The City of Boroondara is renowned for its many picturesque parks and gardens. Whether you are looking to take a relaxing stroll, want to entertain the kids in a fun playground, or are planning a family picnic by the river, there are many perfect places for you.
Boroondara Mayor Jim Parke says the area is family friendly and home to more than 100 playgrounds.
“We understand the importance of quality outdoor play spaces and know that children learn life skills through play. We are committed to enhancing the lives of children and their families by creating inviting and well-utilised playgrounds, community parks and green spaces.”
Hays Paddock
Known for sports and its all-abilities playground, Hays Paddock is a great setting for picnics.
Tables and seating set in bushland are perfect for social gatherings.
The playground is designed to enable all children to play together. The space contains:
• swings and slides, including a swing with harness
• double-width slide
• extra wide see-saw
• hammocks
• spider’s web
• a sandpit with sunshade
• wheelchair-accessible carousel.
Markham Reserve
A playground, sportsgrounds, a community garden and beautiful spots for picnics, this reserve has a great area for BMX, scooter and skateboard riders.
Markham Reserve is a fantastic, large open space. A scenic path for cyclists runs alongside Gardiners Creek.
The park is a beautiful spot for spending time outdoors and has seating, shelter and barbecues, as well as an off-leash dog area.
The excellent adventure playground features climbing nets, a large seesaw, a flying fox, monkey bars, a rotating flower, large wooden kookaburras, a sandpit and great swings for all ages.
The playground is completely enclosed by a safety fence.
Beckett Park and Maranoa Gardens
Famous for its stone observation tower, maze and extensive playground and indigenous plants, Beckett Park is a unique green space with everything you need for a wonderful outdoor experience.
Children delight in this wonderland of ramps, swings, slides and monkey bars as well as its in-ground trampoline and large sandpit with mechanical scoops.
The stone observation tower provides views right across Melbourne as far as Mount Macedon in the north west, and there’s even a wooden maze to lose yourself in.
This park adjoins Maranoa Gardens and is the perfect spot for relaxing and learning about the fascinating flora native to Boroondara and from other regions.
Visitors can walk through patches of grassy woodlands similar to those that existed more than 100 years ago.
Central Gardens
Central Gardens is located in the heart of Hawthorn.
These gardens have an outstanding collection of majestic, mature trees surrounded by sweeping lawns.
Local children all know about the very popular ‘rocket’ playground area, with a huge rocket for climbing and a super long slide.
Junction Skate and BMX Park
Managed by the YMCA on behalf of the local council, Junction Skate and BMX Park is a great park for young people and families.
One of Melbourne’s best action sports facilities, the park is home to international standard spine bowls and street courses.
The staff are trained in first aid, are all qualified skate coaches, and offer skateboard, scooter and BMX lessons for all skill levels and ages.
Junction Skate and BMX Park offers:
• free introductory lessons for all skill levels
• private lessons
• school holiday program
• venue hire for birthday parties
• safety lessons for schools
• youth development program.
The council website contains information of popular parks and gardens in the area including detailed maps to find a park near you.
