Melbourne, often dubbed Australia’s cultural capital, is not just about bustling laneways and world-class coffee.
The city also has breathtaking parks and gardens, offering a perfect escape for nature lovers, fitness enthusiasts, and families.
Whether looking for a serene spot to unwind, a scenic picnic location, or a place to explore Australia’s diverse flora, Melbourne’s green spaces have something for everyone.
Here’s a list of Melbourne’s best parks and gardens to add to your travel itinerary.
Also Read: Best Tourist Attractions in Melbourne
Contents
- 1 1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- 2 2. Carlton Gardens
- 3 4. Treasury Gardens
- 4 5. Royal Park
- 5 6. Flagstaff Gardens
- 6 7. Alexandra Gardens
- 7 8. Albert Park & Lake
- 8 9. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
- 9 10. Birrarung Marr
- 10 11. Edinburgh Gardens
- 11 12. Fawkner Park
- 12 13. Queen Victoria Gardens
- 13 14. Maranoa Botanic Gardens
- 14 15. Kings Domain
1. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria
- Location: South Yarra
- Opening Hours: Daily from 7:30 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
One of the most famous gardens in Australia, the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, spans 38 hectares and features over 8,500 plant species. This lush paradise includes the tranquil Ornamental Lake, the immersive Fern Gully, and the stunning Rose Garden. Visitors can also join Aboriginal Heritage Walks to learn about the Indigenous connection to the land.
Why Visit?
✔️ Peaceful lakeside spots for picnics
✔️ Guided tours and workshops
✔️ Home to the Ian Potter Foundation Children’s Garden
2. Carlton Gardens
- Location: Carlton
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
Carlton Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the Royal Exhibition Building and Melbourne Museum. This park features manicured lawns, ornamental lakes, and grand European trees, making it an excellent spot for photography and relaxation.
Why Visit?
✔️ Historic Victorian-era design
✔️ Great picnic and photography spot
✔️ Abundant wildlife, including possums and kookaburras
3. Fitzroy Gardens
- Location: East Melbourne
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
Fitzroy Gardens is one of Melbourne’s most picturesque parks, known for its charming Victorian landscapes. The park features the Fairies’ Tree, Tudor Village, and the historic Captain Cook’s Cottage, which was transported from England in the 1930s.
Why Visit?
✔️ Discover Melbourne’s colonial history
✔️ A peaceful escape near the CBD
✔️ Beautiful seasonal flower displays
4. Treasury Gardens
- Location: East Melbourne
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
Located right next to Parliament House, the Treasury Gardens offer a serene escape with ornamental ponds, manicured lawns, and historical statues. This park is a favorite for lunchtime picnics and morning jogs.
Why Visit?
✔️ Centrally located in Melbourne’s CBD
✔️ Great for relaxing walks and picnics
✔️ Home to the JFK Memorial
5. Royal Park
Location: Parkville
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Covering 181 hectares, Royal Park is the largest inner-city park in Melbourne. It’s home to Melbourne Zoo, cycling trails, and vast open spaces perfect for outdoor sports and leisure activities.
Why Visit?
✔️ Ideal for jogging, cycling, and sports
✔️ Includes the famous Melbourne Zoo
✔️ Offers great city skyline views
6. Flagstaff Gardens
Location: Melbourne CBD
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Established in 1862, Flagstaff Gardens is Melbourne’s oldest park and a beloved spot for office workers and visitors looking for a quiet retreat in the city. The park is known for its majestic trees, rose gardens, and rolling lawns.
Why Visit?
✔️ Historic significance in Melbourne’s early days
✔️ Plenty of shaded areas for summer days
✔️ Located near Queen Victoria Market
7. Alexandra Gardens
Location: Melbourne CBD (along the Yarra River)
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Located by the Yarra River, Alexandra Gardens is famous for its palm-lined pathways and rowing clubs. It’s a fantastic spot for an evening stroll or a scenic picnic while watching boats glide across the river.
Why Visit?
✔️ Stunning riverside views
✔️ Perfect for cycling and walking
✔️ Close to Federation Square and Southbank
8. Albert Park & Lake
- Location: Albert Park
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
Best known for hosting the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Albert Park is an urban oasis featuring a large lake, walking trails, and sports facilities. Birdwatchers will love the variety of native bird species found here.
Why Visit?
✔️ Scenic walking and jogging tracks
✔️ Boating and sailing opportunities
✔️ Great for photography with Melbourne’s skyline in the background
9. St Kilda Botanical Gardens
- Location: St Kilda
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
Nestled near the beach, St Kilda Botanical Gardens offers a peaceful retreat with a rose garden, a conservatory, and an eco-centre. It’s perfect for a relaxing stroll after a visit to St Kilda Beach.
Why Visit?
✔️ Unique plant collections
✔️ Beautiful in all seasons
✔️ Less crowded than other city gardens
10. Birrarung Marr
- Location: Melbourne CBD
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
A modern urban park located along the Yarra River, Birrarung Marr is known for its sculptures, Indigenous artwork, and open event spaces. It’s a fantastic place to experience Melbourne’s cultural side.
Why Visit?
✔️ Great spot for live events and festivals
✔️ Amazing views of the Yarra River
✔️ Perfect for an evening stroll
11. Edinburgh Gardens
- Location: Fitzroy North
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
In Fitzroy North, Edinburgh Gardens is a community favorite, known for its open lawns, sports facilities, and laid-back atmosphere. The park is lively on weekends, with locals gathering for picnics, cycling, and live music performances.
Why Visit?
✔️ Great for a relaxed picnic or BBQ
✔️ Plenty of space for sports and outdoor activities
✔️ Features a historic bandstand rotunda and skate park
12. Fawkner Park
- Location: South Yarra
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
A leafy retreat just minutes from the CBD, Fawkner Park is popular among joggers, dog walkers, and sports enthusiasts. The park features avenues of mature trees, wide-open spaces, and playgrounds for families with children.
Why Visit?
✔️ Large open fields for sports
✔️ Shady pathways perfect for a morning run
✔️ Less crowded than other city parks
13. Queen Victoria Gardens
- Location: Melbourne CBD
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
This beautifully maintained garden is opposite the Arts Centre Melbourne and is famous for its ornamental flower beds, sculptures, and lush green lawns. The Floral Clock, a functional timepiece made entirely of flowers, is one of its most famous attractions.
Why Visit?
✔️ Iconic Floral Clock display
✔️ Close to many cultural attractions
✔️ Peaceful atmosphere despite its central location
14. Maranoa Botanic Gardens
- Location: Balwyn
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
A hidden gem in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, Maranoa Botanic Gardens specializes in Australian native plants. Established in 1901, it features dry sclerophyll forests, temperate woodlands, and vibrant wildflowers.
Why Visit?
✔️ Best place to explore native Australian flora
✔️ Peaceful and uncrowded setting
✔️ Great for birdwatching and photography
15. Kings Domain
- Location: Melbourne CBD
- Opening Hours: Open 24/7
- Entry Fee: Free
Kings Domain is an expansive parkland surrounding the Shrine of Remembrance, featuring historic monuments, rolling lawns, and picnic areas. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, an open-air concert venue, is also here.
Why Visit?
✔️ Home to the Shrine of Remembrance
✔️ Scenic gardens and memorial statues
✔️ Hosts major outdoor concerts and events
Final Thoughts
Melbourne’s parks and gardens offer a perfect mix of history, nature, and relaxation. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful green escape, a place for outdoor activities, or a scenic picnic spot, these parks provide something for every traveler.
So, on your next visit to Melbourne, don’t forget to explore these lush green spaces and experience the city’s natural beauty firsthand!
