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.

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.

Sure it's a little bit of a drive in the middle of a quiet area with not a lot going on. And it's…read moresmall, so small that your visit here will probably take less than an hour. But what the Eltham War Memorial Park has going for it, is that it offers a pretty view. To get to this said pretty view, head inside the tower and there's an easy walk up three flights of steps. Once you get to the top, you get a good visibility on the neighboring area, mountains in different directions and hills and paddocks as far as the eye can see. I remember first coming here, and being able to see the Melbourne CBD from up there. But alas, the trees have overgrown thus obstructing that view. On the other side of the car park is a uncover viewing platform. It's symbolic that you walk in as a pioneer, and walk out with a native understanding. (Just take note of the footsteps heading in and out of the pavillion.) The posters contain information about the history of the local Aboriginals and how the area was settled. Some posters also cover the military history of the area and how the tower came to be. This park is right across from a winery, maybe it's a opportune spot to duck in for some oven fired pizza and wine while you're up there?

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.

This is actually quite a large park, and it is certainly pretty popular on the weekends, if the…read morenumber of cars piling into it is anything to go by. Then again, I did wander through it on one of those nice February days, so that probably shouldn't be all that much of a surprise. Anyway, it is a part of the Yarra Parklands, a stretch of park that runs along the banks of the Yarra River (and is not doubt also used for flood control). There are plenty of facilities, and the walk long the river is rather nice as well. Oh, and there are some lovely gardens at the entrance.

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.)

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.