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.

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.

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 park has not come up in my radar before despite its location, and what a shame that was!!!…read moreI managed to visit on a day off and sunny winter Melbourne day with the dog. Amazing great space and there's access to the water for the water loving dogs to dip in and out as they please. There's a few different sport zones ( soccer field, golf ) so you have to be mindful of visiting when there's a sporting event/ match. Otherwise it's a free run for the dog. There is also a no dog golf zone so watch out for stray golf balls of around this zone. Bike path runs next to the river and lots of benches to sit on. Love it and I will definitely visit more!

A firm favourite with our dogs! A truly enjoyable experience for all. Our dogs have many regular…read morefriends who visit, from Cavaliers to English Mastiff's! All dog owners are respectful.

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.

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.

These gardens were absolutely gorgeous. Personally, I just saw a green patch on my map application…read moreand decided to check it out, and while they were doing some work on parts of it, by the most part it was lovely. It has some gorgeous flower beds, and in normal times it would be a lovely place to spend some time, especially during one of the nice summer days. Like a lot of these gardens there is also a rotunda. Oh, and it isn't too far from some nice coffee shops either.