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!

We jokingly refer to this neighbourhood park as "our other garden". The Yarraville Gardens…read morefeature lush and beautifully landscaped grounds with plenty of room for recreational activities. A mix of native and European trees line the terraced, upper portion of the park that abuts Hyde Street. There are some lovely flower beds, a grassy field to picnic in, plenty of BBQ sites, and a great adventure playground for the kiddies. As you descend through the park down to Docklands Hwy you pass through several reserves: The largest one is reserved for after work runners and kid-o soccer games, while the lower two reserves which face Docklands Hwy are for doggies (and summer cricketers desperately avoiding poop piles). I love the dog park here: This is a safe, secure, and very bucolic place to bring your pooch, and I've never had a safety problem in the three years I've been visiting with my dog. In the past year food trucks have been lining up on Somerville Road and Hyde Street most evenings. Mr. Burger tends to out at least three times a week and we also see White Guy does Thai, Taco Truck, Dude Food, and Los Diablos. Generally, Friday and Sunday nights are the best time to catch a truck, but there is usually at least one (and sometimes up to seven) present. Awesomely, there is a rarely a long wait at any of the trucks. There are hipsters and cool kids in Yarraville, but this ain't Brunswick and the crowds are still mild here. Grab some grab on a warm night and make a picnic of it. Just avoid the dog reserve if you want to eat unmolested by hungry canines!

You know you're at a good park when you can take your shoes off and feel the thickness of the grass…read morebetween your toes. Throw in BBQ facilities, playground, dog park, and a nightly lineup of Food Trucks and you have yourselves the total package. The council has limited the food truck frenzy due to rubbish issues, but you can still find up to 10 trucks here on any one night. Perfect for an impromptu picnic that you don't need to plan much for!

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.

Location!!! Location! Location! So many little walk ways and water reserves for birds, rabbits,…read morefish and wildlife. MARIBRYNONG's cycle paths and boating opens up a new world in the West!!!