It’s time to get back in touch with nature – Spring has well and truly sprung, Melbourne. To help you kick start your daily move goals with a serve of motivation, see our top picks for the best walking tracks across Melbourne.
CENTRAL
The Carlton Gardens
The Carlton Gardens is located on the north-eastern edge of the city centre in Carlton. The World Heritage Site is most popular for its blooming flowerbeds of seasonal colours and Moreton Bay fig trees. Being Spring, the Gardens attract local Melbournians as a place to wander or picnic with friends, especially around the barbecue area. Home to an array of wildlife, resident brushtail possums can be spotted peeking down from the tree tops.
Sitting amid the site, stroll around the Royal Exhibition Building and Victoria-era Hochgurtel Fountain enriched with history from 1880.
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Royal Exhibition Building and Victoria-era Hochgurtel Fountain[/caption]
The Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens ("The Tan") offer a choice of circuits that can be completed at ease within an hour. The Gardens are today home to 8,500 plant species and offer scenic panoramic views across sweeping lawns opening up to various ornamental ponds and lakes. Meander through Gardens or create your own track around the outskirts along the Yarra River, and add a loop of Alexandra Gardens up to the Shrine of Remembrance Reserve in Kings Domain parklands to your walk.
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People relaxing at Royal Botanic Gardens[/caption]
NORTH
Princes Park
Popular among north-siders of Melbourne, Princes Park is located in the inner-Melbourne suburb of Carlton North. The home of Carlton Football Club’s Ikon Park Stadium and to many local sporting clubs, Princes Park is popular for its multiple sportsgrounds and vast open spaces. When looking for an easy track to walk or run, follow the 3.2km park loop lined with elm and Moreton Bay fig trees and soak in views of the city skyline.
When it’s time to meet with friends, sprawl out for a picnic within the grounds or snap up one of the public barbecue areas – perfect for entertaining in the sun.
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Princes Park Circuit Track[/caption]
SOUTH
Albert Park
Arguably one of the best sunrise walks around Melbourne, Albert Park Lake glistens as the morning sun hits the calm waters – and in the distance, reflects off Melbourne’s city skyline. Albert Park is home to a plethora of events, from fun runs to cycling events, pet-friendly meetups and the iconic Australian Grand Prix. Incredibly popular among locals, the mostly flat 4.8km track is perfect for a walk, run or cycle. As you stroll along the gravel path keep an eye out for young ducklings and goslings following their mothers along the lake’s edge, especially in Spring.
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Skyline view of the city from Albert Park[/caption]
St Kilda Beach to Brighton Beach
For the sun seekers of the South, take advantage of a beautiful Spring day and walk from St Kilda Beach to Brighton Beach return. The distance clocking 6.4km each way is the perfect route to clock up some serious steps along the water’s edge. Following the bayside path, pass by Elwood Beach and Middle Brighton Pier along your way, stopping at the dog-friendly beach in Brighton to meet every man’s best friend. Lined with cafes along the path, this walking track is perfect for enjoying a coffee and walk with your lockdown bubble buddy.
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Sunset esplanade walk at St Kilda[/caption]
EAST
Yarra Bend Park
Looking to explore nature? Yarra Bend Park expands over 260 hectares and is Melbourne's largest natural bushland park. Located in Fairfield of Melbourne’s northeast, Yarra Bend Park offers beautiful leafy grounds for strolling or cycling. Locals can stop for a picnic, play a round of golf or hire a canoe from Studley Park Boathouse and paddle upstream.
The natural bushland is home to an abundant of wildlife. Weave around the wild river escarpments, open woodlands and parklands that make up Yarra Bend Park. With a number of routes to follow, create your own track as you go!
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Yarra Bend Park Trail[/caption]
WEST
Maribyrnong River Trail
The Maribyrnong River Trail is a shared use path for walkers, runners and cyclists. The trail follows the Maribyrnong River through the north western suburbs of Melbourne. Stretching 28km from Brimbank Park to Southbank, the Trail is scenic opening up to beautiful cityscape views along the way. The track is mostly flat so the challenge comes with the distance you choose to complete. Run the distance or enjoy a leisurely walk. We recommend treating yourself to a well-earned picnic in the park under the shade of river red gums too.
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Riverside at Maribyrnong River Trail[/caption]
Looking for a new adventure? Take advantage of the sunshine and check out our recommendations for the best walking tracks across Melbourne this Spring.
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