For owners of flighty, naughty puppies, this park is a god send. Completely fenced in and safe for…read moreall canines, it's a great place for doggies to socialise. There are even bags provided for your pup's discretion. The only downside is the proximity to Macaulay Road/Boundary Road, where things could quickly turn catastrophic for any escapees. But so far those gates have done and excellent job and my dogs remain safe and social.

Great to let the dog loose and run around for a very social time as there are always many dogs here…read moreon the weekend.

Because I'm a bit of a local history nerd, I know far too much about this unassuming little reserve…read morein Carlton. In the 1800's, the houses in Macarthur Square were occupied by some of Carlton's most notable residents, including one of the leading developers of the suburb. Macarthur, like nearby Murchison Square was designed to be like the 'greens' of London, with rows of houses overlooking a park to give them a country feel, and were prestigious places to live. The small, long, narrow reserve running between Canning and Rathdowne Streets is close to the Carlton Gardens, but offers a far more peaceful picnic spot. Actually, you'll rarely find anyone at all in this little park. As such, the grass is lush and generally dog-poo free - quite a treat! At the Rathdowne Street end there's a drinking fountain and the bust of some notable local (I should know who it is - history nerd fail) but sadly no bathroom, although it's a quick dash to Lygon Court if you really have to go.

Great field with lots of of parking, access to the river walk and one end of the park is an off…read moreleash dog area. The only downside to this is the park not fenced and right by a busy road. But with such a big field and walking track, it's easy enough to keep your pooch off the main road. The grass here is nice and lush and there's always a game happening.

Every day this fully fenced park is full of lovely doggies running around. As long as there is no…read moresport or training on dogs are free to run!!

My equal fave nature place in the Northern burbs is Queen's Park. It's frequented by families,…read morechildren, the elderly and fitness fans who take advantage of the many perks about this tranquil park. There are two playgrounds either side of the lake, walking and bike tracks, a gorgeous pergola/gazebo complete with white turret roof. Situated right on the lake, this magnificent area is perfect for wedding photos and is quite often used as a place to get married or to have wedding pics taken. When the giant water feature display comes on in the background the beauty of the scene it creates, particularly from the pergola with ferns and lush greenery in the background, truly takes your breath away. The Queen's Lake Cafe is situated on the opposite side of the gazebo next to one of the two playgrounds. They serve up delicious, homely and oh-so-worth-not-packing-a-picnic sort of food. Fresh rolls, focaccia and hot food, as well as perfecto tea and coffee, this is one playground you won't mind taking the kids to! Even though it gets busy here and not as big as Coburg Lake it's always seemed to be more serene and peaceful each time I've been. Seating a plenty, picnic tables, swimming complex, cafe, playgrounds, free BBQ facilities, walking and biking tracks, peace, wildlife, romantic.... The list goes on and on. The best thing to do is come and experience it for yourself, particularly if you live on this side of Melbs.

Ive been going to Queens Park for over 30 years! I used to go there as a little kid with my parents…read moreand now Im still going there as a parent with my little kids now! Queens Park is a beautiful park and is more of a "botanical gardens" than a regular or wooded park. It contains a beautiful lake with 3 man-made islands and a large water fountain in the lake. Many different species of bird live on the islands including ducks, coots, black swans and others. Turtles can also be spotted. The walk around the lake can be done in 10 minutes but its nicer to amble slowly! There are 2 playgrounds in the park - on either side of the lake and have different equipment to each other - meaning that the kids get 2 playground experiences rather than one generic one. Parking is also remarkably easy around the perimeter of the park and it is quite normal to see joggers running through the park or newly weds having their wedding photos taken in the lush setting. The park borders a swimming pool (open in summer) and the Moonee Ponds bowling club and contains a small cafe near the western side playground. The park is perfect for a romantic walk around the lake at twilight with your lover (it is well lit with lamp posts and is not dangerous at night) yet is also a perfect place for taking the kids to burn off some of their excess energy in the daytime and is also a great place for a jog or exercise session!