Parks Victoria is delighted to be a significant partner in many of Melbourne’s major events, and during the 2006 Commonwealth Games is proud to provide world class venues for athletes and spectators to enjoy. Victoria’s parks provide a natural viewing experience!
Victoria is blessed with over 4 million hectares of stunning parks; places of natural and cultural significance, which attract over 70 million visits each year. We invite everyone to enjoy our fabulous range of metropolitan parks, waterways and heritage attractions and to explore some of our famous National Parks - all within a day trip of Melbourne. |
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Albert Park
Whilst hosting a range of events for the Commonwealth Games at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, Albert Park will still be open for visitors to enjoy an exciting range of recreation activities including walking, cycling, sailing and rowing. Visitors can also enjoy the superb 18-hole golf course, restaurants and cafes, boat hire, playgrounds and picnic areas. |
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Yarra River
Board one of the many river craft at Southgate or Princess Walk or cycle along the Main Yarra Trail to visit attractions such as the Royal Botanic Gardens and Herring Island Environmental Sculpture Park. The Yarra River and its banks will be a primary focus for the Commonwealth Games and offers a multitude of picturesque settings including barbeque and picnic facilities, fishing platforms and jetties. |
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Discover Melbourne 's waterfront attractions with the Yarra River Shuttle Service! Purchase a day pass and hop on hop off at eight stops along the Yarra River and discover Melbourne 's many attractions such as Federation Square , Melbourne Aquarium, National Gallery of Victoria or Crown Entertainment Complex.
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Yarra Bend Park
This is the largest piece of natural vegetation near the city and visitors can explore the park using the extensive cycling and walking trails, go boating on the river, play a round of golf, relax in restaurants and bistro's and enjoy superb views of the city skyline. |
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William Ricketts Sanctuary
Set in a fragrant fern gully near the top of Mount Dandenong , this delightful sanctuary was established by world renowned sculpture William Ricketts. Visitors travel from around the world to enjoy the mystical figures half hidden among the ferns and Towering Mountain Ash. (Entry fee applies) |
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The Mansion at Werribee Park
Experience the elegance of the authentically restored Italianate tower-mansion built in the 1870's with the help of guides and an audio tour. Much of the building is open to visitors including ground floor reception rooms, main bedrooms, billiard rooms, kitchen wing, bluestone farm buildings and beautifully designed formal gardens. (Entry fee applies) |
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Great Gardens of the Dandenongs
Tucked into the hillside and just a short drive from Melbourne, lie the Dandenong Ranges Gardens . These gardens have breathtaking views of the Warburton Ranges and are framed by towering Australian Mountain Ash. Seasonal changes ensure these treasured gardens are al all-year-round delight. (Entry fee applies) |
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Coolart Wetlands and Homestead
Famous for its breeding colony of Australian White Ibis, Coolart is a harmonious blending of nature and human settlement. The historic mansion is set in delightful gardens with wetlands with excellent bird hides, woodlands and paths that take you to down to the beach. (Entry fee applies) |
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Port Phillip Bay
One of Melbourne 's greatest natural attractions, Port Phillip Bay is a known for its sheltered waters, long coastline, sandy beaches and coastal parks. Explore the bay by bike, launching a boat, swimming, sailboarding, drop a fishing line or using the many barbeque and picnic facilities. Enjoy boat charters offering fishing or dolphin tours, excellent areas for diving and snorkelling or promenade along the many piers. |
Get out and about and explore our magnificent National Parks |
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Dandenong Ranges National Park
Explore the tall forests of the Dandenongs with its lush fern gullies, spectacular Mountain Ash trees, tranquil bush walks and abundant bird life. There are many short and longer walks and relaxing picnic grounds. Visit the Sherbrooke Tea Rooms at Grants Picnic Ground or take the time to see the best view of the city from Skyhigh Mt. Dandenong Observatory . (Entry fee applies) |
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Mornington Peninsula National Park
This national park is very popular for swimming, walking, picnics and nature study, as well as surfing at ocean beaches like Portsea, Sorrento and Gunnamatta. Point Nepean , with historic fortifications and splendid seascapes, and Cape Schanck Lightstation are open for guided tours. |
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Yarra Ranges National Park
This beautiful park is dominated by majestic Mountain Ash trees and visitors can enjoy scenic drives and walks leading through fern gullies, past waterfalls to breathtaking lookouts. Drive the world famous Black Spur between Healesville and Narbethong or visit the Rainforest Gallery walk on the way to Mount Donna Buang. |
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Organ Pipes National Park
The Organ Pipes, a spectacular wall of 20 metre high basalt columns, are the centrepiece of this park and visitors can enjoy a picnic, a bush walk or look for reminders of Aboriginal occupation. |
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Port Campbell National Park
World famous for its extraordinary collection of wave-sculptured rock formations, especially the Twelve Apostles, this park is a must for all visitors to Victoria . Other highlights for visitors include Loch Ard Gorge, the Grotto, numerous short walks and lookouts or visit historic Glenample Homestead . |
