Gentle/Family

Brimbank Park is located within the Maribyrnong Valley alongside the Maribyrnong River. This area has a rich human history with surveys indicating that Aboriginal occupation extends back as far as 40,000 years and European settlement dates back to the 1830's, soon after Melbourne was founded. 

Galada Tamboore is part of Kulin land for which the Wurundjeri, the traditional owners, are custodians. The name means "Creek Waterhole".  The Merri Creek runs through the middle of the area which has extensive grasslands.  The walks, on sealed and gravel tracks take in views of the Merri Creek, which include basalt cliffs at a bend in the creek, and a variety of  bird life in a bushland setting.

A large park in the Dandenong Creek Valley, this circuit walk goes around the peaceful lake which is edged on one side by large grassy slopes that welcome play and picnics, while on the far side is a quiet conservation area that is natural bush.  Visit a bird hide or several delightful children's playgrounds. 

Karkarook, (Aboriginal name for "Sandy Place"), was originally used for flood retarding, market gardens and horse agistment. The park was later mined for sand and then transformed into the beautiful park you see today. The walks, on sealed and gravel tracks take in views of Karkarook Lake, tranquil ponds and a variety of  bird life in a bushland setting.  There are two walk options - 2km or 4km.

A well-defined, sealed trail along the valley of Kororoit Creek which contains mini-rapids, large waterholes and basalt cliffs.   Spring is the best season for this walk, which goes through many areas replanted by community volunteers and Melbourne Water.  The walk starts and finishes with short bus trips to and from Sunshine Station.

In the heart of inner suburban Melbourne, this trail passes through areas of trees and wetlands giving an unexpected sense of bush only a few kilometres from the CBD. The walk passes relics of earlier times when bluestone was quarried in this area and leads to CERES, a fascinating place dedicated to community and environmental initiatives.

Easy walking along flat, sealed tracks taking in points of interest including an historic manufacturing site, the beauty of the river and surrounding parks.  Some native birds that may be seen include:  Seagulls, Wood and Black Ducks, Small Pied Cormorants, White-faced Herons, Rainbow Lorikeets, Magpies and Mudlarks.

Take a walk beside the sea, play or laze on the beach, swim, gaze at the yachts, revel in the sea air, stroll along the piers and then grab a coffee on the historic St Kilda Pier or in one of the many cosmopolitan cafés.

Spectacular cliff top views of beaches stretching across Port Phillip Bay to Arthur's Seat in one direction and of the City skyline the other way.  Early Heidelberg artists' views of the area are preserved on the information boards along the track by displaying their paintings next to the area they depicted. Opportunities for beach and rock-pool exploration.

The Royal Botanic Gardens has huge shady trees, an ornamental lake and amazing plants from many countries. It also has indigenous plantings and a Children's Garden.  Walking and picniking on the lawns is welcome.

Tirhatuan Park in Dandenong North forms part of the Dandenong Creek vegetation corridor, providing important habitat for native flora and fauna. The park includes  two lakes, a wetland, boardwalk and bushland, the walk also takes in the Dandenong Creek as well as views to the Police Road Retarding Basin.

A beachside walk past contrasting sandy and rocky beaches as well as interesting geological features. Walk through this well-preserved historical area of early Melbourne with its fascinating naval artefacts and choose between picnicking in one of several parks or pausing for refreshment in one of its abundant cafes.  Add on a self-guided walk past many early buildings.

The Wilson Botanic Park was originally a quarry founded in 1859 by William Wilson. The quarry produced some of the highest quality basalt in the Melbourne area until the late 1970s before being transformed by the then City of Berwick, to a botanic park in 1992. The walks take in views of the Anniversary Lake and the Basalt Lake with it's associated birdlife. The various lookouts around the park provide great views of Melbourne, Berwick, and the surrounding area.

Woodlands Historic Park offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the early settlers of Melbourne. The park hosts a rare example of an 1840's  'kit home'  (Woodlands Homestead) and scarred trees and stone tool scatters provide evidence of the earliest Aboriginal Inhabitants, the Woiworung people. A variety of walking options are possible.