Parks
 In this section:
The City of Melbourne’s extensive network of parks and gardens contribute to Melbourne's title as one of the world's ‘most liveable cities’. Ranging from gardens with classic 19th century heritage features and majestic tree avenues, to the 170-hectare Royal Park with its unique bushland landscape and wetlands habitat, Melbourne offers a variety of open spaces for the 14 million visitors who use its parks each year.
Other gardens of note are the stunning Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building, which received international recognition through their inclusion on the World Heritage List in 2004.
The city’s newest park is Birrarung Marr (pictured above). Located below Federation Square alongside the Yarra River, it provides dramatic open spaces, sculptured terraces and a unique state-of-the-art playground. Birrarung Marr is also the ideal setting for some of the city's best festivals and events.
The wider metropolitan park system includes the Royal Botanic Gardens, Albert Park, the Melbourne Zoo and many kilometres of open spaces along Melbourne's waterways.
The parks and gardens are available for use by the community and offer a wide range of facilities. These include sporting pavilions and fields, barbecues, playgrounds and general areas for all sorts of recreational uses.
Some spaces can also be booked for private events ranging from weddings to corporate functions (see Parks bookings above).
Park rangers patrol the parks, gardens and reserves to assist park visitors, assess the safety of park activities and to protect the parks.
Providing the backdrop for many events and fun activities, Melbourne’s open spaces always provide something to see and do. | 