melbourne at this well kept, peaceful oasis. The lush grass and shady trees provide the perfect place to lie in the sun or relax in the shade. If you are feeling more active why there is a tennis court ol' sport but it is for members only you understand. The waiting list is a mere 8 years or so. A quick skip across the road for a spot of lawn bowls may be more to your liking. The ankle biters will be greatly amused with the 2 play areas and you may even follow suit of the locals by holding your little ones birthday party in the grounds. There is no BBQ nor picnic tables mind so it is BYO in that regard. Loos are available but not having used them I can not vouch for their condition. Fido is welcome to stroll through the gardens but must be restrained lest he knock over one of the children. SVG may also be an ideal spot to wed your sweetheart. You can often see some intimate and beautiful weddings in the summer months. Toodle-oo.

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.