A wonderful hidden little strip of nature. A wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of…read moresuburbia, parks like this are largely underappreciated. Brought the wife and kids down here a couple months ago for some live jazz, and whenever we visit friends nearby we picnic with their family here too. Today I brought my laptop and got some work done in the shade, listening to the water fowl play, and the other murmurings of a park. A pleasant reminder that I should share my love of this special place with my fellow suburbanites. Pros: Proximity to life, great walks around the lake, wildlife, great for sunset/sunrise walks. Cons: No Swimming thanks to pollution.

It is amazing how Melbourne's suburbia hides away little pockets of nature. You can be driving…read morealong with the trees on the nature strip and eventually you realise the houses themselves are gone, replaced by the sprawling expanse of a sanctuary. Blackburn Lake Sanctuary is on of these many magical places. Tucked in from the train line and busier surrounding roads, it is near a number of schools, so it's no surprise their field trips will include walking through the park and looking for wildlife. With open park area and play ground for kids, there is perfect space for picnics and events. Community music events - like a jazz festival in February - will often set up shop here for people to attend and listen for free. And after you've stuffed yourself with nonna's best home cooking and cleaned up the paper plates, what better way to burn it all off than with a walk around the lake itself. Not so big that the whole family couldn't do it, there are several smaller paths leading to different places outside the realms of the park. One school actually backs on it, as does a nearby church. All manner of wildlife can be found - ducks, birds, even a fox once or twice. Don't swim - apparently in the 50s they used to, but sadly water pollution has turned that idea quite sour. However, sitting by the water and watching life go by has never looked better.

Templestowe you have done it again with yet another totally awesome park. This one is located on…read moreThe Grange and is surrounded by large houses. The park itself is always pretty quiet as not many cars tend to peruse this street. There is a fun playground with lots of unique play equipment. It is very colourful as well. There is a swing set, a climbing frame and some springy toys for young children as well. For older patrons there is a netball and basketball hoop complete with little concrete squares to allow a small game. For cricket fans there is even a set of three wickets in the middle of the reserve. There is plenty of grass to run around on and a nice scattering of trees that provide just the right amount of shade. To help you enjoy the surrounds are three wooden seats. It is a really nice place to relax on a warm afternoon and is big enough for a few people to share without feeling cramped.

Ruffey Lake park has something for everyone. Plenty of…read moreBBQ's and covered tables and benches, fun playgrounds, and a huge off leash dog area. Clean toilets and actual working taps ( yes lots of public toilets have no working taps, no locking doors and just plain gross). I find Ruffey lake very enjoyable to visit and amenities are well maintained. Lots of hills and paths for variety. Definitely a lovely day out!

This is a big park. Like huge…read more It feels like you could be far away from the world, but then you can get a glimpse of nearby houses and a small view of the Doncaster mall sitting up on a hill. It really is nice for a daytime, the sun is out so you should be outside type of day. It's good for a walk around their many paths, or for a picnic on one of their many open hilly spaces. If I was a dog, this would be optimum day out stuff. Because at Ruffey Lake Park, there are dogs galore, on leashes, on the footpath, running around, soaking up some sun rays, taking a dip into the lake, this park is their oyster. The lake itself, is average size, it's nothing to exclaim over, or take in. For seating, if you didn't take a blanket with you and are one of those don't-like-grass people, then find yourself one of the many benches that are laid out throughout the park. For the kiddies, there are two playgrounds with swings and activities, I feel like whenever I've been here, that area is hands down the most populated part of the park. For all of your park needs, Ruffey Lake is a stand out.

Westerfolds park is a maze of made paths and dirt trails. you can walk or ride your way around. The…read morepark is bordered on one side by the Yarra river. There is many BBQ and seating areas, loads of car parks and play areas for the kids. Dogs are allowed on leash A great place to go and check out the native animals and amazing park surrounds

It's a great place for an afternoon out especially if you are visiting around and a lovely place to…read moreexperience with kids. Viewing platforms along the Yarra River afford good views of the river and rapids. In most weather conditions, the city can be seen from the Manor House hill when looking south-west. It is a popular spot for picnics, and family gatherings on the weekend and public holidays it does get rather busy. Other recreational activities include walking, cycling, rollerblading, walking the family dog, canoeing, horse riding and bird watching.

The address notes one entrance for Gardiner's Creek. In reality, the path stretches a long way,…read morefrom a start near St Kevin's school all the way to Blackburn (a sort of north east trajectory). It's great to jog along, as the path is almost entirely shaded. Sometimes you'll be running with only a tiny distance between you and the houses around you, but sometimes it'll be great expanses of greenery. One could use the word "lush" accurately here. I walk the particular stretch noted with my dog. It's a good distance for a walk, covering about a kilometre an a half, with a convenient bin along the way to drop the, um, rubbish. Look out for cyclists, there are a lot of them.

Heaven to dogs and dog walkers; the Koonung Creek Reserve is one enormous canine playground…read more An off-leash park, there are trails and ovals where dogs of every breed imaginable disport themselves and owners chat. The Reserve also features a little lake, playground and exercise equipment set up periodically along the main trail. The trail is ideal for beginner runners as the hills aren't very steep, and there are a few benches and drinking fountains set up along the way. The track that I normally take stretches from Bulleen Road along the Eastern Freeway to Doncaster Road. Its only short but makes a nice loop, and you aren't too exposed to the freeway sound. Keep your eyes pealed for Eastern Rosellas, Rainbow Lorikeets and other native wildlife around the lake, and if you've got kids with you the playground is great and includes a barbeque area and toilets. The only downside is certain cyclists who speed along the track. Aggressive and not inclined to stop or let you know if they're approaching make sure you keep an eye on your pets and kids. This doesn't occur every day, but I have witnessed poor behavior on the cyclist's part from time to time.

What a great park and it just keeps getting better. So much for the kids to do and great places for…read moreadults to relax or play as well. Apart from the old steam train that the kids love to climb on, there is a multitude of other equipment for them to enjoy and wear themselves out (do they ever wear out) on. Plenty of space, plenty of grass, plenty of trees, fairly well fenced off from the traffic as well. Has to be the best park in the local area and they are adding climbing walls and a bunch of other stuff to make it even better. Locally known as the train park, close to shops, Bayswater railway station and bike paths. There is just so much to like and it is free.

The Yarra River Reserve extends along the Yarra River from the township of Warrandyte to Warrandyte…read moreState Park. It is conveniently adjacent to the wonderfully eclectic assortment of cafes, antique and gift shops in Warrandyte township and is a great place for bushwalking, cycling, horse riding, paddling and swimming. The Reserve is very child and dog friendly. Dogs are allowed off the lead there and can often be seen chasing sticks into the river. (N.B. Dogs are prohibited in Federation Playground.)

When I tell people living in the city that I swim in the Yarra during summer, their reaction is…read moreusually a funny one to see. Yes, we swim in the Yarra, and no, it's nowhere near as filthy as it is by the time it hits the city where we choose to swim. Rolling lazily past the town of Warrandyte, there are many spots to have a paddle. We choose to head past the main town, to a secluded spot out of the way of teenagers drinking Jim Beam cans and blasting music from their stereos at the "Jumping Rock" closer to town. I must admit that it's usually up to mother nature whether to go all the way in or not, depending on how much rain we've had affecting the cleanliness and flow of the water, but on a good day this is a beautiful and tranquil spot to take the edge of the summer heat. With a fish and chips shop nearby, this is usually the order of the day, and with a few sneaky ales in the cooler, you can feel as thought the river is your own...depending on where you choose to sit.

Well work taking strolls along the river both during the day and at night. Lots of places to eat,…read moredrink and see local art. If you go at night makes ure you take camera to catch the flames light the waterfront on the hour. Last one was 22.00Hrs when we were there.

Mahoneys Reserve in Forest Hill is HUGE. When I say huge I don't just mean HUGE, I mean MEGA HUGE…read more Read on and you will totally agree with me! Reasons to validate not only how HUGE this place is, but also how damn good it is: 1.This place has two general grassy areas surrounded by trees. These are wicked picnic spots with fluffy, comfy grass to lounge on. There are plenty of shaded areas as well as sunny spots. 2. It is right next to the Bob Saker Oval, which has a fence and is great for allowing your furry friend to run around without fearing that he/she might run away. Make sure to clean up after them though as this is used for sport regularly. 3. There is a massive multi-purpose field with goals and line markings used by various clubs. This is fenced off however so you will have to join a club to utilise this. 4. There is a large, un-fenced soccer field complete with goals at one end. This is a little shabbier than the oval with the fence, but at least it's free right? 5. There is a decent sized kids playground behind the oval. It is great for kids, or for getting a good view of the footy games played on weekends. 6. There is a heap of parking spots. 7. There are batting cages around the back of the clubhouse. (Did I mention there was a clubhouse?) 8. The Clubhouse is available for hire. Seriously guys, Mahoneys Reserve is the place to be if you are into sport. It totally rocks and is awesome to relax at on a sunny day.